How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months

January 21, 2025

Planning a wedding in six months may seem overwhelming, but with the right strategy, it can be done smoothly. Whether you’re getting married at the Red House or another venue, this guide breaks down everything you need to do, step by step, to ensure your big day is amazing.

Step 1: Secure Your Marriage License and Set a Budget

If you're getting married at the Red House, the first step is to obtain your marriage license, as it's required to set your wedding date. For other venues, start by setting a clear budget to cover all aspects of your wedding planning. Having a defined budget will guide your decisions and help you stay on track.

Step 2: Choose and Book Your Venue

With your budget in place, securing a venue should be your top priority. Many venues are booked a year in advance, so the sooner you book, the better your options. When selecting a venue, check if they provide an officiant or if you need to hire one separately. Once your venue is locked in, you’ll have a confirmed date to share with your vendors.

Step 3: Book Your Vendors

Booking vendors early is crucial, as popular ones get reserved quickly. Depending on the type of vendors you need, availability can vary, so start your search as soon as possible. Having your venue booked first allows you to provide vendors with an exact date, making coordination easier.

Step 4: Find the Perfect Wedding Attire

Now that your venue and vendors are secured, it’s time to focus on your outfits. Brides should start shopping for their wedding dress early to allow enough time for alterations or online orders to arrive. Grooms should also find their tuxedo and ensure the right fit well in advance.

Step 5: Choose Your Wedding Rings

Once your outfits are sorted, it's time to pick out wedding rings. Visit a jeweler to confirm your ring sizes and explore different styles and materials within your budget. If you’re considering custom rings, starting early ensures you have ample time for resizing or alterations.

Step 6: Work on Your Guest List and Invitations

Creating a guest list and sending invitations early allows your guests to make arrangements and RSVP. Knowing who can attend helps with seating arrangements, catering, and other logistical details. The sooner you finalize your guest list, the smoother the planning process will be.

Step 7: Plan the Decor

Whether you’re hiring a decorator or handling it yourself, decorations should be planned and booked early. Professional decorators can get booked up quickly, and if you're decorating on your own, getting supplies ahead of time ensures you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Step 8: Organize Your Honeymoon

If you and your partner plan on going on a honeymoon, discuss and book your destination early. Securing flights and accommodations in advance helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures you get the best deals.

Step 9: Finalize Guest List and Confirm Vendors

Four to six weeks before the wedding, follow up with guests to confirm attendance. This helps finalize catering, seating, and other essential arrangements. Additionally, reach out to all your vendors to confirm details and schedules to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Step 10: Enjoy a Stress-Free Wedding Day

With everything planned and confirmed, you can enjoy your wedding day with peace of mind, knowing that every detail has been taken care of.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps make your wedding planning journey smooth and stress-free. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or check out our other blogs for more wedding planning tips and inspiration.