5 Months to Plan Your Wedding?
How to Plan a Wedding in Just 5 Months: A Stress-Free Guide
So, you’ve got five months to pull off the wedding of your dreams? No sweat! While a longer engagement might give you more breathing room, a shorter timeline means less time to second-guess decisions—and that’s a win! With a focused approach and a solid plan, you can have a beautiful, stress-free (or at least stress-minimized) wedding. Let’s break it down month by month.
Month 1: Set the Foundation
- Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re comfortable spending and prioritize key expenses.
- Book Your Venue: This is the biggest factor in determining your wedding date. Many venues book up quickly, so be flexible with dates and consider off-peak times.
- Choosing a venue that can host your entire day from ceremony to reception will save time and stress!
- Create Your Guest List: Keep it realistic based on your venue size and budget.
- Hire Key Vendors: Secure your photographer, caterer, florist, and DJ or band ASAP. Popular vendors book fast!
- Buy Your Dress & Attire: Bridal gowns often take months to arrive, so choose something that fits your timeline.
Month 2: Get the Details in Place
- Send Out Invitations: Since you’re on a tighter schedule, opt for digital invites or send paper invitations earlier than usual.
- Plan Your Ceremony & Reception: Work with your officiant, decide on readings, and think about your vows.
- Book Hair & Makeup Artists: Do a trial run to ensure you love the look.
- Select Wedding Party Attire: Bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen suits should be ordered now to allow time for alterations.
Month 3: Finalize the Big Stuff
- Order Your Cake: Schedule tastings (if possible) and lock in your bakery.
- Plan Your Honeymoon: Book travel and accommodations before prices rise.
- Organize Transportation: If needed, arrange travel for guests and the wedding party.
- Book a Day-Of Coordinator:
- McHale’s offers this service included!!
- Start Prepping DIY Decor: If you’re tackling decorations yourself, now’s the time to get crafty.
Month 4: The Finishing Touches
- Apply for Your Marriage License: Check local requirements and apply within the appropriate timeframe.
- Plan the Seating Chart: Once RSVPs come in, arrange tables and meal preferences.
- Schedule Dress Fittings: Ensure everything fits perfectly before the big day.
- Choose Your Music: Decide on ceremony songs, first dance, and reception playlists.
- Finalize Your Menu: Do tastings if available and confirm your final headcount with the caterer.
- Great News!! McHale’s is also your caterer, so we make this planning easy!
Month 5: The Home Stretch
- Confirm All Vendors: Double-check arrival times and contracts.
- Write Your Vows & Speeches: If you’re giving a speech, practice to avoid last-minute jitters.
- Pack for Your Honeymoon: Make sure passports, tickets, and reservations are in order.
- Break in Your Shoes: Avoid blisters by wearing them around the house.
- Relax & Enjoy! Trust your plan, get plenty of rest, and soak up every moment.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding in five months is totally doable with the right mindset and organization. Keep your priorities in check, lean on friends and family for help, and most importantly—have fun with it! After all, this is about celebrating love, not stressing over napkin colors.
And book your 2025 event now and get a complimentary house bar* at any of our venues! Let McHales’s make your big day exactly how you’ve always imagined. Call us today!
*Based on Availability. For banquet packages booked through August 2025; Minimum 100 guests; New bookings only. Speak to specialists for details.
