If you’re freshly engaged, and you’re anything like me, you don’t want to wait two years before actually marrying your best friend. There’s a good chance you’ve been in the 2 am Google search spiral of how the fuck do I plan a wedding, and it seems like your only choice is, in fact, to wait two years to make sure your venue, vendors, and details work out. But as a wedding photographer, let me make one thing crystal clear: it is 100000% possible to plan a wedding in six months (or less!). You just need to know how to do it. And that’s what I’m here to tell you! 

Why I Recommend Planning a Wedding in Six Months 

I’ve photographed dozens upon dozens of weddings. Some were planned in a few months, others were planned in years. And you know what I’ve noticed? 

The weddings planned in six months tended to more authentically reflect the couple. Instead of being a production, they were more about connection and celebration. If you really want something complex and intricate for your wedding, go off! I think that’s amazing. But if you’re really just looking for an opportunity to celebrate with your closest friends and honor the start of your marriage, you don’t need a crazy long timeline. Weddings planned in six months aren’t “lesser.” In fact, they’re often the most joyful, present, and heartfelt celebrations.

What to Consider When Planning a Wedding in Six Months 

I’ll be honest with you, planning a wedding in six months isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. But the ultimate pro? You get to be married. That outweighs pretty much every con in my opinion. Still! It’s important to weigh your options before choosing how you want to plan your wedding. 

Budget 

The absolute FIRST thing you need to think about when planning your wedding is budget. I know Pinterest boards are pretty, and daydreaming is so much easier, but truly crunching the numbers will give you the most realistic picture of your wedding. You and your partner need to sit down and decide what you’re willing to spend your money on. Some people want a killer party, so they put most of their budget towards entertainment. Others prioritize food, or flowers, or a really unique guest experience. If you’re planning your wedding on a shorter timeline, you need to be decisive about this, deciding your priorities early.

Venue 

The next thing you need to consider is the type of venue you want. Your venue influences the overall vibe of your wedding and your photos! While it’s true that venues can book years in advance, you would be shocked by how many amazing last-minute deals you can find. Reach out to venues and ask if they offer weeknight weddings, or if they’ve had any cancellations! You never know what’s available unless you ask. 

Travel & Accommodation 

Think about who you’re inviting. Will many of your guests be from out of town? If so, it’s important to think about where they will stay, how close the hotel is to your venue, and how guests will get there. When I got married, it was important to me that our guests didn’t have to move around. That helped narrow down our options. We found a venue with on-site lodging where we could host the ceremony, reception, and after party! Ultimately, it’s your day, but it’s nice to make the process seamless for your guests, too. 

Vendors 

Here, we once again return to your priorities. What’s important to you? If you get easily overwhelmed by details, it may be worth hiring a wedding planner to handle them for you. If you know you want really incredible photos, make sure a photographer is toward the top of your list! Popular vendors can book far in advance, so once you have your priorities sorted, start reaching out! 

Which Vendors to Book When 

The most stressful part of planning a wedding in six months is finding your vendors. I separate wedding vendors into two categories: your “anchor” vendors and your preference vendors. Anchor vendors are the ones you absolutely cannot have a wedding without. These are the vendors you hire first. Your preference vendors are the vendors that you, well, prefer. These are vendors like florists and other decor artists who make an event 10x better, but you don’t need in order to get married. So here is my cheat sheet on which anchor vendors to hire when, so you can have the most important things locked down ASAP!

1) Venue

Without a venue, you don’t have a wedding date. Pro tip: inquire about Friday or Sunday weddings! Some venues even offer discounted rates for weekday weddings.

2) Wedding Planner

While having a wedding planner isn’t strictly mandatory, they can sure as hell help, especially with weddings on a tight schedule. Planners can take the overwhelming task of “planning a wedding” and break it into digestible pieces. Plus, they can help you source your other vendors! If you choose not to have a wedding planner, I at least recommend hiring a day-of coordinator to help keep everything on track so a friend or family member doesn’t have to. 

3) Photographer 

Am I biased? Absolutely. But hear me out! Your photos are often the only tangible thing you have to remember your wedding day. When I got married, I skimped on my photos. I just didn’t think it would be that important, and boy, was I wrong. Every time I look back at my photos, I wish I had been more intentional about who I hired. 

And, the sooner you book your photographer, the sooner you can schedule your engagement session! Many couples use photos from their engagement session on their save-the-dates and invitations, so the sooner, the better! 

4) Attire 

Believe it or not, wedding day attire can take a long time. Some wedding dresses need to be ordered and then tailored, which can be a months-long process. And I know many marriers who want a completely custom suit, which can take just as long! Be sure to tell your dress or suit supplier about your timeline and get multiple confirmations that they will have your outfit ready in time. 

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to order off the rack. Boutique sample sales, consignment shops, or department store formalwear are your new best friend. I promise you can find something beautiful and unique! (And never underestimate the power of tailors. I’ve seen them transform dresses into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.)

5) DJ and Entertainment 

If having a fun party is a priority for you, I definitely recommend booking your DJ or band early in the planning process!

6) Catering 

No matter how big or small your wedding is, you need to eat. Many venues have in-house catering, but if yours doesn’t, be sure to find one that has your date available!

Insider Tips for Planning a Wedding in Six Months 

I have one final tip for you. Your wedding day is NOT the time to try DIY crafts for the first time. If you’re a proud DIY-er and you know exactly what you’re capable of, ignore this advice. But if you don’t have much crafting experience, your wedding is not the time to start. A little devil is going to sit on your shoulder and tell you that it will be easier and more time-effective to just do it yourself. DO NOT LISTEN. If you want to make one or two personal things, go for it! But if you think you can make 100 centerpieces in the next six months… well, I have bad news for you. 

You can absolutely plan a wedding in six months, but you’ve gotta be smart about it. Follow the tips outlined in this blog, and your friends will be shocked by how much you can accomplish in less than half a year. Find your priorities and stick to them. Book your “anchor vendors” first, the ones you can’t have a wedding without. And honestly? Be open and flexible. With such a short timeline, you may not be able to book a specific vendor, and that’s okay! I firmly believe that what’s meant to be will find you. And at the end of the day, if you get married, that’s a successful wedding. 

Annapolis (& Beyond) Wedding Photographer

There ya have it. A super brief guide on how to plan a wedding in six months. Long story short: it is totally doable. And if you want a wedding photographer who will support you throughout the whole planning process, you will find me in your corner, cheering you on. I love photographing weddings that prioritize what’s most important to you! Whether you’re getting married here in Annapolis or anywhere else in the world, I have a wedding photography package that’s perfect for you. Inquire to secure your date, and we’ll be celebrating before you know it!