6-month wedding checklist
A full wedding is absolutely plannable in six months, but the first two weeks are critical: book the venue, photographer, caterer, and music immediately. On a 6-month runway, Friday, Sunday, and off-peak dates give you the best availability — and typically cost 10–20% less.
This compressed plan front-loads the bottlenecks — venue, photographer, caterer — and spreads everything else across the remaining months.
6 months before the big day
- Book the venue and date — this weekOn a 6-month runway, Fridays, Sundays, and off-peak months are the realistic targets.
- Book photographer, caterer, and DJ or band
- Finalize the guest list and set the budget
5 months before the big day
- Send save-the-dates (digital is fine) and launch the wedding websiteOn a short timeline, combined digital save-the-date + website gets answers fastest.
- Buy the wedding dress off the rack or sample saleMade-to-order takes 4–6 months — off-the-rack plus alterations fits a 6-month plan.
4 months before the big day
- Set up the registry and order invitations
- Book florist, cake, hair and makeup
3 months before the big day
- Mail invitations with a firm RSVP deadline
- Reserve hotel blocks and arrange guest transportation
2 months before the big day
- Chase RSVPs; build the seating chart
The final month
- Get the marriage license; confirm vendors and final headcount
Frequently asked questions
Is 6 months enough time to plan a wedding?
Yes — plenty of weddings come together in 6 months or less. The key is sequence: lock every bottleneck (venue, photographer, caterer, music) in the first two weeks, then everything else has room.
What is hardest to get on a short timeline?
Peak-season Saturday venues and in-demand photographers. Fridays, Sundays, and November–April dates usually have real availability — and run 10–20% cheaper.
When should invitations go out on a 6-month plan?
Around 3 months before the wedding, with an RSVP deadline 4–5 weeks before the day so catering and seating can be finalized.