So you’ve got six months until you say “I do.” That’s half a year which is plenty of time, right? Well, maybe.
Six months can feel like forever when you’re first engaged but time will move a lot quicker then you might first expect. Thankfully you can still plan your wedding the way you’d like in 6 months without going crazy.
This checklist is going to be the roadmap for your wedding. It’s going to break down the next six months in to chunks that are easy to manage so you’re not scrambling around at the last minute or forgetting something super important.
Regardless of the type of planner you are – type A or more go with the flow – having a timeline keeps everything on track and the stress levels low.
So let’s look at what you need to get through each month leading up to the big day.
Month 6: Setting Your Foundation
Finalize Your Budget and Guest List
This isn’t much fun when compared to other parts of the planning but it’s absolutely essential. At 6 months out it’s really the last chance you’re going to get to decide how much you’re spending and who’s going to come to the wedding.
You should at this point know where every dollar you’re going to be spending is going. It’s a good idea to break it down into categories like the venue, catering, photography, flowers, attire etc. If you haven’t done so already then now is the time to have a conversation with anyone who’s helping out financially.
Basically – decide what you’re working with and then stick to it. I know that’s easier said than done, especially when you’re bombarded with everything wedding related on Instagram, but you’ll be grateful for staying disciplined in the future.
As for your guest list – now is the time to make the tough calls. Six months out means you’re probably ordering invitations which means you need to make some proper decisions.
Sit down with your partner and figure out who absolutely must be there, who is your would be nice to haves and lastly the people who can come if you have enough room. Don’t forget though that every person you invite or that comes will add to your budget – it means more plates, more chairs, more favors etc. and it all adds up.
Tip: Make a spreadsheet with names, addresses and whether they’re getting a plus one. Having this information to hand is going to be helpful and you’ll need it a lot sooner than you think and be grateful for it.
Book Remaining Major Vendors
Hopefully you’ve got your venue booked by this point and maybe a photographer too. But if there are any other major vendors that you haven’t confirmed yet then now is the time to do it.
We’re talking about:
- Caterer (if not included with your venue)
- Florist
- DJ or band
- Videographer
- Hair and makeup artists
- Baker (for the wedding cake)
Why do you have to be so urgent? Well good vendors get booked up quickly, especially during the peak wedding season.
You don’t want to settle for your third or fourth choice just because you waited too long. Do your research, read some reviews, schedule consultations and when you’ve found what you like get the contracts signed fast and the deposits paid.
When you’re meeting with vendors have a list of questions prepared beforehand. Things like: what’s their backup plan if they get sick? What’s included in their package? When are payments due? How many events do they book per day?
This isn’t a regular service – you’re getting a team of professionals whose job it is to help make your day incredible.
And while this may feel uncomfortable it’s true: it’s okay to negotiate a little, especially if you’re flexible on dates or don’t mind skipping some add ons. The worst they can say is no, right?
Month 5: Design and Details
Choose Your Wedding Party Attire
Okay, it starts to get more fun now. Month five is when you and your wedding party need to get it confirmed or work out what everyone’s wearing.
For your bridesmaids you’ve got options. You can go the traditional route and pick one specific dress or go with the trend for mismatched and have everyone wear the same color but with different styles.
Whatever you decide on make sure you give your bridesmaids clear direction. Send them links, show them photos, set a budget range they’re able to afford. They’re the ones who are going to be buying the dresses and you need to keep that in mind when it comes to the price.
Order bridesmaid dresses now because alterations take time. Most bridal shops recommend ordering them about six months before the wedding, so you’re right on schedule. Same goes for the groomsmen’s attire. They need to get measured and order what they want regardless of whether they’re buying suits or renting tuxes.
And what about you? If you haven’t found your dress yet you still have time at 5 months but you are cutting it close. So it’s definitely time to get on with it!
Schedule appointments ASAP. Once you say yes to the dress most gowns take about four to six months to arrive, and then you’ll need time for alterations.
Noticing a pattern? Everything takes much longer than you think.
Don’t forget the little details like shoes, jewelry and undergarments. You’ll need these for your alterations appointments too so get looking early. And guys, you too, shoes, ties, pocket squares, cufflinks etc. It all matters.
Plan Your Ceremony Details
The ceremony is the whole point of the daughter so you want to make sure it goes smoothly. Planning well makes this far more likely.
First up: who’s officiating? If you’re having a religious ceremony you’ve probably already coordinated with your church or temple. But if you’re going the non-religious route you need to choose someone, be that a professional officiant or a friend who’s getting ordained online (yes, that’s both something that happens and a option if you want it).
