How To Plan A Wedding In 6 Weeks (80 Practical Tips)
Planning a wedding in six weeks might seem impossible, but it’s not! I’ve helped other couples do it and I can help you too!
Sure…it can be a little stressful, but when you and your partner know you want to get married, why wait?
Short engagements can be a huge relief because you make decisions faster and don’t get stuck worrying about perfection.
In this post, I’ll give you tips on how to plan your wedding in just six weeks. I’ll give you real advice that you can use right away. No fluff…just tips that will make the process smoother and less stressful for you. Let’s get started!
Setting The Foundation For Your 6-Week Wedding
Here are the very first things to do when setting out to plan a quick wedding…
Define Your Budget
The first thing you need to do is set a budget. This will guide every other decision you make.
- Decide how much you can spend: Talk with your partner and family to figure out a realistic budget.
- Make a list of must-haves: Decide what’s most important (venue, food, etc.) and focus on those.
- Use a budget calculator/tracker: Find a simple tool online or print one out to track your spending.
- Be flexible: You might need to adjust your budget as things come up. I recommend taking 10% of your overall budget and putting it aside for things that will most likely come up last minute. This will keep you from spending more than you had hoped for.
Determine Your Guest List
The size of your guest list will affect everything, especially the cost.
- Start with your closest family and friends: If money is an issue, only invite people who really matter most to you. Don’t feel like you have to give everybody a plus one or that you have to invite everyone you went to school with.
- Expect some guests to say no: A short timeline means some people won’t be able to come.
- Keep it small: The smaller the guest list, the easier it is to find a venue and stay on budget.
- Use online RSVPs: Save time by sending digital invites and tracking responses online.
Decide on Your Wedding Style
Even with limited time, you can still have a beautiful wedding.
- Pick a style quickly: Decide if you want classic, boho, rustic, something simple, etc.
- Use Pinterest for inspiration: Create a board with ideas you like and stick to it.
- Stay flexible: Be ready to make adjustments based on what’s available.
- Don’t worry about perfection: Focus on what’s most important to you and let the rest go.
This foundation will help you move quickly and stay organized as you plan your wedding.
Week 1 – Securing The Essentials
Here are your main goals for week 1. If you have more time, feel free to start tackling items from the other weeks, but try your hardest to get these done the first week.
Choose a Wedding Date and Venue
The first week is all about locking in the date and place.
- Start with the venue: Call venues right away to see what’s available.
- Be flexible with dates: You might need to pick a weekday or off-season date.
- Think outside the box: Consider non-traditional venues like a park, backyard, or restaurant.
- Look for all-inclusive venues: Some places include catering, florals, and other services. Consider an all-inclusive venue since it would save you time and stress when it comes to finding other vendors.
Related blog post: 25 Non-Traditional Wedding Venues For Any Budget
Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator
A wedding planner can save you tons of time, especially when you only have six weeks.
- Hire a planner if you can: They’ll take care of contacting vendors and managing details. A good planner will be able to put the word out to their network of vendors and find professionals who will do a great job.
- Consider a day-of coordinator: If a full-time planner is too expensive, hire someone just for the wedding day.
- Get recommendations: Ask friends or your venue for suggestions.
- Stay in control: Even with a planner, make sure you’re involved in big decisions.
Securing your venue and planner in the first week will give you a strong start and help you feel in control of your wedding planning.
Week 2 – Locking In Vendors And Putting Together A Wedding Party
Spend week two securing the other vendors who are important to you and putting together your wedding party (if this is something you want).
Book Your Key Vendors
Once your venue is set, you will want to lock down your main vendors.
- Start with the essentials: Focus on finding a caterer, photographer, and officiant first. Remember, your essentials might differ from another couple’s essentials. Book the vendors most important to you first.
- Be prepared to negotiate: Vendors might offer discounts for short-notice bookings. As a wedding photographer, I was much more willing to offer a discount on a last-minute booking for a date that I had open. But I only offered it if I was asked. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
- Have backups ready: Your first choice might be unavailable, so have a few options in mind.
