Wedding Planning Tips: 6 Months Before the Wedding

Planning a wedding is often described as a rollercoaster – you can expect a few ups and downs along the way, but the 6-month milestone is where you will probably start feeling the heat and be very aware of time disappearing quickly! Don’t fear, there is still plenty of time, but the key is to stay organised and in control – easier said than done?! Within the last six months you may have already tackled quite a lot regarding your wedding planning but if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and wondering what you might need to do next here are our 6-month wedding planning prompts.

If you missed or need the instalments of our wedding planning series, catch up here…

Wedding Planning Tips: 12 Months Before the Wedding Wedding Planning Tips: 3 Months Before the Wedding Wedding Planning Tips: 1 Month Before the Wedding

Meet with your key wedding vendors

There’s nothing like meeting your vendors in person, putting a face to the name, and getting the awkward greetings over and done with before the big day. If possible, we would encourage you to meet your vendors at your chosen venue. This way you can discuss logistics and timings in real time, with hopefully your venue contact in attendance too. This way nothing gets missed, everyone’s kept in the loop, and you can work through any issues / ideas in person.

Order hire items

Understandably the majority of couples like to put their own stamp on their special day. Whether that’s through interesting lighting, or show-stopping décor, colourful tablecloths, or luxury furniture. Whatever your wedding style, now is the time to get in touch with hire companies and confirm what it is you’d like to hire to personalise your big day.

Book wedding transport

Consider where different stages of the wedding day are happening and logistically whether you need transport to facilitate this. For the key people in the bridal / grooms’ parties, but also for your wedding guests too. The bride’s transport is often the main focus but what about her bridesmaids and the groom? How is he getting to the church? Cover all scenarios and then get booking your transport.

Shop for bridesmaid / groomsmen outfits

Your venue is booked, and your ‘theme’ is confirmed, now it’s time to dress your wedding party. Look at the time of year, the other colours within your venue / wedding décor and of course what your best mates will feel most comfortable in. Budget depending, don’t forget to investigate last season’s sales, upcoming trade shows, pre-loved sites, and the high street.

Confirm your catering options

By this point you should have received some sample menus from your caterer and hopefully been able to narrow it down to a few dishes that you might like to sample in person. Don’t forget to include a vegetarian / vegan option and something for the kids (if you’re having a child-friendly wedding). Your menu will inform the drinks you choose for your wedding reception too so why not use the opportunity to make it a well-rounded culinary experience for all your guests.

Consider stationery for your wedding day

Not everyone chooses to have stationery for their wedding, but some popular options to consider are physical wedding invitations, venue signage, a table plan, order of service, place name cards and menu cards. A large percentage of couples choose to go digital these days, sending e-vites through platforms such as Say I do but if you prefer a traditional invitation, or maybe a blend of the two, now is the time to start researching a stationer.

Decide on a gift registry / wishing well

The majority of your guests will want to gift you something to celebrate and acknowledge your special day. So unless you explicitly state ‘no gifts’ on your invitations it’s best to have something in place such as a gift registry or wishing well so that you can have a little control over what you might receive. This ensures your wedding gifts are helpful, thoughtful and something that would be a beautiful addition to your life as newlyweds, rather than another set of wine glasses.

Book hair and make-up trials

Your venue may already have some local hair and makeup artist recommendations which is a great place to start but as the date edges closer now is a good time to consider the beauty style that you’d like to recreate. Contact some vendors to request their availability and secure some appointments for a trial before the big day.

Research honeymoon options

Honeymooning is the one of the most fun parts of getting married right?! Taking some time away with your loved one on a once in a lifetime trip to kick start your new life together. Or maybe just a few days R&R in a cottage / cabin would suffice. Either way, you are going to need a little break after all this wedding planning and excitement so make sure you plan in some time to discuss and research your options.

Send save the dates

If you haven’t done so already, now is definitely the time to send your save the dates. People are busier than ever before so the more notice you can give them the better, especially if you are expecting them to travel far / book their own accommodation / take some time off work etc.

We hope you have found this super helpful on your wedding planning journey. Up next…Wedding Planning Tips: 3-Months Before the Wedding.