Planning A Wedding In 6 Months: Possible Or Not?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and time-consuming process. While the average engagement length in the US is 16 months, 45% of couples spend less than a year planning their wedding. It is possible to plan a wedding in six months, but it requires organisation and flexibility. Couples with a shorter timeline may need to make trade-offs, such as choosing a non-traditional venue or skipping engagement photos. Creating a budget and guest list, booking a venue and vendors, and finalising details like music and catering are essential steps in the planning process. With a condensed timeline, couples may need to tackle a new task every day and make quick decisions. While some vendors and venues may be booked, couples can find alternatives or opt for non-traditional options.

Setting a budget and creating a guest list

Planning a wedding in six months is absolutely possible, but it requires organisation, dedication, and flexibility. The first step is to set a budget and create a guest list, which go hand in hand.

The easiest way to reduce the overall cost of your wedding is to limit the number of guests. A smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs across the board, including venue, equipment rentals, catering, stationery, and favours. When setting your budget, it's important to be realistic and consider the type of wedding you want, the time of year, and the number of guests. The budget should also reflect the financial contributions of everyone involved and their priorities for the wedding.

To create your guest list, be intentional and mindful. If you haven't seen someone since you started dating, it might be time to cut them from the list, especially if you're working with a tight budget. Once you have a rough idea of the number of guests, you can start shopping for a venue that can accommodate that number. With a six-month timeline, you may need to consider alternative dates, such as Fridays or Sundays, or non-traditional spaces like restaurants, Airbnb venues, or even your parents' backyard.

When it comes to budgeting, be mindful that certain items will be more expensive, such as catering, event rentals, and the venue. These are often considered must-haves and will take up a large portion of the budget. Other costs to consider include photography, videography, entertainment, music, stationery, attire, flowers, and decor. If you have a specific must-have item, like a live band or a certain photographer, allocate extra funds for those.

To stay organised, use a wedding planning app or checklist to keep track of your tasks and budget. With a shorter timeline, you'll need to tackle a new task almost every day, so clear communication with your vendors and contributors is crucial.

Finding a venue and vendors

Planning a wedding in six months is absolutely possible, but it requires organisation and flexibility. One of the first steps is to set your budget. This will help you to determine your guest list, and from there, you can start shopping for a venue that can accommodate your desired number of guests.

When it comes to finding a venue, you may need to be open to alternative options. Traditional wedding venues are often booked a year or more in advance, so consider non-traditional spaces such as restaurants, art galleries, or even a family member's backyard. You could also look into Airbnb venues, or opt for a Friday or Sunday wedding, which may give you more options.

Once you've booked your venue, you can move forward with many other planning tasks, including finding vendors. It's a good idea to create a list of must-have vendors, such as a photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, and baker. Keep in mind that the sooner you book, the better your chances of securing your dream vendors.

• Photographer and videographer: These professionals are typically booked 12-14 months in advance, but for peak wedding season, they may be booked up to 20 months in advance.
• Florist: Good florists can book up 12 months in advance, so it's best to start looking as early as possible.
• Caterer: If your venue doesn't offer in-house catering, finding a caterer is a priority. Popular caterers may be booked up a year in advance, but it's still possible to find a great option with six months' lead time.
• Baker: Contact bakers for cake tastings no later than nine months before the wedding. They fill up quickly and only take a limited number of cakes per weekend.
• Officiant: If you don't have an officiant lined up through your church or personal connections, start looking around six to nine months before the wedding.
• DJ or band: If you're hiring a DJ or a band, they should be booked around six to eight months in advance to ensure you have a good selection to choose from.
• Stationery: Start looking for your dream invitations around five months before the wedding, and send them out two months before the big day.

Throughout the planning process, it's important to stay organised and keep track of vendor information, payment schedules, and other details. Using a wedding planning app or checklist can be incredibly helpful in staying on top of everything.

Remember, while six months may not give you the same selection of vendors as a longer engagement, it is still possible to plan a wonderful wedding with your desired vendors if you start early and stay flexible.

Sending out invitations and setting up a wedding website

Planning a wedding in six months is definitely possible, but it will require organisation and flexibility. One of the first things you should do is set a budget and decide on a guest list. This is important as the number of guests will impact the cost of the wedding and the type of venue you choose.

Sending out invitations

It is recommended that you send out save-the-dates 6 to 8 months before the wedding, especially if your wedding is during a peak season or holiday period. However, if you are planning a wedding in six months, you may want to skip the save-the-dates and send out invitations around six months in advance. This will give your guests enough time to plan and make any necessary arrangements.

