How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months or Less
Need to plan a wedding on a tight timeline? While the average engagement in the US lasts 12-18 months, don’t panic; it’s absolutely possible to plan the perfect wedding in 6 months or less. It may just take a bit more creativity and time.
6 months may feel like an eternity, but it can fly by faster than you could ever imagine. Whether your wedding is an intimate affair or reminiscent of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, it takes significant time and planning to host a wedding.
We’re here to help couples stay organized and plan ahead, so we’ve put together the ultimate checklist for couples who need to plan their wedding in 6 months or less. Let’s dive in!
6 Months Before Your Wedding: Get Organized and Set Priorities
Establish Your Budget
How much do you want to spend on your wedding day? It’s no secret that weddings are an expensive affair. To put it in perspective, in 2024, the average cost of a wedding is expected to be upwards of $30,000 (and that’s not including the cost of an engagement ring).
You will need to allocate funds to key areas like venue, catering, attire, and photography. Here’s a basic breakdown to follow once you’ve decided on your wedding budget:
– Venue and Catering: 40%
– Photography and/or Videography: 15%
– Music and entertainment: 10%
– Flowers: 10%
– Decor: 10%
– Wedding Attire, Hair, Makeup: 5%
– Transportation: 4%
– Cake or dessert: 2%
– Invites: 2%
– Favors: 1%
Create a Guest List
Before you can choose a date and book a venue, you must decide on the size of your wedding. Compile a list of must-invite guests and prioritize. This will help you and your partner decide on a venue.
Choose a Date
Pick a season and select a few potential dates to increase your chances of securing your preferred venue and vendors. Be sure to check with friends and family to ensure your preferred dates don’t clash with other plans.
Book Your Venue
Once you’ve selected a date, you can book a wedding venue. Venue availability can be limited on short notice, so you’ll want to find and secure a venue ASAP. Consider non-traditional days and times like Fridays or Sundays or even weekdays to increase your venue options and maximize your budget.
Hire Main Vendors
Vendors such as photographers, caterers, and officiants will book up quickly, so it’s important to hire them as soon as you book your venue (or, choose a venue like Cornman Farms where we do the footwork for you!). Do your due diligence and look for professionals that fit your style and vision and have a solid reputation. Ask for references and consider online reviews carefully before you sign a contract.
4-5 Months Before Your Wedding: Assemble Your Dream Team of Vendors
Choose Attire
Start browsing and shopping for your wedding attire, whether that be a dress, suit, or something else entirely. For quicker availability, consider off-the-rack options.
Create Wedding Website
Wedding websites are an easy and effective way to collect RSVPs, house your registry, and have all of your wedding information—including travel info and FAQs—in one place. Zola, The Knot, and WithJoy are some of the more popular options for couples to use!
Hire Additional Vendors
If needed, now is the time to hire a hairstylist, makeup artist, and entertainment such as a DJ or other reception activities.
Send Save-The-Dates
The wedding will be here before you know it, so you must notify your guests of the date and location as soon as possible, especially those who need to travel.
Establish Your Wedding Party
If you’re having a wedding party, now is the time to ask them to be part of your big day. This can include a man of honor, maid of honor, matron of honor, groomswoman, groomsman, and/or bridesmaids.
2-3 Months Before Your Wedding: Focus on The Details
Complete Menu and Dessert Selections
Meet with your caterer and baker to finalize your dinner, drinks, and dessert menus. Have fun with it! Be adventurous—try as many options as possible and choose what best fits your theme and preferences.
Book Accommodations
Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests and reserve transportation options for guests to and from the venue.
Send Out Invitations
Choose a design for your invitations that complements your theme and send them out ASAP to give guests ample time to plan and prepare for the big day. Include all of the important details, including day, time, location, wedding website, RSVPs, accommodations, and more.
Order Your Marriage License
Marriage license laws vary by state and county, so check your state’s laws for obtaining a marriage license. If you’re getting married in Washtenaw County, click here for more information.
1 Month Before Your Wedding: Confirm, Coordinate, Communicate
Confirm All Vendors
Never leave a stone left unturned! Double-check all bookings and contracts and make any necessary adjustments to services or timelines.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Draft a detailed schedule for the day, and don’t forget to share it with your wedding party and vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Wedding Month: Finishing Touches
Finalize Your Seating Chart
All of your RSVPs are in by now—hopefully—so you can put together a seating chart for your guests at the reception.
Pick Up Your Wedding-Day Attire
Have your final fittings for your wedding day attire and ensure all accessories and shoes are ready.
Write Wedding Vows (if applicable)
Writing your own wedding vows is a deeply personal and beautiful gesture on your wedding day. If you need some help getting started, take a look at this guide to writing your wedding vows.
Day of: Get Married!
The most exciting day of them all! You and your partner can have the time of your lives and see the past few months of hard work and careful planning come to fruition.
Planning a wedding in six months or less can be challenging, but with careful organization and a clear vision, you can create a beautiful and meaningful celebration of love. Our expert team at Zingerman’s Cornman farms can bring your wedding vision to life completely stress-free. Get in touch with us to learn more about our inclusive wedding packages.