Planning a wedding in six months may seem like a daunting task, but with the proper organization and priorities, it can totally be done. Have a clear plan, stay focused on the essential items, and try not to stress over the little things. We will outline that for you so you take one thing at a time without feeling overwhelmed. Read on to the last page, where you’ll have a firm roadmap to pull off your big day in no time.
Month 1: Initial Planning
Let’s start with what’s most important immediately.
Set Your Budget
The budget is the foundation of your wedding planning. Sit down with your partner and determine how much you’re willing and able to spend. While remaining realistic, keep in mind that you can have a gorgeous wedding without using up all of your savings. Once you’ve settled on your quantity, allocate funds for significant categories like venue, catering, attire, etc. This is going to be a big help as you start booking vendors.
Create a Vision Board
Now for the fun part – envisioning your dream wedding! Choose a general theme or style that resonates with you as a couple. Do you want a rustic feel, an all-out glamour wedding, or maybe a bit of both? You may get inspiration from Pinterest, bridal magazines, or even Instagram. Collect ideas in a vision board—physically or digitally—of your favorite decors, color schemes, and what looks pleasing to the eye.
Draft a Guest List
Start working on this, even as a sketch. First, list family and very close friends, and then extended relatives and acquaintances you can afford to invite with the money allocated in the budget. Do keep in mind that venues do have capacity limitations, so you might need to consider a few hard decisions and make some cuts.
Book Key Vendors
Your budget and vision in mind, it’s time to start booking the big-ticket items. Research and secure your dream venue sooner than later, as popular places can fill up quickly. All this seems a bit too much; you might consider hiring a wedding planner to coordinate everything. Be sure to book your photographer and videographer in advance.
Month 2: Finalize Details
Now that you have the initial planning out of the way and down to a tea, it is time to dive into the details.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Now that you’ve said, “I do,” and cried many tears of joy, it’s your turn to give back to those friends who have always been there. Planning Fun Activities Once your wedding party is picked, fun and planning begin. You get to start planning your bachelorette and bachelor parties.
Send Save-the-Dates
Clause your friends and family as soon as possible to save the date by mailing out save-the-date cards. Ensure to include details such as the date, place, accommodations you recommend, if it’s a destination wedding, etc.
Start Shopping for the Dress
This shopping is what most brides are waiting for: trying on gowns, and make sure to invite your best friends or family members you trust to know what looks good. There will be the need for fittings and alterations, so it’s essential to plan for those appointments. If you’re having bridesmaids, it’s a good time to start looking at their dresses, too.
Choose a Caterer and Menu
Food is one of the prime aspects of the wedding celebration, so spend some time researching and hiring a caterer that works with your style and budget—schedule tastings to choose a menu that will delight your guests. Don’t forget to plan for dietary restrictions and preferences.
Month 3: Logistics and Decorations
Now that you’ve got the essentials covered, it’s time to focus on the fun stuff – the details that will make your wedding shine.
Book Entertainment
Whether you picture a live band rocking the house or a DJ spinning with flair, book your entertainment early. Plan your playlist or song list with your partner, and don’t forget to select those memorable songs you will have for your first dance, father-daughter dance, etc.
Order Invitations
Your wedding invitations are the first impression your guests will get about your big day, so choose a design that fits your theme and style. Once ordered, you’ll need to plan for addressing and mailing out to your guests.
Decorate
This is where your vision board can come in handy. Decide on the floral arrangements, centerpieces, and all other elements that will bring your dream wedding to life. If you feel daunted, then it is just wise to hire a good florist and decorator who will be able to take care of most of this work.
Month 4: Confirmations and Attire
With four months to go, it will be about time to start dotting i’s and crossing t’s.
Reconfirmed Vendor Bookings
Touch base with all your vendors to reconfirm bookings as well as to go over any outstanding details or timelines that you may have at this point. Also, make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding contracts.
Finalize Wedding Attire
By this time, you should have chosen a dress and your bridesmaid dresses for your wedding day. Make sure final fittings and alterations are scheduled. And don’t forget the groom and his attendants – purchase their suits or tuxedos and have them fitted.
Plan the Ceremony
Make your decisions on how you would like to structure and format your wedding ceremony: traditional religious service or personal touches to an otherwise secular affair. Start to write your vows if that is your desire. You’ll also want to plan any readings or special rituals you want to incorporate.
Month 5: Final Preparations
With just two months left, it’s time to get your planning in gear.
Send Invitations
Mail out your wedding invitations to your guests, including essential details like the date, time, location, and RSVP information. Set a deadline for when RSVPs should be turned in. This way, you may provide your final headcount to vendors.
Arrange Transportation
Decide how you and your guests will get to and from the wedding venue. Will you need to book transportation for the wedding party, or will guests be responsible for their transportation? If you’re planning on having a shuttle service or renting other transportation options like a limo or vintage cars, make those transportation arrangements right now.
Plan the Honeymoon
While you’re focused scrupulously on wedding planning, never forget to take time to plan your honeymoon! Choose a dream destination, buy airline tickets book a hotel, and start researching all activities or excursions you would like to do as newlyweds.
Month 6: Final Touches
The home stretch! With just one month to go, pay attention to these details:
Confirm Final Numbers
As your RSVP deadline inches closer, follow up with any stragglers to get an accurate final guest count. Provide this information to your caterer, venue, and any other vendors who need a headcount.
Organize the Rehearsal Dinner
Plan and book the location for your rehearsal dinner, typically held the night before the wedding. Personalize: Send your wedding party and other intimate family members invite, including anyone you feel invited to such a pre-wedding ceremony.
Plan Your Wedding Day Schedule
Write a minute-by-minute schedule of your wedding day, including where everyone needs to be and what’s happening. Share this schedule with your wedding party, vendors, and anyone needing to know.
Remember, the final month can get a slight overloading, but also try to make time for yourself: catch up on your rest, stay hydrated, and take in all the excitement and joy of your big day!
