Planning a wedding in six months may sound impossible, but it is totally achievable! Most couples choose to have an engagement period of around two years to give them enough time to organise and prepare for their wedding day. However, there are around 19% of couples that for various reasons, choose to have shorter engagements of six to twelve months.
There are a few tack-ticks to arranging a wedding in a short time frame. You will need to be very organised and focused, but it can be done with minimal stress!
The Basics
Start your planning with the basics. You will need to decide on a date for your wedding. Try and be as flexible as possible, most couples book their venue and suppliers a year or more in advance, so bear in mind that most venues will be already booked for weekend dates.
If you have set your heart on a particular venue, you could always consider a week-day wedding, it is more likely that venues will be available then however do check out Holmewood Halls special offer for remaining 2019 and January 2020 dates as we have some prime dates still available.
Once you have secured your venue now is the time to get your marriage licence. You will need to give at least four weeks between applying for your wedding licence and the big day itself. Make sure that you take all the necessary paperwork with you.
You and Your Wedding say, “Armed with your wedding date, place and time, you must show evidence of your name, age and nationality – usually a passport and a council tax bill. There is a flat fee of £30 per person for your marriage certificate. If you or your partner are divorced, take your Decree Absolute when you give notice. Lots of couples take their Decree Nisi, which can’t be used.”
it is more likely that venues will be available then. It will be worth discussing with your venue to see if there are any week-day deals to be had.
Next thing is to agree on a budget. It is so easy to let your spending get out of hand with all the excitement of wedding planning, a few hundred pounds here, a few hundred pounds there, it soon adds up, and before you know it you have overspent. Having a budget will help you keep a check on your spending.
The third thing to do is write a guest list. You will need to make and finalise your guest list and send invitations out as soon as possible. Remember that as your wedding is at short notice you don’t want to waste any time sending off your invites.
Sending your invitations out six months before gives guests ample time to arrange things. Set up your gift registry and add the details to your wedding invitations.
You will also need to choose your wedding party, asking now will give them plenty of time to organise your stag and hen do’s, and help you out with the wedding planning. Designating jobs to your “squad” will take some of the stress off you.
Wedding checklist
Once you have a date, the venue booked, and your invitations sent, you will need to start thinking about suppliers. As the all-inclusive wedding package at Holmewood Hall includes such a wide range of options, there isn’t much more for you to consider. Some possible extras, however, include:
- Photographer/Videographer
- Florist,
- Registrar
- Entertainment
- Stylist/Make-up Artist
- Cake Maker
With only six months to your wedding, it is crucial that you visit bridal shops to choose your wedding dress. You may find that six months is too short notice for some designers, there is always the option off taking a sample dress or buying a high street wedding dress. Bare in mind that you may need alterations done – the more time you give yourself, the better!
Three months before the big day:
- Confirm your guest list and create a table plan
- Purchase your wedding party gifts and favours
- Book your honeymoon
- Buy your wedding rings
In the final weeks, confirm your vendors, write your speech and have your hair and make-up trial. The only thing left to do is to get married, make lots of memories and enjoy your big day!
