The Complete 6-Month Wedding Planning Timeline

6 month wedding planning timeline checklist

Planning a wedding in just six months may sound like a whirlwind, but with the right timeline and a touch of organization, it can be done beautifully. It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning an intimate or full-scale celebration- this guide will walk you through every essential step. We will go over everything from booking your venue to packing for your honeymoon. Here’s exactly what to do, month by month, to bring your dream wedding to life.

6 Months Before the Wedding

6 month wedding planning timeline checklist engagement

Book Your Venue & Set Date

Your venue sets the entire tone, so start with date availability and guest capacity. Once you’ve found the right space, secure that date with a deposit and review cancellation policies. Early booking also ensures your choice of layout, setup options, and vendor restrictions.

Buy Your Wedding Dress

Your dress hunt should begin now to allow months for ordering, sizing, and alterations. Schedule appointments at your favorite bridal shops and keep an open mind. You never know when you’ll fall for “the one.” Also, consider when to start your undergarments and accessory planning.

Finalize Your Guest List

Draft your guest list early with your partner and both sets of parents. This helps define your venue needs, stationery order, and budget. Make room for a few extra guests in case of last-minute additions.

Mail Save-the-Dates

Send these out once your venue and date are confirmed, especially if you have out-of-town guests. They give people time to plan travel, reserve accommodations, and hopefully RSVP early. Plus, it subtly hints at your wedding’s formality level. Because of the time-crunch, digital save the dates might be ideal.

Create Your Wedding Website

Your site should be a one-stop place for logistics, updates, and registry links. Many couples share their love story and travel details, saving you from repetitive questions. Choose a visual theme that reflects your wedding mood.

Create Your Wedding Registry

Pick items you’ll cherish and actually use—think kitchen basics, date-night experiences, and personalized pieces. A well-organized registry makes gift-giving easier for your guests. Try to include a mix of price ranges so everyone can participate.

Choose Wedding Party Attire

Bridesmaid dresses, suits, and accessories should be picked now so the bridal crew has plenty of time for fittings. Coordinate colors and styles with your theme while keeping individual comfort and budgets in mind. Plan fittings at least three months before to account for alterations.

Pick and Order Your Wedding Rings

Browse for rings together, considering metal type, style, and engraving options. Resizing or custom touches can extend the delivery timeline by weeks. Order now to avoid stress later and enjoy matching or complementary designs.

Hire Key Vendors

This includes your:

Caterer or bar service
Photographer and videographer
Band or DJ
Florist
Hair and makeup artist
Officiant

Interview multiple providers, look at real wedding photos, and ask about backup plans. Read contracts carefully and clarify what’s included.

Reserve a Hotel Block for Guests

Securing a group rate helps traveling guests and ensures rooms are available near your venue. Share the booking code on your wedding website. Schedule a follow-up a few months before to monitor room pickups and adjust as needed.

Book Transportation

Whether you’re arranging limos, shuttles, or vintage cars, guest numbers, routes, and timing matter. Clarify drop-off locations and waiting times in advance. A schedule helps avoid last-minute hiccups on the big day.

Start Health and Beauty Routines

Take action now with skincare, fitness, or wellness plans to glow by your wedding day. Consistency is key, so build habits with weekly treatments or simple dietary choices. If you’re considering new hair or skin routines, test them this summer for optimal results.

Create a Mood Board and Theme

Gather inspiration: photos, fabrics, and colors, and organize them visually to better align decor ideas. This board will guide flower choices, stationery, dresses, and vignettes. Share it with vendors so everyone understands your aesthetic direction.

5 Months Before the Wedding

6 month wedding planning timeline checklist 5 months

Book Your Honeymoon

Choose a destination, check passports and travel requirements, and lock in flights and accommodations. Booking early can score better prices and allow you to custom-plan experiences like tours or spa days. Be sure to check cancellation options in case plans shift.

Book a Photobooth

Photobooths are a fun guest attraction and generate instant memories. Pick between open-air or enclosed styles and decide on props. Remember to include props, extra prints, and a dedicated attendant in the booking.

Finalize Groom’s Attire

Tuxedos or suits should be ordered or rented now if you haven’t already. Coordinate colors and styles with the rest of the wedding party. Schedule fittings so everything drops right before the day.

Pick Flower Girls and Ring Bearer

Let their parents know and coordinate their outfits around the wedding color palette. Choose outfits that allow movement and comfort for the junior cast. Consider gifting them flower baskets, sashes, or comfy shoes.

Decide on Wedding Day Timeline

Starting from your ceremony time, detail when hair, makeup, transportation, and bridal shots happen. Include buffer blocks for unexpected delays. Share this timeline well in advance so everyone’s aligned.