Next think about the structure of your ceremony. Do you want traditional vows or are you writing your own? Are there going to be readings?
Unity ceremonies like lighting a candle or pouring sand? What about music? Who’s walking down the aisle to what song? These details are obviously important for the ceremony so give them some thought.
Now’s also the time to think about programs. Are you doing them? If so you’ll need to get the ceremony order finalized so you can begin to design and print it.
Programs aren’t necessary but they’re a nice touch that helps guests follow along, especially if you’re going to have religious or cultural traditions they might not be familiar with.
And there’s one thing that usually gets overlooked: rehearsal logistics. When and where will you have it? Who needs to be there? Its usually done on the day before the wedding but you need to coordinate with your venue and officiant now to make sure it’s on everyone’s calendar.
Month 4: Invitations and Logistics
Order and Send Save the Dates or Invitations
Month four is when you’ve got to get tge invitations sorted. If you’re doing save the dates then they should’ve already gone out (6 to 8 months before the wedding is the best time). But if you’re working with a shorter timeline or skipped save the dates entirely then it’s time to order and send the proper invitations.
Your invitations should go out about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. So if you’re getting married in two months they need to be in the mail, well… yesterday.
Start by finalizing your design. There’s a lot of options online options like Minted, Zola or Etsy if you want something custom. Or stick to traditional and work with a local stationer.
What needs to be included in your invitation suite?
- The main invitation with all the crucial details (who, what, when, where)
- RSVP cards with a deadline (usually 3-4 weeks before the wedding)
- Reception details if it’s at a different location
- Accommodations info
- Your wedding website URL
- A cute little envelope that ties it all together
Double and triple check everything before you hit print. I mean the dates, times, addresses, spelling of names etc. Once they’re printed there’s no going back. You really don’t want to send out invitations with the wrong date!
Once they arrive make time for an invitation assembly party. Put on your favorite playlist, pour some wine and get stuffing the envelopes.
Don’t forget stamps and here’s a tip: take one fully stuffed invitation to the post office and have them weigh it. You might need extra postage if your suite is chunky and the last thing you want is invitations returned for not enough postage.
Arrange Transportation and Accommodations
The logistics side of things isn’t glamorous but it is super important for keeping your day running smoothly.
So start with transportation. How are you getting from your getting ready location to the ceremony? From the ceremony to the reception? Are you renting a limo, a party bus, a vintage car? And what about your guests? If your ceremony and reception are in different locations or if there’s not much parking you might want to arrange shuttles from nearby hotels.
Book these services now. Companies that specialize in wedding transportation get booked up quickly, especially on Saturdays in the peak season.
Get quotes from a few different companies, read reviews and make sure you understand what’s included. How many hours? How many miles? What happens if you run late?
For accommodations – start with if you have guests from out of gone – it’s a nice gesture to reserve room blocks at nearby hotels. Most hotels will give you a group rate and hold rooms for your guests without charging you anything upfront.
Have multiple options with differing prices. A nicer hotel for those who want it and a budget friendly option for everyone else.
Once you’ve got the blocks of rooms add that information to your wedding website and make sure its on your invitations. Give guests a deadline to book (usually about a month before the wedding) so the hotel can release any unreserved rooms.
And don’t forget about yourselves. Book your wedding night accommodations if you’re not leaving for your honeymoon immediately. After the craziness of your wedding day you’ll want a nice room to collapse in, maybe even go all out and get get a suite with a jacuzzi tub. You’ve earned it.
Month 3: Personal Touches and Legal Matters
Finalize Decor and Reception Details
Three months out is when your wedding really starts to feel real. This is when you move from the big picture planning to making it more personal and unwieldy your own.
Starting with the decor. You should have a general vision by now, maybe you’ve got a Pinterest board that’s growing bigger and bigger. It’s time to make some proper decisions.
What are your centerpieces? Are you doing table runners or tablecloths? What about lighting, string lights, candles, uplighting? How are you decorating your ceremony space?
Work closely with your florist and any rental companies to get exactly what you need. Make a detailed floor plan of your reception area so you know how many centerpieces you need and where everything’s going. Think about the little details too: the table numbers, place cards, menu cards, signs. Are you doing any of this yourself or ordering it?
If you’re the DIY type then you’ll want to start now. Three months gives you enough time to craft without it taking over your whole life.
But be realistic about what you can get done. There’s a reason people say “Don’t DIY yourself into a breakdown”. If you’re making 150 centerpieces by hand try to get your bridesmaids to help and maybe even make it a fun crafting party.
Also, think about your reception timeline and special moments:
- First dance song
- Parent dances
- Cake cutting (and when it’ll happen)
- Bouquet and garter toss (or not, these are totally optional)
- Special toasts or speeches
- Any cultural traditions you’re incorporating
Share this timeline with your DJ or band so they can help keep things moving. Speaking of music, decide on the songs you want played and the ones you don’t. Your DJ needs to know if “YMCA” is a hell yes or a definite no.
Obtain Your Marriage License
This is important: you can have the most beautiful wedding in the world but if you don’t have a marriage license, you’re not actually getting married. It’ll just be a really expensive party. Which is nice but not what you ultimately want.
Marriage license requirements vary a lot by state and even by county so make sure you’ve done your research. Most places need you to apply in person (both of you), and you’ll have to bring:
- Valid photo IDs (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security numbers
- Sometimes proof of divorce if either of you was previously married
- A fee (usually between $30 to $100, varies by location)
What can be difficult though is that every state has different rules about when you can get your license and how long it’s valid. Some states have waiting periods, some don’t. Some licenses expire after 30 days whereas others are last for 90 days or even a year. You need to time this right, not too early or it might expire, not too late or you’ll be a mess.
For most couples getting your license sometime in month three is a safe bet. Check your local county clerk’s office website or call them directly. Some places let you start the application online which can save time.
And here’s a tip nobody tells you: think about whether you’re changing your name and how that factors in. You don’t have to decide right now but it’s worth discussing because it affects what happens after the wedding with Social Security, driver’s licenses, passports and all that fun paperwork.
Don’t forget to bring your marriage license to your wedding. Get someone reliable (your officiant, your wedding planner, a super-organized bridesmaid) to make sure it gets to the ceremony.
Your officiant and witnesses will need to sign it on the day and then it needs to be filed with the appropriate office. Ask your officiant if they’ll handle filing it or if that’s on you.
Month 2: Final Confirmations
Confirm Details With All Vendors
Two months out means it’s time to get in touch with every single vendor you’ve hired. This is to make sure you’re still on the same page with them all.
Create a master list of all your vendors with their contact info and start reaching out.
This is what you need to confirm:
- Venue: Final guest count estimates, timeline, setup and breakdown times, any restrictions you need to remember
- Caterer: Menu selections, guest count, timing of service, bar details, staff needed
- Photographer/Videographer: Timeline, must-have shots list, any special requests
- Florist: Delivery time and location, final quantities, setup details
- DJ/Band: Timeline, music selections, equipment needs, special announcements
- Hair/Makeup: Timing, location, who’s getting services, trial run if you haven’t done it yet
- Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off times and locations, number of passengers
- Baker: Delivery time and location, cake design confirmation
Most vendors will want final numbers and details about a month before the wedding, so getting this process started now means you’re ahead of the game. If anything’s changed since you first booked them then this is the time to communicate that.
Also, confirm the payment details. What’s still owed? When is it due? Can you pay by credit card or do they need a check? Getting clear on this now means you won’t have any awkward conversations about money right before your wedding.
Create Your Seating Chart and Timeline
This is where things get interesting.. and what I really mean is – very stressful.
You can’t finish your seating chart until you have RSVPs but you can start thinking about the strategy. Who gets along with each other? Which family members cant be at the same table? Where are you putting your single friends so they can mingle?
Most couples do assigned tables but not assigned seats as it’s less restrictive and people appreciate being able to sit where they want within their table. Use a seating chart app or website (there are tons of free ones) that lets you drag and drop names around. It’s way easier than doing it on paper.
Some seating chart tips:
- Put kids near exits so parents can make quick escapes if needed
- Seat older guests away from speakers
- Mix friend groups when possible to encourage mingling
- Don’t just throw all the single people together at a “singles table”, that’s awkward
- Consider putting your most fun, energetic guests near the dance floor to get the party started
As for your timeline – work backward from your ceremony start time. When do you need to start getting ready? When should the photographer arrive? When’s the first look (if you’re doing one)? Build in buffer time because things always take longer than you expect.
Share your final timeline with your wedding party, immediate family and all your vendors so everyone knows where they need to be and when. Your photographer especially needs this to plan their shot list.
And here’s something important: put in some downtime for yourself. Even if it’s just 15 minutes try to schedule a moment of quiet where you and your partner can step away from all the madness, take a breath and absorb the fact that you’re getting married. Future you will be grateful for that moment of calm in the beautiful chaos.
