Mike Staff Productions: Wedding Planning In Under 6 Months

Military deployments, job relocations and family situations can have couples shortening their engagements and wedding planning timeline. Wedding planning can seem like a huge task, especially if you are working with a short timeline, but not when you do it in small, manageable pieces. Here are some tips to get you from “yes” to “I do” in under 6 months.

As soon as possible

Sit down with both families to formulate a budget. Remember, parents who planned their wedding twenty or thirty years ago can be surprised by today’s costs. Expect to be flexible.
Decide on a date that works for both families and your work schedules. Be aware of family birthdays, anniversaries or annual events that may cause a conflict.
Begin visiting venues! If planning with little lead time, be flexible. Consider a weekday, brunch or Sunday wedding.
Hire the photographer, caterer, videographer, officiant, and DJ. Companies with large talent pools will likely have better availability than single operators.
Begin looking at wedding dresses. Ask about samples or what can be altered from off the rack. Special order dresses can take several months. Remember to allow time for fittings and adjustments.
Bridal party attire should be ordered. If time is very limited, again ask about samples and off the rack options. You may need to flexible about color or style.
Order your wedding cake, flowers and transportation for the wedding and reception.

4 to 6 Months Prior

Reserve rehearsal dinner location, establish bridal registries, rent tuxedos, order wedding invitations, reserve necessary rental equipment.

2 to 4 Months Prior

Book your honeymoon and secure arrangements for wedding night accommodations.
Schedule appointments for hair, makeup, facials, massages and spa treatments.
Order reception favors.
Begin dance lessons if you want a choreographed first dance.

2 Months Prior

Mail wedding invitations.
Verify requirement for marriage license.
Purchase bridal party gifts.
Create ceremony program.

Final 6 Weeks

Confirm all vendors.
Finalize food and beverage choices with your caterer or reception site.
Schedule a final dress fitting (tuxes for the gentlemen).
Plan seating arrangements for your reception.
Establish a timeline for the wedding day.
Select songs for your ceremony and special dances
Schedule a consultation for your hair and makeup. Many brides do a “dress rehearsal” to make sure they like the look.