Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. With six months to go, there are a number of tasks to tick off your checklist to ensure the big day goes smoothly. From sending out 'save the dates' and finalising the cake design to confirming your vendors and transportation, there's a lot to keep track of. It's also a good time to start thinking about your wedding attire and hair and makeup, as well as booking a venue for the rehearsal dinner. And don't forget to apply for your marriage license! With a well-structured timeline and a clear idea of your budget, you'll be on your way to wedding perfection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Budget | Determine the budget and who will be contributing |
| Marriage license | Get a marriage license to make your union legal |
| Wedding website | Get your wedding website up and running |
| Invites | Send out invites and save-the-dates |
| Honeymoon | Finalize honeymoon plans and book flights and accommodation |
| Wedding attire | Order wedding attire to avoid rush fees |
| Wedding cake | Finalize the wedding cake design and order it |
| Wedding rings | Pick out your wedding rings and make any customizations |
| Wedding vendors | Hire hair and makeup stylists, rental companies, and transportation |
| Wedding rehearsals | Secure a venue for the wedding rehearsal dinner |
| Guest accommodation | Block out rooms and secure discounted rates for guests |
| Wedding stationery | Order wedding stationery, including RSVP cards and invitations |
| Wedding vows | Write and practice reciting your wedding vows |
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What You'll Learn
Finalise the guest list and send out 'save the dates'
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's also exciting! Here is a detailed guide on finalising the guest list and sending out save-the-dates six months before the wedding.
Finalise the guest list
Finalising the guest list is a crucial step in wedding planning. It is important to determine how many guests you plan to invite, as this will impact your choice of venue and overall budget. Use a guest list tool to keep track of names, addresses, and RSVP status. Consider whether you will have a wedding party and, if so, who will be in it. Remember that you are not limited to traditional roles; feel free to get creative and choose roles that suit you and your partner's personalities.
Send out save-the-dates
Save-the-dates should be sent out anytime from 12 to six months before the wedding. If you're marrying during peak wedding season, send them out as early as possible to ensure your guests can attend. Remember that everyone who receives a save-the-date must receive a wedding invitation. Save-the-dates should include the wedding date and indicate whether guests should expect a formal invitation or a link to a wedding website. It is a good idea to have your wedding website up and running before sending out save-the-dates so that guests can refer to it for more information.
Choose your stationery
The style of your save-the-dates and invitations is an important decision. Consider working with a graphic designer or stationer to create a personalised suite that reflects your style and wedding theme. This is also a good time to order any other stationery you may need, such as RSVP cards, place cards, and programs.
Block out rooms for guests
As a thoughtful gesture, consider blocking out rooms at a discounted rate for your guests. Check out comprehensive guides to ensure your family and friends have the right accommodations. Include the URL for accommodations on your wedding website so guests can easily access this information.
Plan a photoshoot
Most photographers include a session in their package, so take advantage of this opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera. You can also use these photos on your wedding website or stationery for a personal touch.
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Choose your wedding cake
Choosing a wedding cake is an important part of the wedding planning process. It is a centrepiece that adds sweetness to the occasion and reflects the couple's style and taste. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding cake six months before your wedding:
Determine your style and theme:
Consider the venue, colour palette, and overall ambiance of your wedding. Your cake should complement the aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic outdoor celebration, a naked cake with a floral cascade or a cake with a textured buttercream finish might be a good choice.
Discuss dietary restrictions and preferences:
It is essential to consider the diverse dietary needs of your guests. Discuss any restrictions and preferences with your cakery, as they may offer options for vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free cakes. Providing alternative choices ensures that all your guests can enjoy a slice of cake.
Explore flavours and designs:
Wedding cakes are no longer limited to traditional vanilla or chocolate flavours. Explore a wide range of flavours to find one that suits your taste, such as lemon, raspberry, salted caramel, or even unique combinations like lavender and honey. Don't be afraid to get creative and choose a design that represents you as a couple.
Schedule a cake tasting and consultation:
Attend a few tastings to get a feel for what you like and schedule a cake consultation with your chosen cakery. This will allow you to discuss your preferences, taste samples, and finalize the design details.
Determine the size of your cake:
Consider the number of guests you'll be serving when determining the size of your wedding cake. If you're hosting a smaller wedding or serving multiple desserts, remember that your cake doesn't need to be massive to make a statement.
Book your cake in advance:
Choosing a wedding cake is a journey, so take your time and book your cake well in advance. This will ensure that you secure your preferred cakery and give them enough time to create your dream cake.
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Book hair and makeup artists
If you want to avoid the stress of last-minute preparations, booking your hair and makeup artists should be a priority on your six-month wedding checklist. Here are some reasons why:
Availability
The early bird catches the worm, and in this case, the worm is your dream hair and makeup artist. The top artists in the industry are often booked out 1 to 1.5 years in advance, and some dates are even reserved 2 years ahead of time! Booking early ensures you secure your preferred professionals and gives you peace of mind that your hair and makeup team is in place.
