How to plan a wedding in 6 months, or 3

What cannot be compressed

• Made-to-order attire. Orders can take months, so shop first or buy off the rack.
• Your county's marriage license rules. Waiting periods are set by law.
• Vendor availability. Popular dates are gone early, so flexibility on the date helps more than anything.
• Ring sizing and engraving, which can take a few weeks.

With six months

• Month 6: date, budget, guest list and venue, then photographer, officiant, florist, music and baker straight after. Send save-the-dates at once.
• Month 5: wedding party attire, hair and makeup, transportation, rentals, invitation design.
• Month 4: rings and the rehearsal dinner.
• Month 3: tastings, beauty trial, honeymoon.
• Month 2: invitations out about six weeks before.
• Month 1: marriage license, vendor confirmations, seating chart and day-of timeline.

With three months

• Keep the guest list small.
• Consider a day other than Saturday.
• Choose an all-inclusive venue, or a restaurant's private room.
• Skip save-the-dates. Go straight to invitations with online RSVPs.
• Skip or shrink the pre-wedding parties.

With a month or less

Start with the legal side: your county's waiting period, how to apply and whether you need an appointment. City hall ceremonies are usually held on weekdays with an officiant provided. Invite people directly and book a restaurant.