How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months

You may have been dreaming of your wedding day for a long time, but in the dream you probably didn't have to worry about time constraints. But you still can plan and execute a beautiful wedding in six months, and it may even turn out to be even better than you dreamed. And with these tips, it may be less expensive too.

Set a Budget

Because the time you have to plan your wedding is limited, it is doubly important for you and your fiance to create a budget that you can live with. A shorter engagement means that you will have less time to save before the big event. You will want to find some areas where you can cut back a bit. One area for compromise might be flowers, or perhaps you could limit the number of guests. Maybe a different location is the answer, such as having a wedding on a beach or in a public park. You might opt to wear your grandmother's antique gown, and that could help cut costs and add an element of history and family ties. Being creative about how to trim the costs for your wedding is worth the effort; you probably don't want to start your lives together in too much debt.

Big or Small

One of the first decisions you will probably need to make is deciding on how large your wedding will be. Remember that every guest will cost you more money, depending on the style of the wedding. If you opt for a wedding in a place where the fee is nominal, size may not be such an issue, particularly if you are doing the catering yourself (with the help of family and friends, of course). If you have some savings and want a fancier wedding, try thinking about a destination wedding. Because everything is included, it may be less expensive than getting married in a similar venue close to home. Think of scheduling during the off-season for the best deals.

Think Outside the Box

Your wedding day is your big day and one you will cherish for the rest of your life, so go ahead and unleash your imagination. A big party at an excellent restaurant, after you say your vows in the park, might fit the bill. Or a wedding aboard a ship could be just what you want. Don't despair if that venue is already reserved for the day you wanted--check out the day before. A different day could be free. Remember this is all about you and your loved one, so relax and enjoy the experience.