6-Month Check-in: Where should you be?
Before diving into the 6-month tasks, check that these elements are in place:
| Item | Expected status at 6 months out | If not done |
|---|---|---|
| Venue | Booked, deposit paid | URGENT: book this week |
| Caterer | Booked, menu under discussion | URGENT: get 3 quotes immediately |
| Photographer | Booked | Priority: good professionals get booked up |
| DJ / Musicians | Booked | Important: book within 2 weeks |
| Wedding rings | Ordered | To do: 2-3 month lead time |
| Dress | Chosen, on order or purchased | To do: urgent fittings |
Invitations and Stationery (6 to 4 months out)
Invitations
- Order invitations now for sending 4 months before the wedding (3 to 4 months before the wedding). Plan for 10% extra copies.
- Include: date, venue, times, practical information, RSVP deadline (set for 6 weeks before), dress code if necessary.
- Budget: 200 to 600 euros (online printing 0.50 to 1.50 euros per piece for 80 to 100 copies + shipping).
Wedding Day Stationery (to be ordered 4 months out)
- Menus (1 per table or 1 per guest)
- Seating chart (A1 print or creative display)
- Place cards
- Ceremony booklet (for civil or religious ceremony)
- Welcome sign
Outfits and Accessories
The wedding dress
- First alteration fitting if the dress has arrived. Plan for 2 to 3 alteration sessions over 2 months.
- Buy accessories: shoes (wear them at home to "break them in"), jewelry, veil or hair accessory, appropriate lingerie.
- Accessory budget: 150 to 400 euros.
The groom's suit
- Purchase or order if not done (alteration lead time: 2 to 4 weeks).
- Accessories: tie/bow tie, cufflinks, pocket square, shoes.
Finalize the menu and drinks
- Caterer tasting: Organize now if not yet done. Taste the planned menu + wines.
- Validate the final menu: Number of courses, dish choices, special diet alternatives.
- Order drinks: If purchasing directly, order wine and sparkling wine/champagne now (delivery 2 to 4 weeks).
- Check quantities: 1/2 bottle of wine per person for the meal, 1/3 bottle of sparkling wine/champagne per person.
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Discover Nupty - 89 EURPrepare the ceremony
- Civil ceremony: Make an appointment at the town hall, prepare the file (ID, birth certificate, witnesses).
- Religious ceremony: Follow up on preparation with the priest/pastor/imam. Choose texts and music.
- Secular ceremony: Write vows, choose readings, validate the flow with the officiant. Plan a rehearsal 1 week before.
Decorations and flowers
- Appointment with the florist: Finalize the bouquet, centerpieces, arch, boutonnières.
- Buy DIY elements: Candles, vases, fairy lights, table runners, ribbons.
- Order rentals: Furniture, lighting, arch, photo booth (if renting).
- Prepare a decor timeline: When to buy what, when to assemble, when to install at the venue.
Logistics and organization
- Book hairdresser and makeup artist: Schedule a trial 2 months before.
- Organize transportation: Guest shuttle, wedding car, carpooling.
- Prepare playlist with DJ: List of desired songs + forbidden songs.
- Buy witness gifts: A personalized thank-you gesture.
- Organize bachelor/bachelorette party: Generally 1 to 2 months before the wedding, organized by the witnesses.
Mistakes at 6 months out
1. Sending invitations too late
If invitations go out 2 months before instead of 4 months before, your guests will have already filled their calendars. Guaranteed attendance rate: -10 to -15%. Respect the deadline.
2. Postponing dress fittings
Alterations take 2 to 3 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. Postponing until 3 months before risks not having the dress ready on time.
3. Neglecting drinks
Drinks account for 30 to 40% of the caterer budget. Ordering them late means paying full price without time for comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do 6 months before the wedding?
Order and send invitations, caterer tasting, first dress alteration fitting, order drinks, finalize decor, and prepare the ceremony.
When to send invitations?
3 to 4 months before the wedding. Order them 6 months before for sending 4 months before. Plan an RSVP deadline for 6 weeks before.
When to do the hair and makeup trial?
Ideally 2 months before. Book the appointment now. The trial allows you to validate the look and adjust before the big day.
When to order drinks if buying directly?
6 months before to allow time for comparison. Delivery 2 to 4 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place.
Should all vendors be booked at 6 months out?
Yes for the 4 major ones (venue, caterer, photographer, DJ). The florist and hairdresser can still be booked at 6 months, but don't delay any longer.
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Sources: feedback from 500+ couples, Mariages.net 2026 survey