Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with the right timeline and tools, it doesn't have to be. Whether you're dreaming of a beachside ceremony in Byron Bay or an elegant reception in Melbourne, staying organised is the key to enjoying your engagement journey. This comprehensive wedding planning guide will walk you through every step, from the moment you say "yes" to your first dance as newlyweds.
12+ Months Before: Laying the Foundation
Celebrate Your Engagement
Before diving into planning mode, take time to savour this special moment. Share your news with loved ones and enjoy being newly engaged.
Set Your Wedding Budget
Determine how much you can realistically spend and who will contribute. The average Australian wedding costs between $20,000-$50,000, but your budget should reflect your priorities and financial situation. Create a detailed breakdown of expenses including venue, catering, photography, attire, and decorations. Our wedding planner book will help immensely with this task, and many others, as it comes with a free downloadable wedding budget planner.
Create Your Guest List
Draft a preliminary guest list to help determine your venue size and budget requirements. Remember, your guest count will significantly impact your overall costs.
Choose Your Wedding Date and Venue
Research and visit potential venues. Consider the season, weather patterns in your chosen location, and any significant dates to avoid. Popular Australian wedding venues book up 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season (September-May).
9-12 Months Before: Building Your Team
Book Your Key Vendors
Secure your must-have vendors: photographer, videographer, and caterer. These professionals often book out well in advance, especially for weekend dates.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Ask your closest friends and family to stand by your side. Be mindful of the responsibilities you're asking them to take on.
Start Dress Shopping
Begin browsing bridal boutiques and trying on dresses. Custom or made-to-order gowns can take 6-9 months to arrive, plus alterations time.
Engagement Photos
Schedule an engagement shoot with your photographer. These photos are perfect for save-the-dates and getting comfortable in front of the camera.
6-9 Months Before: The Details Take Shape
Send Save-the-Dates
Especially important for destination weddings or if you have many out-of-town guests. This gives everyone time to make travel arrangements.
Book Remaining Vendors
Finalise your florist, entertainment (DJ or band), hair and makeup artists, and transportation. Don't forget about ceremony musicians if you're planning live music.
Plan Your Honeymoon
Research destinations, check passport validity, and start making bookings. Consider creating a honeymoon registry if you prefer experiences over physical gifts.
Register for Gifts
Set up your wedding registry at your chosen stores or online platforms. Include a range of price points to suit all budgets.
4-6 Months Before: Finalising the Vision
Order Your Invitations
Finalise your invitation design and place your order. Remember to order extras for keepsakes and last-minute additions.
Plan Your Ceremony
Meet with your celebrant to discuss ceremony structure, vows, readings, and any special rituals you'd like to include.
Organise Accommodation
Book room blocks at nearby hotels for out-of-town guests. Negotiate group rates when possible.
Schedule Dress Fittings
Begin alterations for your wedding dress and organise attire for your wedding party.
Consider a Complete Planning Package
If you're feeling overwhelmed with all the moving pieces, the Ultimate wedding planning bundle can provide you with all the tools you need, from budget trackers to vendor checklists and timeline templates, and keepsakes to treasure forever.
2-4 Months Before: The Home Stretch
Send Invitations
Mail your invitations 8-12 weeks before the wedding. Include RSVP cards with a deadline 3-4 weeks before your wedding date.
Finalise Menu and Cake
Attend tastings and confirm your final menu selections and wedding cake design with your caterer and baker.
Apply for Marriage License
In Australia, you must give your celebrant a completed Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before your wedding. Don't leave this to the last minute!
Organise Wedding Rings
Purchase your wedding bands, allowing time for engraving and resizing if needed.
Plan Pre-Wedding Events
Coordinate with your wedding party for engagement parties, kitchen teas, hens and bucks parties.
Final 8 Weeks: Bringing It All Together
Confirm Final Guest Count
Chase any outstanding RSVPs and provide final numbers to your caterer and venue.
Create Seating Chart
Arrange your guests thoughtfully, considering relationships and dynamics. Use your venue's floor plan to visualise the layout.
Write Your Vows and Speeches
If you're writing personal vows, start drafting them now. Grooms and other speakers should also begin preparing their speeches.
Finalise Timeline
Create a detailed day-of timeline and share it with all vendors, your wedding party, and key family members.
Prepare Welcome Bags
If you have out-of-town guests, assemble welcome bags with local treats, maps, and your wedding weekend itinerary.
Final 4 Weeks: The Countdown
Final Vendor Confirmations
Touch base with every vendor to confirm arrival times, final details, and payment schedules.
Break In Your Shoes
Wear your wedding shoes around the house to ensure they're comfortable for your big day.
Final Dress Fitting
Complete your last fitting and arrange for dress pickup or delivery.
Prepare Guest Book and Favours
Set up your personalised wedding guest book and assemble any wedding favours you're giving to guests.
Beauty Preparations
Get your final haircut, attend any beauty treatments, and have your hair and makeup trial.
Final Week: Last-Minute Details
Pack for Honeymoon
Start packing and confirm all travel arrangements and accommodation bookings.
Rehearsal and Dinner
Hold your ceremony rehearsal and enjoy a relaxed dinner with your wedding party and close family.
Prepare Payments and Tips
Organise final vendor payments and gratuities in labeled envelopes. Assign a trusted person to distribute them on the day.
Self-Care
Prioritise sleep, stay hydrated, and try to relax. Consider a massage or other stress-relief activity.
Emergency Kit
Prepare a wedding day emergency kit with safety pins, stain remover, pain relievers, tissues, and touch-up makeup.
Wedding Day: Enjoy Every Moment
This is the day you've been planning for! Trust your vendors, lean on your wedding party, and focus on celebrating your love. Remember, small hiccups are normal and won't matter in the grand scheme of your beautiful day.
Morning Preparations
Eat a good breakfast, stay hydrated, and allow plenty of time for hair and makeup. Enjoy getting ready with your wedding party.
Stay Present
Take moments throughout the day to pause and soak it all in. These memories will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Wedding planning is a journey, and while it requires organisation and attention to detail, it should also be enjoyable. Using the Little White Book as your central planning hub will help you stay on track while reducing stress. Remember, the most important thing is celebrating your commitment to each other—everything else is just beautiful details.
Start your planning journey organised and confident. With the right tools and this comprehensive timeline, you'll be able to enjoy every step of the process from engagement to "I do."