Plan the Ceremony

Decide on readings, rituals, or cultural traditions that feel meaningful to both of you. Work closely with your officiant to create a balanced flow between formalities and personal moments. A clear outline ensures smooth pacing on the wedding day.

4 Months Before The Wedding

6 month wedding planning timeline checklist 4 months wedding invitations

Mail Wedding Invitations

Design invitations that match your wedding vibe, and include an RSVP deadline ahead of your catering cutoff. Don’t forget reply cards, return envelopes, and postage. Mailing now allows time for returns and guest reminders before the big day.

Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials

Scheduling trials helps avoid surprises on the wedding day. Bring inspiration photos and try different looks to see what feels most “you.” These trials guide prep timelines and ensure your hair and makeup withstand tears and dancing.

Finalize Decor and Signage

Lock in your vision for tablescapes, signage, lighting, and unique touches. Work with vendors on details like rental count, setup profile, and weather considerations. Compile a mood board or folder as a final reference.

Finalize the Menu with Caterers

Design a tasting session to evaluate flavors, dietary options, and portion sizes. Discuss plating style (family-style, buffet, or plated) with your caterer. Don’t forget to test your cake or dessert choices too.

Plan the Rehearsal Dinner

Settle on a venue, menu, welcome speeches, and relaxation time. Invite immediate wedding party and close family. Plan a toast or activity to thank them for their support.

3 Months Before The Wedding

6 months wedding planning checklist vows

Start Writing Your Vows

Feelings might be bubbling now, so jot down phrases or quotes that resonate. Let your own voice shine—whether it’s funny, heartfelt, spiritual, or poetic. Revisiting drafts can help refine them into a tribute true to your partnership.

Pick Your Wedding Favors

Go for favors that tie into your story- a favorite snack, mini plant, or special keepsake. Packaging can reflect your wedding palette and theme, adding a polished look. Order extras in case someone forgets theirs or an unexpected guest arrives.

Practice Your First Dance

Begin slow rehearsals at home or book a few dance lessons. Choose a song that represents your relationship. This helps duos feel less nervous and more like the spotlight is theirs.

Choose Your Veil and Accessories

Try on different styles to see what frames your face and complements your dress. Coordinate with jewelry and hair. For instance, a statement piece may pair better with a simple veil. Keep belts or capes handy if you plan a reception change.

2 Months Before the Wedding

6 months wedding planning timeline checklist wedding shoes

Apply for Your Marriage License

Check your state’s lead time and expiration date so you apply at the right moment. Gather documents like birth certificates and IDs ahead of time. Reserve the day you’ll sign it to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Send Your Shot List to the Photographer

Highlight must-have framed shots: family portraits, color details, fun candid ideas. This ensures your photographer captures heirlooms, awkward dancing, and sweet glances. Send a brief schedule of the day so they know where to be and when.

Break in Your Wedding Shoes

Wear them at home to test comfort and ensure soles and straps soften. This prevents sore feet and blisters during long ceremonies. Consider gel inserts or shoe pads as a backup.

Confirm Vendor Details and Payments

Go through contracts line by line: photo hours, bar service, florals, and more. Trigger final deposits as due, and ask for vendor confirmation of arrival times. Use your timeline as a finishing checklist with each vendor.

Finalize the Seating Chart

Arrange names on a digital design or chart for a visual that’s easy to tweak. Think strategically—place talkers together, avoid drama on your big night. Don’t stress if a few seats shift in final weeks.

Finalize Wedding Music

Share your must-play and no-go songs for each event segment, from ceremony to finale. Provide cues for special moments like grandparents’ dances or your grand exit. A shot list prevents awkward silences and ensures the beat flows.

1 Month Before the Wedding

6 month wedding planning timeline checklist wedding dress fitting

Follow Up with Guests Who Haven’t RSVP’d

A friendly nudge by text or call helps you finalize seating and catering. Keep it casual usually works best. Do this early to help your vendors finalize orders.

Have Your Final Dress Fitting

Go over undergarments, hem length, bustle style, and dress accessories. Bring your shoes and jewelry so everything fits together. Skip eating salty meals beforehand—dress fabric can hold water!

Confirm Honeymoon Details

Finalize check-in times, airport transfers, and travel insurance. Upload essential documents to a travel folder or app. Send your final intinerary and emergency contacts to a family member or close friend.

Confirm Vendor Timelines and Logistics

Give each vendor the updated timeline, rehearsal location, and key contacts. Include final song lists, ceremony details, and decor drop-off times. Print backup copies in case cell service is spotty.

Finalize Your Vows

Read them aloud to yourself in front of the mirror. Adjust pacing, tone, and length so they feel natural. Keep a printed copy handwritten beautifully to hold during the ceremony.

