So, you have six months until you say “I Do". Let’s roll through a few items you should have already checked off your list. If you haven’t done all of these, DO NOT FRET. You still have time. This is just a check in to set you on the path to a stress-free wedding day.

You should have….

Venue and Ceremony Site is set. This is should be booked with a contract in hand, in your binder/contracts folder. Keeping a copy of your contract with the venue is a must. This should include your date, all venue regulations, vendor referrals and requirements, cancellation policies and deposits made. Make a copy of checks too, you never know if you might need them.

A Stationery Designer selected and have a design for Save-the-Date Cards in mind. Having an overall design in this already picked out will make sending out cards so much easier. You can also bring it to your photographer when you take your engagement photos so that they can get a feel for what shots will work best in the outlined design and suggest shots to enhance it. Stationary Designers can also set you up for a cohesive design for menus, programs, signage and even napkins. Check out our list of Stationery Designers to find a design that suits you.

Wedding Vendors - you’ve picked these, right? The people you need to make a wedding go off without a hitch can be daunting. The list of “have you called that guy” or “we need a what?” can come out of nowhere. Here is a Should Have Talked To By 6 Months Out list.

o   Caterer

o   Photographer

o   Florist

o   Cake/Baker

o   DJ/Musician

o   Décor and Lighting Rental

o   Photo Booth

These are the people that should be checked off and you have secured a contract with. Again, get these in writing.

Time for Tastings! Six months out is a great time to set up those menu tastings with the caterer and baker. This is a time to enjoy the planning process together. You get to eat and eat and eat and talk about eating. Fun, right!

Schedule the Rehearsal Dinner. Whether it’s a barbecue or a resplendent up-scale affair. Now is the time to get the rehearsal dinner booked and the number for it set. Include a guest for each attendant and the parents of your flower girl and ring bearer. Create an evening that is fun and festive. This is a thank you from you to those who are spending their time and often their money to be part of your wedding.

Dress Alterations and Suit Fittings. All Bridesmaids and Groomsmen need to have gone to order their attire by six months out. To be honest, this never happens. It is extremely rare to get all of the attendants to go get fitted and order attire by six months, but it is something to shoot for. When this doesn’t happen, don’t freak out. Kindly request that they get to the fittings and everything will work out fine.

 So, how’d you do on our six-month check-in? Are you ahead of the game or woefully behind? Let us know your wedding struggles and successes. Leave us a comment or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. We are here to answer questions or help you find a vendor you haven’t checked off your list.