Month 1: Final Preparations
Attend Final Fittings and Rehearsal
One month out means it’s time for final fittings and your rehearsal.
Your dress should be ready for its final fitting. Try it on with all your undergarments, shoes and jewelry so you can see the complete look and make sure everything fits perfectly.
This is your last chance for minor adjustments so if something’s not quite right now is the time to speak up. Whoever is doing your alterations can usually make small tweaks on the spot or within a few days.
While you’re there it’s also good to practice sitting, standing, walking and dancing in your dress. Figure out how to bustle it (there’s usually a secret hook system) and make sure someone in your wedding party knows how to help you with it after the ceremony. Seriously, have them practice. You don’t want to be on your reception dance floor tripping over your train.
Groomsmen should do their final fittings too if they’re renting tuxes. Everyone should try on their complete outfit, jacket, pants, shirt, shoes etc. to make sure it all fits and looks good together.
Now, the rehearsal. This usually happens the night before your wedding and then followed by a rehearsal dinner. The purpose is to walk through the entire ceremony so everyone knows where to stand, when to walk and what to do. Who needs to be there?
- You and your partner
- Parents
- Officiant
- Anyone doing readings
- Musicians if they’re performing during the ceremony
- Your wedding coordinator if you have one
li>Wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer)
Keep it light and fun but make sure everyone pays attention. Run through it twice if needed. Practice the processional and recessional, figure out where people stand during the ceremony and go over any special elements like unity ceremonies or cultural traditions.
After the rehearsal the rehearsal dinner is a nice way to thank your wedding party and close family for all their help. It doesn’t have to be fancy, even a casual restaurant or backyard BBQ works. It’s more about bringing everyone together before the big day.
Prepare Final Payments and Day Of Essentials
Most vendors want final payment either the week before or the week of your wedding. Some take credit cards, some want checks or cash. Get all of this organized now.
Create labeled envelopes for each vendor with their final payment and/or tip. Tips aren’t always required but they’re a nice gesture for vendors who go above and beyond. Typical amounts:
- $100-200 per vendor (photographer, videographer, etc.)
- $20-50 per delivery person
- 15-20% for catering staff (if not included in contract)
- $50-100 for hair/makeup artists
- $100-200 for DJ/band leader, plus $25-50 for each band member
Ask someone to be responsible, maybe your maid of honor or a parent, to distribute these on your wedding day. You’ve got enough to think about without worrying about handing out envelopes.
Now let’s look at your day of emergency kit. Pack a cute bag or box with:
- Safety pins
- Fashion tape
- Stain remover pen
- Band aids and blister pads
- Pain reliever
- Antacids
- Tissues
- Bobby pins and hair ties
- Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)
- Breath mints
- Deodorant
- Touch up makeup
- Phone charger
- Snacks (you will forget to eat, I promise)
- A copy of your timeline and vendor contact list
Put together a bag for the groomsmen too with things like a lint roller, cologne, gum etc and maybe even a flask if that’s your vibe.
The last thing to do is pack for your honeymoon if you’re leaving right away. Don’t wait until the day before your wedding as you’ll be too busy and exhausted. Pack at least a few days in advance, make a checklist and confirm all your travel arrangements.
And here’s one last thing: put together a box or bag of items that need to go to your venue on the wedding day. Things like:
- Favors
- Place cards
- Card box
- Guest book
- Toasting flutes
- Cake knife and server
- Any DIY decor items
- Your marriage license (don’t forget this)
Label everything clearly and get someone to transport it all. You don’t want to be loading your car with centerpieces while you’re in your robe getting your hair done.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! Your complete roadmap for the next six months. Does it feel like a lot? Yeah, that’s because it is!
Planning a wedding is pretty much the same as having a part time job on top of everything else in your life. But when you break everything down month by month and task by task it becomes so much more easy to manage.
Try to stay organized and not procrastinate. When you try to do everything at the last minute that’s when it will get overwhelming. Use this checklist, make some reminders for your phone, get your partner to help with tasks and don’t be afraid to delegate.
Remember why you’re doing all of this. It’s not about getting the perfect centerpieces or the best photos for Instagram (although those are nice bonuses). It’s about marrying the person you love and celebrating that with the people who matter most to you.
On your actual wedding day nobody’s going to remember if the napkins were the right shade of blush you wanted. They’re going to remember the laughter and the love.
Six months from now you’ll be married, probably exhausted, maybe a little hungover from your reception, but happier than you’ve ever been. And all this planning will have been so worth it.