Congratulations on your engagement! We understand that the initial excitement of being engaged can quickly turn into a state of confusion and uncertainty about what to do next, but planning a wedding doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With proper planning and a well-structured timeline, you can ensure that your special day unfolds seamlessly. In this 6-month wedding planning timeline, we’ll break down the tasks into manageable steps, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Let’s get started on your journey to a stress-free wedding and don’t forget to download your printable wedding checklist!
6 Months To Go…
Set A Budget.
First things first, decide how much money you and your partner are ready to put into the wedding. Once you have a general amount in mind, compile a list of the key items and services you want to prioritise and include in your wedding. This will help you allocate the majority of your funds effectively.
Plan Your Guest List.
Start putting together a list of people you would like to invite to your wedding. After you have got an idea of the approximate number of guests, you can start talking about the kind of place and size you want for your wedding venue.
Choose a Date and Venue.
Make sure to consider all the things that come with renting a venue, like the cost of catering and the size of the rooms. Keep in mind that you only have six months or less to find a place for your wedding. That means there might not be a lot of options available, so you might have to think about different dates, like Fridays and Sundays. If you decide to have your wedding at Mabalingwe, you have the option to choose to have it at Kalahari Oasis for a truly authentic South African experience or at Le Fera Restaurant with its breath-taking view of the Waterberg landscape.
Hire a Wedding Coordinator.
If you feel overwhelmed or could use some expert help, and you’re able to fit it into your budget, consider hiring a wedding coordinator to guide you through the process. One great thing about choosing Mabalingwe as your wedding venue is that we have a dedicated team ready to assist you in creating the absolute best experience for your special day!
Secure Your Main Vendors.
Once you have secured the date and location, it is crucial to swiftly arrange essential vendors such as the photographer, videographer, florist, entertainment, and cake baker. These wedding vendors often have busy schedules, so it is wise to act quickly and secure your preferred choices in advance.
5 Months To Go…
Say Yes to The Dress.
How quickly you need your dress will vary based on whether you want something off-the-rack or made-to-order. But remember, if you go for a custom-made dress, there might be an extra fee to ensure it is ready on time. It is also advisable to allocate some extra time for any potential last-minute alterations you may require.
Choose Your Wedding Party.
Once you have decided on the family members or friends you want standing with you at the altar, make sure to ask them if they’re willing to take on that role ahead of time. Keep in mind that you might also need to arrange their wedding attire. Although it won’t take as much time as the bride’s dress, it is a good idea to take care of all the details early on.
Send Your Save-the-Date Cards.
Save-the-date cards are optional, but many people like to send them while they are still sorting out the details of their wedding. It’s a way to give your guests a heads-up to “save the date” and keep an eye out for the official invitation. That way, they will have enough time to make the necessary arrangements and decide if they will be able to make it.
4 Months To Go…
Book Other Vendors.
You’ve already got the important ones covered, but keep in mind there are additional vendors to think about, such as hairstylists and makeup artists.
Order Your Wedding Rings.
The rings hold significant importance during the wedding ceremony and are something you will probably be wearing all the time; it’s wise to steer clear of any last-minute rush or hasty decisions. The delivery time for the rings can also stretch up to 90 days, so it is crucial to order them at least four months prior to the big day.
Plan Your Rehearsal Dinner.
Make sure to give some thought to your rehearsal dinner too! It’s important to book the venue well in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.
3 Months To Go…
Do Your Cake and Menu Tastings.
Meet with your caterer and baker to try out different food choices for your wedding. Treat these tastings like a fun date with your soon-to-be spouse and have a great time! If you’re a foodie, this can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of planning your wedding.
Send Out Your Invitations.
By now, your invitations should be printed and ready to be sent to your guests. Make sure to send them out with an RSVP deadline of around two to three weeks before the wedding.
Plan Your Honeymoon.
Pick a destination and start booking your flights and accommodation to ensure a well-deserved break after your wedding. Mabalingwe Nature Reserve provides a range of accommodation options for private getaway. The Team will also assist in adding a touch of romance to your stay!
2 Months To Go…
It’s Time To Party.
Enjoy your pre-wedding celebrations with your favourite people at a bridal shower or a bachelor/bachelorette party. Your wedding party usually takes care of organising these events, so you can simply sit back and enjoy yourself.
Do a Hair and Make-up Trial.
Avoid any unexpected surprises on your wedding day! Take the time to schedule a hair and make-up trial to ensure that your hairdresser and make-up know what your vision for the day is.
Buy Gifts For Your Wedding Party.
Your wedding party will be there for you every step of the way during the wedding preparations, so it is always a kind gesture to get them some gifts to express your gratitude. The bachelor and bachelorette parties are the perfect occasion to hand these gifts out.
1 Month To Go…
Confirm Final Details.
Communicate with your vendors and your wedding party and make sure to confirm all the details and ensure everyone is on the same page
Finalise Your Seating Chart.
At this stage, you should have received all your RSVPs. Now, it’s time to finalise the seating arrangement for your reception and decide where everyone will be seated.
Create A Timeline for the Day.
To ensure a seamless wedding day, it is important to have a timeline in place. Map out your whole day, down to the minute, and let your vendors and wedding party know what’s happening and when. This way, everyone stays on track and things run like a well-oiled machine.
The Wedding Day!
Congratulations! You pulled it off. You managed to organise your whole wedding in just six months. Your dedication is about to bear fruit, so pause for a moment, catch your breath, and enjoy the remaining days of your engagement.
We get it, there’s a lot of information to take in at once, so we have put a lot of effort into creating a printable six-month wedding checklist just for you. It’s designed to make things easier and help keep you on track. Feel free to contact our Team at contactus@mabalingwe.com or +27 (0) 14 001 7011 to assist you in creating an unforgettable experience that your guests will mull over for years to come!