How To Plan A Wedding In 6 Months
Can't wait to get married? Our Special Events teams won't break a sweat helping you plan your dream wedding in just six months. Here's the timeline they have perfected - you're going to need it.
6 MONTHS BEFORE
Choose your wedding date: You may have to be flexible as many of the key summer months and weekends get booked 1-2 years in advance. It's good to have a rough idea of dates with 3-4 options ready for looking at wedding venues.
Finalise your budget, it will keep you on track from the start.
Book your venue: an all-inclusive venue with wedding packages might be a good option, but be open to any venue with availability that can hold your guest numbers and is within budget. Some Macdonald Hotels offer late availability rates for you to take advantage of.
Book your accommodation: one of the key features that brides and grooms love about getting married with us is that we can offer a place for all of your out-of-town guests to stay.
Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen
Book your suppliers: All of our hotels work closely with local suppliers, making it much easier to plan your special day… at short notice! The key people here are your photographer, registrar, florist, DJ, and stylist.
Choose your dress: When you visit a bridal shop, make sure they are aware of your shorter time frame and they can guide you towards designers that have shorter lead times or indeed sample dresses. You could consider a high street wedding dress but remember you may still need a little time for alterations.
Send the invitations: Giving your guests the maximum amount of notice will mean guests can plan accordingly. As the wedding day is only 6 months away, we would suggest skipping save the dates.
5 MONTHS BEFORE
Purchase your accessories
Select wedding party attire
Book any additional suppliers you can think of (make-up, cake maker, etc.)
4 MONTHS TO GO
Purchase your wedding rings: take some time to find the ideal cut and fit - it's something you're never going to take off!
Organise the hen/stag parties: luckily this is a task you can delegate to your best man and maid of honour. With only a few months to go, it may be difficult to get everyone together for a full weekend away but arranging something closer to home should mean most of those you want to attend will be able to make it.
Plan your honeymoon: Browse the internet for some inspiration before you decide on your trip. If time or budget mean you can't have the honeymoon you dreamt of you could have a mini-moon - a few days away to relax as a newly married couple!
3 MONTHS TO GO
Confirm the guest-list: now you can start chasing any RSVP's you haven't had back - it's important to let the venue and caterers final numbers.
Hair and make-up trial: want your hair and make-up to look it's best on your wedding day so be sure to book a hair and makeup trial to allow for any changes needed before the big day.
Catering and cake tasting: YUM! Finalise your menu and decide on your cake flavour - all Macdonald Hotels offer delicious catering options from gourmet to kids' choices for the pickiest eaters.
2 MONTHS TO GO
Stag/Hen party: you'll need a night out to let loose with your loved ones before the big day!
Create the table plan: keep calm, as this can take a bit of time to get right but stick with it and it will soon come together!
Gifts and favours: there will be some important members of the bridal party you will want to thank personally, such as your parents, groomsmen, bridesmaid's and anyone that helped to deliver your special day. You'll want to purchase/ make your wedding favours now too
1 MONTH TO GO
Double check all supplier details and confirm all dates, times and final details
Write your speech
HAPPY WEDDING DAY - All that's left for you to do is trust in the expert hands you're in at Macdonald Hotels and enjoy your big day!
