Six months. That’s it. No year-long countdown. No two-summer engagement. Just you, your person, and a shared vision to make it happen—fast. If you’re wedding planning in Grand Forks, North Dakota with a six-month timeline, you’ve got this. With the right plan (and a few local secrets), you’ll be floating down that aisle with confidence.
Let’s break it down month by month.
Month 1: Ground Zero – Lock in the Essentials
Welcome to the deep end. Here’s where you leap.
First Things First
- Pick your date – Season, day of the week, and time of day matter. Saturdays go first, but Fridays and Sundays are great alternatives.
- Book your venue – Fast. Grand Forks faves like the Alerus Center, Gorecki Alumni Center, and The Ember can book out quickly, but with a shorter timeline, you may find off-peak or weekday availability.
- Estimate your guest count – Round numbers are your friend right now. Think: 50, 100, 150.
- Set your budget – Be real with what you can spend. Then build from there.
Then Book Your Dream Team
- Photographer and videographer
- DJ or band
- Caterer (unless your venue includes food)
- Day-of coordinator or planner
Local Tip: Bundle your vendors. Companies like Complete Weddings + Events Grand Forks offer photo, video, DJ, coordination, and photo booth in one package—fewer calls, faster planning.
Month 2: Style + Vendors + Vibes
This is where it starts to get real.
Find Your Style
- Romantic and rustic? Elegant and urban? Minimal and modern?
- Pinterest is your playground, but keep it realistic. You’ve got six months, not sixteen.
Dress the Part
- Brides: Off-the-rack bridal gowns are your best bet. Check David’s Bridal, Your Day by Nicole, or consignment shops in town.
- Grooms: Formalwear shops like Halberstadt’s have quick-turnaround rentals and suits for purchase.
Finalize These Vendors
- Florist
- Hair and makeup
- Officiant
- Rentals (linens, chairs, arches—especially if you’re going DIY or outdoors)
Venue Highlight: If you’re looking for a space that’s flexible and beautiful with little décor needed, check out Eagles Crest Grill at King’s Walk. Great views, helpful staff, and plenty of space.
Month 3: Details, Baby
Now that you’ve booked the big stuff, it’s time to zoom in.
Order the Following
- Invitations (or send digital invites to save time)
- Wedding rings
- Décor and signage
- Favors (optional—don’t overthink it)
Plan the Day
- Create a rough timeline (your vendors can help with this)
- Finalize ceremony order and music
- Build a must-have photo list
- Start thinking about speeches and who will be giving them
Hot Tip: Don’t waste energy trying to make it perfect. Make it you. Your guests will remember the love, not the napkin color.
Month 4: Marriage License & Guest Vibes
By now, you’ve got a strong foundation. Time to build on it.
To-Do List
- Apply for your North Dakota marriage license (must be done within 60 days of the wedding)
- Send invites (if mailing) or follow up with e-invites
- Schedule your hair/makeup trial
- Confirm playlists and “do not play” songs with your DJ
- Shop for accessories, shoes, and any last-minute attire needs
Local DJ Tip: Your DJ will help shape the entire reception vibe. Ask if they offer ceremony audio too—outdoor weddings at places like Turtle River State Park need mic support!
Month 5: Crunch Time + Final Touches
One month out! Time to start wrapping it all up.
Confirm Everything
- Touch base with all vendors
- Finalize headcount
- Share your timeline with your team and vendors
- Organize seating chart
- Purchase gifts for your wedding party
- Write your vows (if personal)
Bonus Tip: Schedule a mini engagement shoot if your package includes one. A great way to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day—and snag a few last-minute save-the-dates or website pics.
Month 6: Game On
It’s here. Breathe deep. You did the thing.
The Final Week
- Pick up attire
- Pack your day-of bag (don’t forget snacks, deodorant, band-aids, backup shoes)
- Reconfirm arrival times with all vendors
- Drop décor at venue
- Rehearse the ceremony and eat dinner with your people
- Soak it all in
Final Words: This day isn’t about checking every box. It’s about celebrating your love. The smiles. The surprises. The shaky hands before walking down the aisle. Trust your team. Let it unfold.
Post-Wedding Checklist
Just a few more things (after the champagne, of course):
- Send thank-you notes
- Leave reviews for your vendors (they’ll love you for it)
- Share your highlight video and photos
- Return rentals
- Print a few photos and order an album
Pro Tip: Ask your videographer if they offer quick-turnaround teaser videos to share on social or with guests who couldn’t attend. It’s always worth it.
Can You Plan a Wedding in 6 Months in Grand Forks?
Absolutely.
It’s not about rushing—it’s about focusing. If you lead with your love and let go of “perfect,” you’ll throw a day that’s full of meaning, joy, and celebration. Whether you’re saying “I do” downtown, outdoors, or under a string of backyard lights, Wedding Planning in Grand Forks has the vendors, venues, and heart to pull it off.
So start that checklist. Book that venue. Trust the process. And get ready to throw one heck of a party.
Need Help Getting Started?
At Complete Weddings + Events Grand Forks, we specialize in helping couples pull together amazing weddings—no matter the timeline. Whether you need a photographer, videographer, DJ, coordinator, or photo booth (or all of the above), we’re here to make planning easier and more fun.
Reach out today and let’s start planning your six-month wedding the right way, with less stress and more excitement.