Six Months to ‘I Do’: A Wedding Planning Checklist for Couples
You’ve officially hit the six-month countdown to your wedding—SO exciting!
The next few months are going to fly by, and while it’s tempting to think the big day is still far away, this is actually the perfect time to get ahead on the details that make your wedding day AS seamless and
stress-free As possible.
Photography: Hedi Field
Finalize Your Vendor Team
By this stage, you’ve likely locked in your venue and big vendors such as your photographer, caterer, and entertainment—but it’s time to complete your vendor list. The next few weeks should focus highly on securing your florist, attire, hair and makeup team, rental upgrades, cake designer, and officiant.
Start by confirming availability and reviewing proposals. Make sure each vendor provides a detailed contract that outlines their responsibilities, arrival times, and payment schedules. Once signed, keep copies in one organized digital folder so you can easily reference them later.
2. plan ACCOMMODATIONS and transportation
If you have out-of-town guests or a destination wedding, book hotel room blocks early (for popular weekends in spring and autumn, we highly recommend reaching out 9-12 months in advance). Many hotels offer discounted rates when you reserve a certain number of rooms; share these details on your wedding website so guests can book directly, starting as early as when your save-the-dates go out.
You should also finalize transportation logistics for yourselves, your wedding party, and possibly guests—especially if the ceremony and reception are in different locations. Consider each moving part of your day and what will be needed to get yourselves and everyone else (if applicable) from point A to point B on the big day.
3. Begin designing invitations
With your wedding day in sight, it’s time to think about your wedding invitations! While these won’t go out for a couple more months, it’s important to ensure you have enough time to design, proof, order, ship, assemble, and mail to your guests. Your wedding invitations set the tone for everything about your celebration, from locations and timing, to dress code and travel expectations for your guests.
PRO TIP: When thinking about an appropriate RSVP date, be sure to confirm with your catering team + venue when all final head counts and meal choices must be submitted. Leave yourself 7-10 in between so you have time to chase down any stragglers and work through seating assignments. Some caterers require final counts 45 days prior, meaning you’ll need RSVPs from guests almost 60 days out!
4. Start A Wedding registry
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to make a date for the two of you to start a gift registry. With showers and your wedding day approaching, guests love to give physical gifts and you’ll both benefit from providing them with some ideas for your new life together. Make a date night out of it and hit a few stores for an in person experience, so it feels more personal and fun for the two of you! Some of our favorite gift registries include Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, and Target.
5. schedule tastings and trials
The next few months are ideal for testing and tasting! Schedule appointments for your menu tasting, cake tasting, and hair and makeup trials.
For food and cake, take detailed notes during tastings and consider how dishes will hold up during your event (especially outdoors or in warm weather). Don’t be afraid to ask questions, your catering team has seen it all, we promise!
For hair and makeup, bring inspiration photos and communicate openly about what makes you feel confident. Be sure to provide direct, timely feedback after your trial to ensure you both have the best experience on your wedding day. Your vendors want you to be happy, truly; honest + constructive feedback provides the best outcomes for everyone involved.
6. Choose and Order your wedding attire
Your wedding look is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process, but it also requires time and multiple fittings. Aim to order your gown or suit six months in advance to allow for alterations, shipping, and styling appointments.
For brides, start shopping early so you can attend fittings without feeling rushed. For grooms and wedding parties, coordinate styles, colors, and accessories so everything complements your overall theme.
Don’t forget about the little details—jewelry, shoes, undergarments, and any sentimental pieces you plan to wear. If you’re planning outfit changes for the reception, now’s the time to start sourcing those as well.
The six-month mark is where everything starts to feel real. It’s a time of excitement, creativity, and coordination—and a great opportunity to set the tone for a calm, joyful wedding season.
Remember, the more you can organize and confirm now, the more freedom you’ll have in the final weeks to simply enjoy the moment. And if you ever feel unsure where to start, that’s exactly what a wedding planner is for—guiding you through each decision so your day unfolds effortlessly.