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Planning a Wedding In Five Months Is Possible

A bride and groom kiss while surrounded by their bridal party in front of an ivy covered building

Chances are when you get engaged, the first thing people want to know, besides the engagement story, is when you are getting married. 

Some couples want to enjoy a long engagement and could be planning a wedding a year after the Facebook status switches to engaged. However, you could be a couple that does not want to wait that long. Is it possible to plan the wedding of your dreams in five months? The answer is yes. While you may not have as much time to make decisions, this is not an impossible task.

 

Figure out your budget

Talking about money is never a fun thing. However, having a set budget in mind will help you determine what the non-negotiables of your wedding are. Knowing this number can help you determine your venue, guest list, plated or buffet meal, and even décor. 

Which comes first: the venue or the guest list

Your guest count plays a role in deciding on a venue and vice versa. You could love a space that only allows up to 100 people, but you have a guest list of 150. Do you pick a venue based on an estimated headcount, or do you make your numbers work for your dream venue? That answer is ultimately up to you to decide as a couple, but you will want to figure it out quickly.

Selecting a venue is the stepping stone for several other things on your to-do list. Save the dates, invites, and catering options are all things that can be impacted by having a venue selected. With such a tight timeframe, you will want to have a venue locked down within the first month of your planning. 

 

Say yes to the fashion

To successfully plan your wedding in five months, you need to be able to multitask. Selecting a venue is not the only thing you should try to accomplish within the first month. Fashion, including bridal gown, bridesmaid dresses, and attire for the groom and groomsmen, needs to be at the top of your list as well.

When shopping for a wedding dress, be sure to ask your consultant about designers or styles that can be ready in your time frame. A rush fee might be required to ensure you get your dress on time. You may luck out and find a dress you can take with you that day, but that is not something you should rely on during your shopping process. 

 

Select main vendors early

Once you have your date, you will want to start working down your vendor list, including:
•    Photographers
•    Videographers
•    Florists
•    Musical entertainment
•    Catering (if not offered through venue)
•    Bakers
•    Officiant
Working with a company like Bellagala brings several of these services to you in a one-stop-shop.

 

Break your list down

You need to complete some wedding-related tasks sooner than others. Breaking things down into monthly goals is a way to stay organized and make sure you do not put things off until it is too late.

 

Five months

  • Decide on a venue
  • Pick the fashion
  • Book a block of hotel rooms
  • Create a guest list and mail out Save the Dates
  • Select and ask your wedding party

Four months

  • Start checking off other vendors
  • Shop for wedding rings

Three months

  • Enjoy menu and cake tastings
  • If you are having a honeymoon, this is the ideal time to start planning your getaway
  • Send out official invitations

Two months

  • Enjoy the celebrations, like bachelor and bachelorette parties, and bridal showers
  • Do not forget about the marriage license. Timing for this will vary, so check with your county clerk to determine the earliest and latest you can apply for this crucial document
  • Think about scheduling a hair and makeup trial

One month

  • Go through your checklist to complete any remaining projects
  • If having a seating chart, make sure you finalize it once the RSVP date has passed

If you have room in the budget for it, consider hiring a wedding coordinator. This person will stay on top of your to-do-list, down to the smallest detail. You may not want a coordinator for the whole process but consider a day-of coordinator. Let them worry about set-up, vendors, and any little things that arise so you can focus on enjoying the day. 

Staying organized from the start will help reduce stress and make sure you do not miss out on any detail that could help bring your dream wedding to life.  Call us today to learn how we can help ease the planning stress!

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