How to Plan a Wedding in 6, 12, or 18 Months

The answer is YES! You can plan a wedding in a short period of time.

All it takes is a little dedication, professional wedding vendor team and staying organized. At The Postmark in Chillicothe Ohio, we have planned many weddings in under 6 months! We have helped a couple plan a wedding in 4 days. Having a professional team like The Postmark beside you, it’s totally possible to plan a wedding in 6, 12 or 18 months. (or even shorter) Below are some tips for you whether you are planning a wedding in 6 months, 12 months or 18 months away!

Here’s a breakdown of the top five most important things to focus on, based on your wedding timeline.

Planning a Wedding in 18 Months 🎉

You’ve got plenty of time, which means you can take things slow and enjoy the process!

1. Set a Budget & Guest List (Month 1-3)

  • Decide how much you’re willing to spend.

  • Start a rough guest list—this will impact venue choice!

2. Book Your Venue (Month 3-6)

  • Popular venues book up fast, so lock yours in early!

  • Consider an all-inclusive venue to simplify planning.

3. Hire Your Vendors (Month 6-12)

  • Secure your photographer, caterer, DJ/band, and florist.

  • If you need an officiant, book them now too!

4. Say Yes to the Dress (Month 12-15)

  • Wedding dresses can take 6+ months to arrive!

  • Start shopping early to allow time for alterations.

5. Plan the Details (Month 15-18)

  • Send save-the-dates at the 12-month mark.

  • Plan décor, seating arrangements, and wedding favors.

🎯 Bonus Tip: Having 18 months means you can take advantage of seasonal sales for wedding dresses and décor

Planning a Wedding in 12 Months 🕰️

A full year is plenty of time to plan a beautiful wedding without feeling rushed.

1. Set Your Budget & Choose a Date (Month 1)

  • Discuss finances and decide on a comfortable budget.

  • Pick your wedding date—this will dictate availability!

2. Book the Venue & Key Vendors (Month 1-3)

  • Secure your venue ASAP, especially for peak season dates.

  • Hire your photographer, caterer, DJ/band, and officiant.

3. Choose Your Wedding Attire (Month 4-6)

  • Brides, start dress shopping early—some gowns take time!

  • Grooms, plan for tux/suit rentals or purchases.

4. Send Save-the-Dates & Invitations (Month 6-9)

  • Send save-the-dates at the 6-month mark.

  • Invitations should go out around 3-4 months before.

5. Plan the Small Details (Month 9-12)

  • Finalize décor, favors, and floral arrangements.

  • Book hair and makeup trials, and do a final dress fitting.

🎯 Bonus Tip: If you’re flexible on your date, ask venues about discounted rates for Fridays, Sundays, or off-season months!

Planning a Wedding in 6 Months ⏳

A six-month timeline requires quick decision-making, but it’s absolutely doable!

1. Set a Budget & Book Your Venue (Month 1)

  • Decide what you can afford and prioritize key expenses.

  • Look for venues with availability—consider weekdays or brunch weddings!

2. Book Essential Vendors ASAP (Month 1-2)

  • Photographer, caterer, florist, and officiant—lock them in fast!

  • Consider hiring a wedding planner for extra help.

3. Find Your Wedding Attire (Month 2-3)

  • Look for off-the-rack dresses or rush-order options.

  • Bridesmaids and groomsmen should get their outfits ASAP.

4. Send Invitations (Month 3-4)

  • No time for save-the-dates—send invitations early!

  • Set a short RSVP deadline to finalize your guest count.

5. Plan the Final Details (Month 4-6)

  • Book hair & makeup, finalize seating charts, and confirm timelines.

  • Do a final venue walk-through and prepare for your rehearsal dinner!

🎯 Bonus Tip: Some venues offer last-minute wedding packages, which can save time and money!

Final Thoughts

No matter your timeline, the key to stress-free wedding planning is prioritizing the big things first (venue, vendors, and attire). After that, you can focus on the fun details like décor, favors, and personal touches.

Are you planning your wedding in 6, 12, or 18 months? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your journey! 💍✨

Let us help you get started with planning! Check available dates here or click button below to contact us now.

Thank you for the shoutout from a very talented Midwest Photographer! Kendra Lynece! She shared we are one of the top historic wedding venues in the Midwest!

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.  Here are just a few we love and support: Cornerstone Ranch | Texas ,SpringHaus Farm | Comer, GA , Adler Ranch | Alexandria Minnesota, Cakes Rock | Austin Texas, The Venue @ 112 | Near DC

Destiny WaltersComment