Trial Sessions
Booking early allows you to schedule trial sessions with your chosen artists. These trials are crucial for experimenting with different styles and perfecting your desired look before the big day. Ideally, these trials should be done 4-8 weeks before the wedding so that your hair length and skin tone will be similar to the wedding day. However, some artists and brides also opt for trials closer to the wedding or even on the day of pre-wedding events like bridal showers.
Peak Wedding Season
If your wedding falls during peak wedding season, you'll want to book your artists as early as possible. The high demand during these periods means that artists get fully booked quickly, and delaying your decision might result in settling for an artist who doesn't align with your vision.
Building Rapport
Booking early allows you to build a rapport with your artist, ensuring a more personalized and comfortable experience on your wedding day. It also gives you ample time to coordinate with your bridal party and make sure everyone is accommodated.
Contract and Payment
Once you've selected your hair and makeup artist, you'll likely need to sign a contract and pay a non-refundable retainer fee to secure your booking. This formalizes your agreement and guarantees the artist's availability on your special day.
In summary, booking your hair and makeup artists 6 months before your wedding is a crucial step to ensure a smooth and stress-free preparation process. It gives you the time and flexibility to find the right artists, experiment with styles, and finalize your dream look for one of the most memorable days of your life.
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Plan your honeymoon
Planning your honeymoon is an important part of preparing for your wedding. While traditionally couples would leave for their honeymoon right after the wedding, it is not uncommon for couples to delay their trip by days, weeks, or even months.
Timing
There is no rule that says you need to go on your honeymoon right after your wedding. You can choose to wait a few days, weeks, or even months after the wedding. This can give you time to rest, open wedding gifts, and write thank-you cards. Waiting can also allow you to save more money and choose a destination that is not limited to the time of year you get married. For example, if you get married during hurricane season in the Caribbean, you might want to wait a few months for peace of mind.
Work and schedule
Consider your work schedule and how much time you can take off. You may have already taken time off before the wedding, so you might want to delay your honeymoon until you can take a longer break.
Destination
Think about your dream destination and whether it is affected by the rainy season or other factors that might influence when you want to go. If you are set on a particular location, you may need to wait a few months to get the full experience.
Budget
If you are planning a big trip, you might want to wait a few months to save more money and ensure you can afford your dream location.
Logistics
Book your flights and accommodations, and remember to renew your passports if necessary.
Ultimately, the decision of when to go on your honeymoon depends on your personal preferences and what works best for you and your partner.
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Pick out your rings
Picking out the perfect ring for your wedding is an important task. Here are some tips to help you through the process:
Research and Planning
Start by allowing yourself plenty of time for research and due diligence. The process of selecting an engagement ring can vary from a few hours to a few weeks or months. Consider the specific details you want in your ring, such as the type of metal and stones, and any customizations like engravings or resizing. These factors will impact the timeline and cost of your ring.
Budget
Determine a comfortable budget that you and your partner are happy with without feeling pressured to compare to others. The average cost of an engagement ring is around $6,000, but this is just a guide, and you can find options that fit your financial plan.
Selecting the Ring
If you're opting for a pre-designed ring, it's recommended to purchase it at least a month before your wedding. However, if you're going for a custom ring, allow a minimum of two months for the design and ordering process. You might also want to consider purchasing insurance for your rings to protect your investment.
Customization and Engravings
If you plan to add engravings or other special customizations to your rings, ensure you place your order with enough lead time. Customizations can extend the timeline, so it's crucial to start the process early to avoid last-minute stress.
Ring Sizing
Confirm the ring size for both you and your partner. Most jewellers stock rings in sizes 6 to 7, but they can resize a stock ring to your perfect fit. If you need a new ring ordered in a different size, this will add to the turnaround time.
Remember, your wedding ring is a significant purchase, and it's essential to consider both quality and affordability. By allowing ample time and following these steps, you can confidently pick out your rings and ensure they're ready for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Finalise your wedding cake design and get it ordered. You should also attend cake tastings to decide on the flavours.
Start thinking about your wedding stationery, including save-the-dates, RSVP cards, formal invitations, and ceremony programs. You should also get your wedding website up and running before sending out save-the-dates.
Order your wedding dress or suit to avoid rush fees. You should also shop for additional wedding outfits for events like bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
Start building your vendor team, including a wedding planner, caterer, photographer, and entertainment. Create a list of their contact information and share it with your vendor team so they can coordinate on the big day.
Secure your rehearsal dinner venue, pick out your wedding rings, and finalise your honeymoon plans, including flights and accommodations. You should also consider premarital counselling to strengthen your bond as a couple.