- Use package deals: If possible, find vendors who offer multiple services, like photography and videography together. Or DJ/video…Catering/florals…etc.
Focus on Simplified Vendor Coordination
With limited time, keep things simple and organized.
- Use social media: Check out vendors on Instagram and Facebook to get a quick sense of their work.
- Ask for recommendations: Your venue or planner may know trusted vendors with availability.
- Bundle services when possible: Consider venues or planners that work with preferred vendors to save time.
- Make quick decisions: Don’t overthink…book vendors that meet your needs and fit your budget.
Choosing Your Wedding Party (Optional)
If you want to have a wedding party, you can still make it work, even with a short timeline. Just keep it simple and focused.
- Keep it small: Having fewer people in your wedding party means less coordination and fewer decisions to make.
- Choose people who can commit: Pick friends or family who are reliable and able to help on short notice.
- Coordinate outfits quickly: Pick simple, easy-to-find outfits or colors for your wedding party that don’t require custom orders.
A small, well-organized wedding party can still make your day special without adding stress to your short planning timeline.
By the end of week 2, your major vendors should be booked and your wedding party should be ready to go, which will take a lot of pressure off the rest of your planning.
Week 3 – Invitations, Attire, and Personal Touches
Week 3 is when you start getting into the fun parts of planning.
Send Invitations Quickly
With only six weeks to go, getting your invites out is urgent.
- Go digital: Use online invitations (digital invites) to save time and money.
- Call or text most important guests: Personally reach out to close family and friends to make sure they know the date.
- Skip save-the-dates: With so little time, there’s no need for separate save-the-date cards.
- Track RSVPs online: Use tools like Google Forms or RSVP apps to keep it simple and organized.
Find Your Wedding Attire
You don’t need months to find the perfect outfit…just be open to different options.
- Shop off-the-rack: Visit stores that sell dresses or suits you can buy on the spot.
- Check sample sales: Bridal shops often have sales where you can find discounted gowns.
- Consider non-traditional dresses: Bridesmaid dresses or simple evening gowns can work beautifully.
- Plan for quick alterations: Find a tailor who offers rush services so your attire fits perfectly.
Add Personal Touches Without Stress
You can still add special details without overwhelming yourself.
- Focus on key décor: Choose a few important decorations like centerpieces or ceremony arches and focus your attention there.
- Skip big DIY projects: You won’t have time for lots of do-it-yourself tasks, so keep it simple.
- Use ready-made options: Buy décor that’s already done, like pre-made flower arrangements or printed signs.
- Delegate: Ask friends or family to help with smaller tasks like setting up décor on the big day.
By the end of week 3, you’ll have your invitations out and your attire ready, giving you time to focus on the smaller details as the big day gets closer.
Week 4 – Focus On Final Details
Week 4 is all about the final details.
Finalize Your Menu and Catering
Now it’s time to nail down your food and drinks.
- Pick a simple menu: Ask your caterer for their most popular dishes to save time on tastings.
- Communicate dietary needs: Let your caterer know any guest allergies or preferences as soon as possible.
- Confirm headcount: Make sure your guest list is accurate so you don’t over- or under-order food.
- Ask for ready-to-serve options: Buffet or family-style meals can be easier and quicker than plated dinners.
Related blog post: Ways to save money on wedding food
Book Beauty Appointments Early
Hair and makeup can book up fast, so secure your appointments this week.
- Ask for recommendations: Your planner or venue may know reliable beauty pros.
- Be flexible on dates: You might need to do hair and makeup trials during the week.
- Consider a simple look: Choose a style that’s easy and timeless.
- Confirm availability: Make sure your beauty team knows exactly what time they need to arrive on the big day.
Secure Your Marriage License
Don’t forget this essential step!
- Check local requirements: Every state and county is different, so know what you need (ID, documents, etc.).
