How to Plan A Florida Wedding in Under 6 Months

How to Plan A Florida Beach Wedding in Under 6 Months

Poem of us Photography

Newly engaged and dreaming of your wedding day, but short on time? Whether you’re planning a big celebration or an intimate ceremony, it’s entirely possible to organize the wedding of your dreams in under six months especially when you choose a wedding venue like Dream Bay Resort because we can assist our couples with planning guidance. While a condensed timeline can feel overwhelming, an efficient plan and clear priorities will have you walking down the aisle stress-free. Here's how to make it happen. How to Plan a Wedding in Under 6 Months, Hint Key Largo!

Key Largo Wedding Venue beach ceremony, elopement, ocean view

1. Set Your Priorities

When time is tight, focus on what matters the most to you as a couple. Is it a breathtaking beach wedding in Key Largo? Or maybe a cozy, family-only December elopement? Talk through your non-negotiables so you know where to direct your energy.

Pro Tip:

If you're leaning toward a destination wedding, places like Key Largo offer easy, romantic options, especially for beach elopements. Many venues specialize in quick turnarounds and can help handle the details for you.

Key Largo beach wedding venue bride and groom with tropical wedding flowers at a luxury ceremony

Savannah Michelle Photography

2. Secure Your Venue First

The venue sets the tone for your big day, so book it as soon as possible. Popular wedding spots like Key Largo can accommodate last-minute bookings, especially for smaller ceremonies or weekday weddings. If your heart is set on a Key Largo beach elopement, many venues offer all-inclusive packages tailored to your needs. Dream Bay Resort offers a variety of packages for weddings and events of all shapes and sizes. So, whether you’re looking for an intimate elopement or microwedding, with your closest family and friends, or a larger private gathering, filled with music and dancing, Dream Bay Resort can make your dreams come true! Our waterfront property is one of the most romantic and picturesque venues in the Florida Keys, with open water views and spectacular sunsets!

Don't Forget:

If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, consider the season. For example, December elopements in the Florida Keys mean mild weather, gorgeous sunsets, and fewer crowds. Dream Bay Resort offers 3 beautiful sandy beach locations, a concrete pier, lovely banyan trees, docks, and 5 vacation cottages on the property, including a bridal/honeymoon suite. In total, we can accommodate weddings of up to 200 guests, with 36 guests staying on site.

3. Find Vendors Who Can Accommodate Your Planning Schedule

When time is of the essence, work with experienced vendors who know how to handle a fast-paced wedding timeline. Many planners and photographers, especially those who specialize in destination weddings and beach elopements, are pros at pulling together perfect events on short notice.

  • Wedding Planners: Dream Bay Resort works with some of the best wedding vendors in Florida. We can help you connect with professional, experienced vendors.

  • Photographers: Choosing a photographer with experience with beach weddings or elopements is important. We have a list of recommended photographers we are happy to provide our couples.

  • Florists: Ask about in-season flowers for budget-adjustable and gorgeous arrangements.

  • Catering: Finding a caterer who specializes in beach weddings is essential. We have years of experience working with incredible wedding catering experts. When you visit Dream Bay Resort for a wedding venue tour, we will share more information about our catering recommendations.

Florida Keys wedding venue ceremony on the beach with tropical plants and flowers

Savannah Michelle Photography

4. Get Invitations Out Quickly

With only six months (or fewer) to plan, you’ll need to send invitations ASAP. Digital invites and websites are your best friends for streamlined communication with guests. Platforms like Paperless Post allow you to create stunning e-vites that save time and help you manage RSVPs.

Bonus Tip:

Include all essential info—even for smaller gatherings. Include travel tips for guests, especially if they’re coming to a destination like Key Largo.

5. Streamline Your Attire Choices

While some wedding dresses or suits may need months to order, plenty of ready-to-wear options are available. Many bridal boutiques offer off-the-rack options that can be tailored quickly. For a Key Largo beach wedding, lightweight fabrics and beach-friendly styles are both practical and stunning.

Quick Solutions:

  • Local boutiques or online shops for bridesmaids’ dresses

  • Rent or purchase suits—it’s faster than tailoring a custom tuxedo

  • Comfortable shoes, especially for sandy ceremonies

Sarah Michelle Photography

6. Simplify the Décor

With limited time, take a minimalist approach to décor. Beach weddings or elopements in beautiful locations like Key Largo often need very little embellishment since the setting itself is part of the magic.

Consider:

  • String lights and lanterns for evening ceremonies.

  • A simple floral arch or an elegant arrangement of tropical flowers.

  • Personalized touches like signage or photos that reflect your story as a couple.

7. Make It Legal

Don’t forget the essential paperwork! Research the marriage license requirements for your chosen location. For example, if you elope to Key Largo, Florida requires couples to file for a marriage license in advance (though there’s no waiting period for Florida residents).

8. Stay Organized

With a tight timeline, organization is everything. Consider creating a shared Google Sheet or using a wedding planning app to track tasks, deadlines, and vendor contact information. Break the planning into smaller steps so you can celebrate each milestone (and keep stress at bay).

A Sample Timeline for Weddings in Under 6 Months:

  • Month 1: Book your venue, set a budget, and secure a wedding planner or coordinator.

  • Month 2-3: Lock in vendors (photographer, caterer, florist), finalize your guest list, and send out invitations.

  • Month 4: Shop for attire, choose decorations, and arrange your legal documents.

  • Month 5: Finalize details, plan your ceremony timeline, and schedule fittings.

  • Month 6: Enjoy your big day!

Key Largo, Florida Keys wedding reception on the beach with luxury flowers and sweetheart table

9. Stay Flexible

Planning a wedding in under six months requires some flexibility. You may need to compromise on certain elements, like the exact shade of flowers or a specific date. But by focusing on the bigger picture—a celebration of love—you’ll create a day that’s meaningful and beautiful.

10. Consider a Micro Wedding

If the full-scale wedding planning process feels overwhelming, consider an intimate ceremony or elopement. A Key Largo beach elopement, for example, offers a stunning backdrop with less stress. Plus, couples who choose micro weddings often find they have more time to connect with each other and their guests. Dream Bay Resorts offers traditional weddings, micro weddings and elopements.

Key Largo, Florida Keys beach wedding ceremony, beach elopement

Plan Your Perfect Day—Fast!

Yes, it’s completely possible to plan a wedding in under six months. With efficient strategies and a clear vision, you can turn your tight timeline into a stress-free, unforgettable day. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach elopement in Key Largo or a December ceremony under sparkling lights, you’ve got this.

If you are just beginning the wedding planning or elopement planning process, we would love to invite you and your fiancé to visit Dream Bay Resort for a wedding venue tour or call us for pricing and availability. We host big beautiful weddings, elopements, intimate weddings, micro weddings, weekday weddings and full resort buyouts for the ultimate private wedding experience. For more wedding inspiration find us on Facebook & Instagram. Happy planning, and here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness!

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Darcy Graff Photography

As you plan your wedding, we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue such as ours. You can discover a variety of locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Here's a shout-out to fellow locally-owned wedding venues across the country!

Tanya Cleary