Planning a wedding in six months may sound overwhelming, but with the right structure and timeline, it’s absolutely doable—and surprisingly stress-free. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate celebration or a luxury wedding experience, this 6-Month Wedding Planning Checklist breaks everything into simple, organized steps so you stay on track from start to finish.

6 Months Before: Build the Foundation

• Celebrate your engagement!
• Set your wedding budget
• Create your guest list
• Choose your wedding style (luxury, modern, classic, rustic, etc.)
• Book your wedding venue immediately
• Secure your high-priority vendors:
  • Wedding photographer (ShannonFerrellPhotography)
  • Wedding planner (If using one)
  • Videographer
  • Content creator
  • Caterer (If not provided by the venue)
  • Florist
• Choose your wedding date
• Start collecting inspiration on Pinterest

Pro Tip: Venues and photographers book quickly—locking these in first sets the rest of your planning in motion. Check out my work here.

5 Months Before

• Shop for your wedding dress/Suit if you haven’t already. Plan ahead for potential alteration needs.
• Choose your bridal party ( This is totally up to you! I personally did not have a bridal party)
• Hire entertainment (DJ, band, ceremony musicians)
• Secure officiant. (If you’re getting married in Utah, I know plenty!)
• Book rentals (tables, chairs, linens, décor)
• Start your wedding website
• Plan your engagement session ( I offer a complementary engagement session to all of my wedding couples in 2026!)
  

4 Months Before

• Send Save the Dates (or skip straight to invitations for small weddings)
• Choose bridesmaid dresses + order attire (If applicable)
• Plan your ceremony layout and reception flow
• Begin menu planning + tasting
• Choose cake or dessert options
• Book transportation for you and your guests
• Reserve hotel room blocks
• Purchase wedding accessories (veil, jewelry, shoes-and break them in asap)
• Select your color palette + décor elements

Pro Tip: Focus on decisions that directly impact guest experience—food, music, and flow matter most.

3 Months Before: Finalize Key Details

• Order wedding invitations
• Schedule hair & makeup trials
• Finalize floral selections
• Create your wedding registry
• Begin seating chart planning
• Choose your ceremony music
• Send your photographer must-have shot ideas
• Book rehearsal dinner venue
• Start planning honeymoon

This is when everything starts to feel real—your wedding vision becomes fully developed.

2 Months Before: Logistics & Confirmation

• Send out wedding invitations
• Have your final dress fittings
• Finalize seating chart
• Print all day-of items (programs, menus, signage)
• Confirm vendor timelines + arrival details
• Plan wedding day transportation routes
• Purchase gifts for bridal party and parents (Optional)
• Finalize ceremony script with officiant

1 Month Before: The Countdown

• Apply for your marriage license
• Give final guest count to caterer if you haven’t yet
• Create a detailed wedding day timeline with your photographer and planner
• Final payments to vendors
• Begin assembling your wedding day emergency kit (Bring a tide pen, safety pins, headache medicine, and anything else you may think you need)

Stay organized, but give yourself pockets of time to breathe—this month moves quickly.

Wedding Day: Celebrate Your Forever

Your planning has paid off, and now it’s time to enjoy the best day of your life. Be present, savor every second, and let your vendor team handle the details. Remember, no matter what happens, this is YOUR day. YOUR story. YOUR relationship.

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