Planning a wedding is exciting. It can also feel big when you are not sure where to begin. This step-by-step outline shows what to do first, who to book, and how to stay organised from now until your wedding day.
The Wedding Planning Steps
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Secure your venue and date
Your venue sets capacity, flow, and styling. Once the date is booked you can sequence everything else with confidence.
Tip: If your dream venue is tight on Saturdays consider Friday or Sunday. You keep quality and gain availability.
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Set a clear budget with a small buffer
Agree on a total figure then rank what matters most to you both such as food, music, or florals. Add a 10% buffer for contingencies.
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Build your core vendor team
Book suppliers who affect experience and schedule first. In Perth these book out quickly.
- Photographer and videographer
- Celebrant
- Catering or venue package
- Entertainment
- Florist and décor hire
Shortcut: Ask your venue for suppliers who know the space well which reduces risk and saves time.
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Create a cohesive design direction
Choose a palette and style reference so every decision supports one look. Think ceremony backdrop, tablescape, lighting, and signage. Keep a simple mood board so choices stay consistent.
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Plan the guest journey
Send Save the Dates or invitations as early as possible especially for travel. Consider transport, accessibility, and accommodation blocks.
- Invitations out 3–4 months prior where possible
- Collect dietary needs and song requests in one form
- Allocate ushers for seating and way finding
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Build a clean timeline
Map the day from hair and makeup to last song. Include arrival times, photo blocks, and speeches. Share it with all vendors so timing is aligned.
Coordinator’s note: A simple one-page run sheet prevents stress. Vendors work better when call times are clear.
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Confirm details and payments
In the final month confirm headcount, floor plan, song lists, and delivery windows. Re-check contracts, balances, and bump-in rules with the venue.
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Prepare your essentials
- Emergency kit with fashion tape, a small sewing kit, blotting papers, and pain relief
- Box for cards and gifts
- Printed copies of vows, readings, and the run sheet
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Enjoy wedding week
Delegate simple tasks. Confirm who holds the rings, licence, and final payments. Schedule buffers around key moments so you feel present.
If it starts to feel overwhelming bring in a wedding planner or on-the-day coordinator to manage logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Short-lead timeline example
For couples four months out this simple structure keeps momentum.
- Week 1–2: Confirm budget and guest list. Lock photographer, celebrant, entertainment, and florist.
- Week 3–4: Invitations and website live. Draft mood board and rental list.
- Month 2: Menu and beverage choices. Book transport and accommodation blocks.
- Month 3: Finalise floor plan and run sheet. Confirm music and ceremony details.
- Month 4: RSVPs closed and numbers to venue. Final payments. Pack emergency kit.
Frequently asked questions
Can we plan a quality wedding in four months?
Yes. Focus on core vendors, make quick decisions, and keep a clean run sheet. Many Perth weddings are planned inside this window with beautiful results.
When should we send invitations in Australia?
Three to four months is ideal. For destination or long-weekend dates give extra notice.
Do we need a wedding planner?
No, although a planner or coordinator removes stress and protects the schedule. If you feel stretched, bringing in support can be the difference between busy and calm.
Helpful links
Use this guide freely. If you would like a copy-and-paste checklist I can share a one-page version that fits on the fridge.