How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months
let’s dive into something a bit different for all you newly engaged couples planning your wedding, especially if you’ve decided to say 'stuff it' to long engagements and get hitched in just six months.
The 6-Month Wedding Plan (That Won’t Make You Cry Into Your Spreadsheet)
No fluff. No £30k breakdowns. Just real talk, real weddings, and real priorities.
If you’re planning a wedding in six months, some people might think you’ve lost the plot. But honestly? You’re just cutting out the faff. More and more couples (especially the laid-back, countryside-loving types I work with) are binning off the long-winded 18-month countdown and going for a wedding that’s more meaningful, more personal, and way less stressy.
So grab a brew, maybe a biscuit (or three), and let’s walk through how to pull off a cracking wedding in six months—without losing your mind or your overdraft.
Month 1: The Big Blocks
Must-Haves
Set your budget and stick to it. That’s your north star.
Choose a venue. Think: barn, pub, back garden, village hall, get creative!
Book your legal ceremony or celebrant.
Pick your date and build a realistic guest list (20–60 is golden).
Book your photographer (that’s me, by the way). Good ones book up fast so get in touch!
Nice-to-Haves
Start a Pinterest board for ideas.
Create a dedicated email folder to keep things tidy.
Knock up a basic wedding website or Google Form for RSVPs.
Skip It
Fancy save-the-dates.
Real Talk: Nobody’s judging your invites. They just want to know what to wear and where the bar is.
Month 2: Lock In the Vibe
Must-Haves
Sort your food. Pizza van? BBQ? Pub grub? Do what you love.
Book your celebrant or registrar (if not already sorted).
Plan your music, Spotify playlist, live act, DJ.
Start outfit hunting and budget for tailoring.
Nice-to-Haves
Begin decor planning, what can you hire, borrow, or DIY?
Think about guest accommodation.
Look into bar hire or bring your own options.
Skip It
Chair covers. Just... no.
Extra: A relaxed pub wedding with banging pizza and a live acoustic act will always beat stiff linen and dry chicken.
Month 3: The Details
Must-Haves
Finalise any legal paperwork.
Confirm food/drink numbers.
Book hair and makeup (or rope in a mate!).
Buy your rings.
Lock in your key suppliers: cake, flowers, music, décor.
Nice-to-Haves
Start writing your vows or speeches.
Create basic signage.
Rough out a simple timeline.
Skip It
Bridesmaid proposal boxes.
Budget Hack: Digital invites + a free wedding landing page = stylish and skint-friendly.
Month 4: DIY Sprint
Must-Haves
Send out your invites (digital is fine!).
Buy, borrow, or build your décor and signage.
Confirm music playlist or band/DJ setlist.
Choose readings and ceremony bits.
Nice-to-Haves
DIY favours (optional, honestly).
Ask a friend to be your on-the-day coordinator.
Skip It
Sugared almonds.
Giant bridal parties and personalised dressing gowns for everyone.
Pro Tip: Etsy and Canva are your best mates for printable bits, menus, signs, seating plans, the lot.
Month 5: Practice & Prep
Must-Haves
Confirm final timings with venue and suppliers.
Do outfit fittings.
Write and rehearse any speeches.
Pack your emergency kit (deodorant, plasters, paracetamol, thread... you know the drill).
Nice-to-Haves
Venue walk-through with your closest people.
Quick photo shot list for your photographer (don’t stress, I’ll catch the real stuff anyway).
Skip It
Rehearsal dinners.
Teary venue reveals.
Top Tip: Assign a couple of “wedding captains” to handle any on-the-day questions, so you can just enjoy it all.
Month 6: It’s Go Time!
Must-Haves
Final legal paperwork sorted.
Pack up all your wedding bits for transport.
Confirm headcounts with everyone.
Drink water. Eat carbs. Hug your person.
Nice-to-Haves
Thank-you notes or tokens for helpers.
Morning playlist and breakfast plan.
Skip It
Wedding week itineraries.
Chasing perfection..it doesn’t exist!
Final Thought: Your guests won’t remember what font you used or if the napkins matched the bunting. They’ll remember belly laughs, heartfelt vows, and that feeling of being wrapped up in something real and joyful. Make your wedding yours!
Talk soon!
Martyn