If you are having a destination wedding, it is advised to give guests more time by sending invitations 3 to 4 months in advance, or even earlier (8 to 12 months before) if you are sending out save-the-dates. For local weddings, the sweet spot for sending out invitations is between six and eight weeks before the big day. This is enough time for guests to RSVP and keep your wedding fresh in their minds.

Setting up a wedding website

A wedding website is a great way to share all the details of your wedding in one place. You can include information such as your love story, engagement photos, event itinerary, accommodation options, travel information, and registry links. It is also a convenient way to collect RSVPs and manage responses.

There is no right or wrong time to build your wedding website, but it is recommended to have it ready 6-9 months before your wedding date. You can include the link to your website on your save-the-dates and/or official invitations. This way, your guests will have access to all the information they need in the lead-up to your big day.

Finalising the menu, music and seating arrangements

Finalising the menu, music, and seating arrangements are crucial aspects of wedding planning. Here are some detailed steps to help you tackle these tasks within six months:

Finalising the Menu:

• Research caterers: Start by researching caterers who can meet your specific needs and requirements. If you want a unique or specialised menu, consider caterers with prior experience in dietary-restricted foods, traditional cultural meals, or custom requests.
• Venue policies: Before finalising your menu, double-check your venue's policies and requirements. Some venues may have in-house catering services that you're required to use or a preferred list of vendors to choose from.
• Menu options: A typical wedding menu includes appetizers, entrée options (usually with at least a couple of choices for guests), and dessert. Consider including crowd-pleasing options like toasted garlic bread and seasoned veggies, or unique ideas like a sushi station or wood-fired pizza.
• Personal touches: To make the dining experience more personal, consider incorporating family favourites or cultural dishes. You can solicit ideas and feedback from family members to add a unique touch to your menu.

Finalising the Music:

• Discuss with vendors: Talk to your DJ, wedding band, and ceremony musicians about your music requests and song selections. They are the experts, so take their advice and suggestions on board.
• Finalise the playlist: Work with your partner to finalise the song list, ensuring it aligns with the overall vibe and theme of your wedding. Consider the timeline of your wedding events and plan the flow or order of the songs accordingly.
• Share with vendors: Finalise and share the playlist with your DJ and musicians at least 25 days before the wedding. This gives them enough time to create the playlist and ensure a smooth musical flow on your big day.

Finalising Seating Arrangements:

• Layout and design: Work with your wedding planner and venue to determine the layout, including table shapes and sizes, the location of the dance floor, and other details. This will help you visualise the space and create a seating chart.
• Grouping guests: Start grouping guests into tentative tables based on relationships and connections. For example, you can designate tables for college friends, work friends, or family members. If a guest is attending alone, seat them with strong conversationalists to make them feel comfortable.
• Seating chart: Create a seating chart, especially if you have more than 50 guests. This will prevent bottlenecks and reduce guest anxiety when trying to find a seat. You can list guests on the seating chart alphabetically or by table, then alphabetically.

Getting a marriage licence

Planning a wedding in six months is absolutely possible! However, it will require a lot of organisation and flexibility. One of the first things you should do is set a budget and decide on a guest list. The number of guests will determine the size of your venue, so it's important to get an idea of this early on.

Now, let's talk about getting a marriage licence. This is one of the most important parts of planning a wedding, as it's a legal requirement in most places. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Research the Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a marriage licence vary depending on your location. In some places, you may be able to apply for a marriage licence online, while in other places, you may need to visit the county clerk's office in person. It's important to check the specific requirements for your location, including any necessary documents, fees, and waiting periods.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documents

When applying for a marriage licence, you will typically need to provide proof of identity and age, such as a government-issued ID or birth certificate. If either partner was previously married, you may also need to provide proof of divorce. In some cases, you may also need to provide a Social Security number or a notarized statement if you are ineligible to receive one.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Fill out the marriage licence application form accurately and completely. Both parties will need to provide their names, ages, marital status, and intention to marry. Be sure to double-check all the information before submitting the application.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

There is usually a fee associated with obtaining a marriage licence. The amount may vary depending on your location, so be sure to check the information provided by your local county clerk's office.

Step 5: Obtain the Licence

After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will be able to obtain your marriage licence. Again, the process may vary depending on your location. In some places, you may be able to receive the licence immediately, while in other places, there may be a waiting period. Be sure to plan accordingly and allow enough time for the processing of your application.

Step 6: Have Witnesses Sign

On your wedding day, don't forget to have at least two witnesses sign your marriage licence. This is a legal requirement in many places.

Step 7: Obtain a Certified Copy

After your wedding, you may want to obtain a certified copy of your marriage licence for your records. You can usually purchase this from the county clerk's office where the licence was issued.

Remember to stay organised and flexible throughout the planning process, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks to a wedding planner or trusted friends and family members. Good luck with your upcoming nuptials!

Frequently asked questions