While the majority of engagements last anywhere from 6 to 15 months, there are some couples who would rather eliminate the drawn out stress of planning their big day and instead opt to have their wedding in less than 6 months from the time they get engaged. While this may be initially more stressful to the parents of the bride and groom, having a short engagement can actually save quite a bit of money, and now there's also a great new website (weddinginweeks.com) to help couples search for reduced pricing for short-term wedding plans. If you are planning a wedding in six months or less, here are some tips to make the most of the short planning period.

Shop Around for Deals on Venues

While you may have to make your venue and vendor decisions much quicker than the average couple, you can also save yourself a substantial chunk of change. Most venues offer a significant discount for weddings booked 6 months out or less; whether it is a waived rental fee, a reduced minimum, or an added incentive like a champagne toast, your venue is looking to book every open date and is most likely going to be very flexible. Make sure you are also flexible on your date, since the most popular dates will already be booked. If you're looking for a website that will show you several different venue options and prices in an easy-to-compare grid, check out: weddinginweeks.com.

Ask Your Venue for Vendor Referrals

Most likely your venue contact has a referral list of trusted vendors that they like to work with, including florists, officiants, photographers, etc. Contact these first, as it automatically saves you time searching the internet, hoping to find someone that “might be good.” The venue may even know of specials those vendors are running, since they work together frequently. This not only saves you time, but money.

Get Those Invites in the Mail

With 6 months or less to go, there is no sense in sending out Save-the-Dates to your guests (unless you do an electronic version). Save yourself the stress and extra cash by choosing your invitations as soon as you book the date and getting them in the mail. Make sure you provide hotel recommendations to your guests with the invites, since they’ll most likely be making reservations shortly after the invitations arrive.

Find Your Dress

If you don’t already have your dress, make sure you get to a shop where you can have your alterations done quickly. Depending on the shop and the dress, alterations can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so you’ll definitely want to make that a priority. Even better, find a sample dress, which is usually marked down from the custom gowns!

The most important part of this short-term planning period is PRIORITIZING! As long as you are able to focus on the things that will mean the most to you on your big day (food, music, flowers, etc.), your level of stress and panic should be low. Organization and focus are keys to a successful wedding—no matter how far down the road! So start planning your wedding today, and head to weddinginweeks.com to check out some amazing deals!