- Schedule a time: Make an appointment if necessary and plan ahead for any waiting periods.
- Double-check the timeline: Some licenses are valid for a limited time, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Bring everything you need: Make sure to have all the required paperwork and IDs to avoid any delays.
By the end of week 4, you’ll have your menu set, beauty appointments booked, and the all-important marriage license in hand. Now you’re ready for the final countdown!
Week 5 – The Final Countdown
Week 5…you’re getting close!
Check In with All Your Vendors
This week, make sure everything is confirmed and ready to go.
- Reconfirm details: Call or email all vendors to confirm dates, times, and any last-minute changes.
- Review contracts: Double-check that everything you’ve agreed on is in writing.
- Discuss setup and delivery: Make sure vendors know where and when to deliver or set up on the day.
- Plan payment and tips: Organize any final payments and prepare tips for your vendors ahead of time.
Create a Day-Of Timeline
A solid schedule will help everything run smoothly.
- Work with your planner or coordinator: If you have one, they can help build a detailed timeline.
- Include key moments: Make sure to schedule hair, makeup, photos, and travel time.
- Share the timeline: Give copies to your vendors, bridal party, and anyone helping on the day.
- Plan for extra time: Add in a little buffer time in case things run behind schedule.
Focus on What Matters Most
With just one week to go, keep your focus on what’s really important.
- Prioritize the essentials: Don’t stress over small details that won’t matter in the long run.
- Delegate tasks: Let family and friends help with last-minute details so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
- Take care of yourself: Get plenty of rest, eat well, and take breaks from wedding planning to relax.
By the end of week 5, all the major details will be locked in, and you’ll be ready for your wedding day. Now it’s time to enjoy the final stretch and prepare for the big celebration!
Week 6 – Ready, Set, Go!
It’s time!
Final Checklist
This is your last chance to make sure everything is in place.
- Double-check with vendors: One final confirmation on delivery times, setup, and services.
- Prepare your attire: Make sure your dress, suit, and any accessories (shoes, jewelry, etc.) are ready and fit perfectly.
- Pack for the day: Create a wedding day bag with essentials like touch-up makeup, deodorant, and snacks.
- Organize final payments: Have any remaining vendor payments and tips prepared in labeled envelopes.
Related blog post: Must-have items to include in your wedding day emergency kit
Delegate Day-Of Tasks
You don’t need to handle everything on your wedding day.
- Assign someone to manage vendors: Ask a trusted friend, family member, or your coordinator to oversee vendor arrivals and setup.
- Designate someone for gifts and cards: Have someone in charge of collecting gifts and cards from guests.
- Give someone the responsibility for final payments: Delegate the task of handing out payments or tips to vendors.
- Plan for emergencies: Create a small “wedding emergency kit” with items like safety pins, band-aids, and breath mints.
Enjoy Your Wedding Day
After all the planning, your big day is here!
- Trust your team: Rely on your vendors and helpers to take care of things so you can enjoy your day.
- Let go of perfection: Focus on the moments that matter and don’t stress over small things that might go wrong.
- Be present: Take time to enjoy the day with your spouse, friends, and family.
- Celebrate!: Remember, this day is about the two of you. Soak in every moment and have fun.
By the end of week 6, everything will be ready, and you can finally relax and enjoy your wedding day. You’ve planned a beautiful wedding in just six weeks…now it’s time to celebrate your love!
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding in six weeks is totally doable! It takes focus, quick decisions, and some flexibility, but you can make it happen.
The key is to stay organized, focus on what matters most to you and your partner, and not sweat the small stuff.
Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love and starting your life together. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing. Stick to the tips and advice in this guide, and you’ll be able to plan a beautiful and memorable day, no matter the timeline.
So take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy every moment of this exciting journey. You’ve got this!
More Wedding Planning Tips
Here are a few more blog posts that you might find helpful when planning your quick wedding:
