6 Steps To Plan Your Wedding In 6 Months or Less
Welcome to Emerson Fields, your premier destination for unforgettable weddings in central Missouri! As the owner and designer of Emerson Fields, I'm thrilled to extend a warm invitation to couples seeking to plan their wedding in 6 months or less – and as a bonus benefit, we happen to have the perfect venue for your special day. With over 15 years of experience in the wedding industry and having served hundreds of couples, we are adept at ensuring that the next few months of planning your wedding truly count, no matter where it happens.
Nestled amidst the natural beauty of our magnificent oak and weeping willow trees, our charming countryside estate offers an inviting atmosphere where you’ll relax and enjoy every moment of your wedding day. With five stunning venues boasting both indoor and outdoor options, we provide unparalleled versatility to bring your wedding vision to life. Allow us to be your partner and guide as we host an unforgettable wedding experience, brimming with joy, love, and cherished moments.
Are you dreaming of a magical wedding but working with a tight timeframe? Fear not! With the right plan and a touch of creativity, you can bring your wedding vision to life in just six months or less! As a seasoned wedding venue owner and former wedding photographer, I'm here to guide you through the process with practical tips and expert advice. Let's get to it!
Step One to be married in 6 months or less.
Set Your Wedding Budget and Draft Your Guest List:
Open Conversations: Sit down with all contributors and decision-makers to establish a realistic budget soon because planning a wedding in 6 months or less means everyone needs to be on the same page from the beginning. Discuss priorities and allocate funds accordingly.
Private Meeting: Plan a date night to discuss your top three must-haves. For example, consider prioritizing an experienced photographer, a well-designed venue with natural aesthetics, and a flavorful homestyle menu that pays homage to your mom's cooking. Keep these three things as a top priority and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Guest List Draft: Create a rough draft of your guest list. Be intentional with this; if you haven't seen someone since you started dating, it might be time to make some cuts. This is especially crucial if you're working with a tight budget, where a smaller guest list can lead to significant savings. Remember, your dream day can be a thrifty wedding without compromising style. Even if you prefer a more elaborate event, you can still accomplish it within your six-month planning timeframe.
Pro Tip: Date nights aren't just for romance; they're perfect for hashing out wedding details too!
At Emerson Fields, we can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests seated at reception tables, with plenty of space for a head table, cake display, and a spacious dance floor. Choosing our venue means you won't have to worry about setting up or tearing down, as it's all part of our comprehensive wedding packages. It's an investment that pays off in convenience and peace of mind on your big day!
Step two.
Research and Book Your Venue:
Inclusive Packages: Look for venues that offer all-inclusive packages. This not only simplifies logistics but also saves you time and money. If you would prefer an inclusive package over customizing all of the details, let the venue know that and ask if it’s an option.
Forego Logistical Problems: Choose a venue that can host all aspects of your wedding in one location. This eliminates headaches and maximizes your decor budget. Having. your rehearsal or welcome dinner at the venue will also familiarize the family and wedding party ahead of the big day! Win-Win!
Preferred Vendors: Explore venues with preferred vendor lists. These professionals are familiar with the venue and can provide exceptional service.
Pro Tip: Choosing a venue with preferred vendors can streamline the short wedding planning process and ensure a seamless wedding day. Keep in mind that your venue is the backdrop for everything!
At Emerson Fields, we guide our couples to help them start planning on the right foot and connect with vendors who truly resonate with their love story. Our signature all-weekend celebration creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing couples to savor every moment. After all, we want you to feel cared for and receive the extraordinary experience you deserve on your wedding day!
You can grab our wedding planning checklist below!
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You can grab our wedding planning checklist below! ~
Step three.
Share Your Wedding Date, Hire Planner and Photographer:
Notify Key Individuals: Share your wedding date with immediate family and close friends. Skip save the dates and mail invitations earlier than usual. We recommend sending invitations four months ahead of a destination wedding and three months before a more local event.
Hire a Planner: Invest in a skilled wedding planner to manage logistics, coordinate vendors, and troubleshoot any issues. They become your main point of contact, reducing stress and allowing you to enjoy your big day without worrying about the details. Trust me, having a professional by your side is a game-changer—your future self will thank you.
Photographer & Engagement Session: Book a seasoned photographer, ideally one recommended by your planner or venue. Their experience ensures your day is captured beautifully. Don't underestimate the value of an engagement session; it's not just about getting great photos but also about building rapport with your photographer. This makes you more relaxed in front of the camera on your wedding day and creates memorable keepsakes for you to cherish.
Pro Tip: Engagement sessions aren't just for photos; they can also serve as content for your wedding websites, create a guest book photo album, or become a cherished keepsake when it was just the two of you.
The Emerson Fields team provides invaluable vendor recommendations to kick-start your wedding planning. Your planner will coordinate with our staff to ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on each other and enjoy your big day—just the way it should be!
Step four.
Focus on Food, Beverage, Entertainment, and Vendor Team:
Choose Your Vendor Team Wisely: Trust creative vendors and give them freedom to excel. Focus on entertainment that reflects your personalities.
Music Makes the Party: Whether it's a DJ or live band, prioritize entertainment that keeps the dance floor packed. An engaging photo booth adds to the experience for your guests as well.
Utilize Your Planner: Your planner will craft a detailed timeline for vendors. Trust their expertise to ensure a flawless day.
Pro Tip: The timeline isn't just for vendors; it's your playbook for the perfect day!
“Navigating planning a wedding when you’re trying to keep up with your own job and personal life is overwhelming at times! I walk with you side-by-side to plan and execute the wedding of your dreams. As your full wedding planner, I take on all the back end work of hiring vendors, styling the perfect event, and answering all email communications! That means you get to focus on the things you want to (hello cake tasting!). ”
When you book with Emerson Fields, you have the freedom to choose a vendor team that will bring your unique vision to life. Our approach to customization allows you to select the perfect professionals for your food, beverage, and entertainment, ensuring a wedding experience that's as distinctive as you are. Even though you may be planning within a six-month timeframe, your wedding will be the talk of the town for years to come.
Step five.
Nail Down the Details and Enhance the Guest Experience:
Attention to Detail: Focus on linens, tableware, and signage. Ensure you have everything you need for each dinner course. This includes napkins, plates, salad plates, cutlery, glasses, ice, candles, table numbers, water carafes, and more. Review your catering contract and rental agreements to confirm all these details, especially if your wedding planner doesn't handle contract negotiations.
Floral and Decor: Finalize florals, personal pieces (corsages, bouquets, boutonniers), and decor once your guest count is confirmed. Ask your planner or venue for a custom reception layout to visualize the setup and account for how many tables, place settings, and centerpieces you’ll need.
Personal Touches: Add surprise elements, include heirloom keepsakes, and share wedding details on your website to enhance the guest experience.
Pro Tip: Personalized touches make your wedding memorable and unique! For example, use your parents’ or grandparents’ cake server and knife or cake topper if they have it. They will love being asked to contribute something to your special day.
“ I truly can’t say enough good things about this venue! After I had my wedding the first thing I said to individuals who aren’t married yet was “spend the money on a beautiful wedding venue” because at the end of the day my guests were in awe about how beautiful the place was! And this venue is it!! ”
Step six.
30 Days Out - Let It Go and Embrace Non-Traditional Ideas:
Focus on Must-Haves: Prioritize key tasks and share the schedule with your vendors, family, and friends. Avoid stressing over minor details or adding new tasks to your to-do list. By the end of the day, you'll be married—that's what truly matters. Keep the big picture in mind and enjoy the celebration!
Finalize Your Seating Chart: Use sticky notes and a poster board to finalize your seating chart to avoid erasing. This task has to be done after all of your RSVPs are in but you need to account for time to print the chart or sign before the big day! Your planner may know a vendor or artist who does custom signage and that will make your life even easier!
Embrace Non-Traditional Ideas: Make your wedding uniquely yours by including personal touches and breaking from tradition. Don't feel pressured to include elements that don't resonate with you. Many couples today are choosing to skip the bouquet and garter toss, and some are even opting for a family dance instead of the traditional father-daughter or mother-son dances. Customize your timeline to reflect what truly matters to you and enjoy the freedom to create a day that feels just right.
Pro Tip: Your wedding day should reflect your personalities and preferences, so celebrate your way!
The key is decisiveness…
“The key to planning a wedding on a short timeline is decisiveness. Making choices can get overwhelming - and rightfully so! You’ve never planned a wedding before. That’s why hiring a professional wedding planner is a game changer. No matter the budget, you need someone to walk through the process with!”
With these six steps, you're well on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams in six months or less. Remember, it's your day—embrace your unique love story and celebrate it in your own way! If you're searching for a venue that offers not only a beautiful setting but also a smooth and streamlined booking and planning process, consider Emerson Fields. Our team would be thrilled to hear from you and help make your special day unforgettable.
To support you on your wedding planning journey, we've created a customizable Wedding Planning Checklist designed specifically for couples just like you. Download this resource to avoid the stress of overlooked details and costly mistakes—plus, it's a great way to keep everything organized as you plan your dream wedding.
Photography in this blog highlights the talented Chelsea Liefer Photography and Abby Rose Photography.