Assign Wedding Party Duties

Define who pins boutonnieres, coordinates vendors, handles payments, and gathers gifts on the reception side. Share quick cheat sheets to ease nerves and set clear roles. Reiterate these duties with a short group meeting or group chat.

2 Weeks Before the Wedding

wedding planning checklist timeline 6 months packing

Give Final Guest Count to Caterer

Any changes now could affect meal prep, rentals, and seating plans. Confirm dietary restrictions and allergies one last time. Arrange for labeled place cards for guests with special meals.

Send Final Timeline to Vendors

Make sure everyone has addresses, contact names, and arrival times. Confirm parking or load-in instructions too. That clarity keeps the day flowing and reduces stress.

Finalize Rehearsal Dinner Plans

Confirm venue reservations, menu choices, and any toasts or open mics. Consider a rehearsal run-through of toasts and thank-yous. A cohesive plan helps the evening feel special and stress-free.

Haircut or Color Touch-Up

Schedule appointments 7–10 days before the wedding to allow hair to settle. Wash and style at home the day before. This secures smooth texture for your wedding hairstyle.

Organize Tips for Vendors

Pre-label envelopes and assign them to your planner or MOH. Avoid last-minute awkwardness. Include notes so delivery is seamless and appreciated by all.

Pack Wedding Decor and Emergency Kit

Double-check condiments, signage, extension cords, or backups- whatever you’ve noted earlier. Mark boxes clearly so day-of staff and your planner know where everything goes. This keeps everyone on the same page.

Pack for Your Honeymoon

Having time to pack early means you can add last-minute extras later. Do a test-run of outfits and liquids to avoid airport issues. A separate “honeymoon bag” can stay ready and by the door.

1 Week Before the Wedding

6 months wedding planning checklist wedding dress packing

Organize Wedding Day Attire

Lay out gowns, tuxedos, shoes, jewelry, undergarments, and wraps together. Group everything- dress with accessories, groom’s tux with cufflinks. This instantly reduces morning-of confusion.

Confirm with Day-of Coordinator

Send your planner or coordinator the final guest list, emergency contact, and decor delivery details. Ensure they have your phone number and timeline. A final check solidifies that you’re in good hands.

Review the Timeline One Last Time

Walk through the schedule from hair call-time to exit vehicle. Visualizing each step boosts confidence and helps ease jitters. Adjustments now can save big headaches later.

1 Day Before the Wedding

6 months wedding planning timeline checklist the day before

Eat Well and Hydrate

Start your day with balanced meals and plenty of water. Avoid salt-heavy or alcohol-laden indulgences that could cause bloating or fatigue. Treat yourself to a light spa session to ease any stress.

Aim for a Full Night’s Sleep

Create a calm evening routine. No screens, gentle music, or a warm shower. A rested mind and body glows in photos and feels sharper during the ceremony. Even a good 7 hours makes a big difference.

Go Over Everything One Last Time

Check attire, vendor confirmations, rings, flowers, and vows. Fill your emergency kit and confirm your transportation details. Pull your loved ones close and share a deep moment before the big day.

After the Wedding

6 months wedding planning timeline checklist honeymoon

Enjoy Your Honeymoon

Finally, relax, unplug, and celebrate this new chapter together. Leave planning behind and savor special time as newlyweds. Take mental photos. You’ll want to remember the ease, laughter, and love.

Send Thank-You Cards

Aim for heartfelt notes within a month post-wedding. Mention specific gifts or moments shared. Personal touches leave lasting impressions. If life gets busy, digital photos or a short video can bridge the gap.

Write Reviews for Vendors

Express what stood out: timing, quality, personality. Vendor feedback helps future couples and supports small businesses. Post on wedding platforms or social media to spread the love.

Return Rentals

Track all vendor items with labels and notes of return deadlines to avoid late charges. Assign someone to manage the drop-off. This frees you from logistical loose ends post-honeymoon.

Dry-Clean Your Dress and Veil

A good cleaner will address stains, dust, and delicate handwork. Store them properly in acid-free boxes for future celebrations or future generations. Don’t wait! Freshening now preserves fabric quality.

Start the Name Change Process (If Applicable)

Gather marriage certificate, ID, social security, and insurance documents. Book today’s passport or DMV appointment slots- they fill quickly. A checklist helps keep things on track over the weeks ahead.

Downloadable 6 Month Checklist

Click on the link below for a free downloadable and printable pdf for your 6 month wedding planning timeline checklist!

[6 month wedding planning timeline checklist]

Concluding Thoughts: Planning a wedding in six months is absolutely doable, especially with a clear timeline to guide each step. By staying organized, setting priorities, and allowing space for the moments that matter most, you can create a celebration that feels both meaningful and manageable. At the end of the day, it’s about the two of you and the love that brought everyone together!