How to plan a wedding in less than 6 months?

Posted By The Dream Ranch Events On 2025-01-16

Here are some tips on planning a wedding within 6 months

Planning a wedding in less than six months is manageable with a clear timeline and organized approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Month 1: Lay the Foundation

1. Set Your Budget

Create a spreadsheet to list out all the key areas you would need
Define your total budget and allocate it to essentials: venue, catering, attire, etc.

2. Choose a Wedding Date

Be flexible with your date to increase vendor availability.
Come up with 2 or 3 dates

3. Create a Guest List

Finalize the number of guests to set the tone for venue size and catering needs.

4. Book the Venue

Focus on venues that offer turnkey services or all-inclusive packages.
Consider off-season or weekday weddings for more availability.

At The Dream Ranch wedding venue located in North East Dallas, TX we offer a variety of packages that work for different budgets. Since we have multiple event spaces on the property our venue could work for different themes-indoor, outdoor, under the trees, by the pool area, pond view backdrop and much more.

https://dreamranchevents.com/packages

4. Hire Key Vendors

Secure the officiant, photographer/videographer, caterer, and DJ/band.
Ask for vendor recommendations to save time.

Here at The Dream Ranch, a locally family owned venue we already did some research and found some great vendor friends who are local to the area. We provide that preferred vendors list which will make it much easier for the host to select as we have a minimum of 3 vendors in each category. Benefit of hiring the vendors from the venue preferred list is that the host gets some discount due to the venue-vendor relationship and since vendors are familiar with the venue host don’t need to spend time in showing the venue and discussing all the details about the venue.

We provide a detailed spreadsheet of the preferred vendors list. Here are few of them that we have also added to our website.

https://dreamranchevents.com/resources/vendor-spotlight

Month 2: Finalize the Vision

1. Choose Your Theme/Style

Decide on colors, decor style, and overall vibe.

2. Plan Your Ceremony

Work with your officiant to craft the ceremony details.

Dream Ranch event venue located in Wolfe city near Greenville,TX has multiple locations to have the ceremony.

Permanent outdoor ceremony area with triangular arch backdrop, wooden swing, rustic benches, artificial green turf, crushed granite walkway and landscaping with variety of flower trees and tree branches
DIY ceremony area under the shade of trees to beat the summer heat. This allows the host to even have a summer wedding without a risk of sun burns.
Gazebo by the pond/ Covered pavilion that works best for micro weddings for up to 50 guest count. Fireplace backdrop or pond view backdrop can be selected to have the ceremony.

3. Order Wedding Attire

Shop for wedding dresses and suits early to allow for alterations.
Consider off-the-rack options or expedited custom orders.

4. Select Bridesmaids’ Dresses and Groomsmen Attire

Keep it simple with mix-and-match options or rentals.

Month 3: Send Invitations and Prep Details

1. Send Save-the-Dates/Invitations

Use digital invitations or expedited printing services.

2. Book Hair and Makeup Artists

Schedule trials to finalize your look.

3. Plan Decor and Rentals

Work with your florist and rental companies for flowers, furniture, and other decor.
Use pre-made decor options or DIY simple items.

4. Arrange Accommodations

Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

Main advantage at The Dream Ranch event venue located near Texas A&M university, Commerce, TX is to have onsite accommodation. Bridal parties and family members can stay onsite. Additional accommodation for out of guests is also available as Dream Ranch has collaborated with nearby airbnb places that are within 5-10 min drive.

https://dreamranchevents.com/accommodations

Month 4: Focus on Personal Touches

1. Create a Timeline

Work with vendors to finalize your day-of schedule.

Drem Ranch venue owner works closely with host 30 days prior to the event date. We share a program sheet for host to fill out. That sheet gathers all the vendor details, timeline, seating plan etc. Then with a zoom call discusiion when the program sheet is reviewed if there are any gaps it could be corrected. This helps in last minute surprises.

2. Plan Your Menu

Attend tastings with caterers and finalize food and drink options.

3. Choose Your Cake/Desserts

Opt for a simple cake or dessert table to save time.

4. Organize Transportation

Book transportation for the wedding party and guests, if needed.

Preferred vendors list provided by The Dream Ranch event venue also has trasportation vendors. This saves host a lot of time as the host don't need to do any research in finding the vendor.

Month 5: Confirm Details

1. Confirm RSVPs

Follow up with guests to finalize numbers.

2. Prepare a Seating Chart

Arrange seating to make the reception flow smoothly.

At The Dream Ranch event venue located near McKinney, TX a website called as Prismm is shared with host. Host can login to the account and play around with the seating plan digitally as venue floor plan is available right away there. Once the plan if finalized Dream Ranch venue staff with do the seating setup and teardown so it woudl be relaxing and stressfree for the host.

3. Finalize Music Choices

Provide a playlist or must-play/do-not-play list to the DJ or band.

4. Prepare Favors and Extras

Keep wedding favors simple and personal.

Month 6: Execute and Celebrate

1. Confirm Vendors

Double-check arrival times and responsibilities.

2. Pack Essentials

Create an emergency kit with items like a sewing kit, safety pins, and makeup.

3. Rehearse

Hold a quick rehearsal with key participants.

Rehearsal dinners can also be planned on the Dream Ranch event venue property with a small additional fee. Instead of searching up for another place having this option at venue itself would help host a lot.

4. Relax and Enjoy

Focus on the joy of your wedding day—you’ve earned it!

We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues. In every blog we write, we will include 5 locally owned wedding venues who use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map

https://www.agualindafarm.com/

https://www.thehillcrestestate.com/

https://thehiddenabbey.com/

https://ellasgarden.com/

https://roundbarnfarm.com/