The Complete Australian Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline

Most Australian couples plan their wedding over 12 to 18 months. This timeline keeps everything — including the legal deadlines — on track, whether you're planning a 150-guest celebration or an intimate elopement.

12+ Months Before

Set your budget — Agree on the total and who's contributing before booking anything

Draft the guest list — Guest count drives venue choice and almost every cost

Choose your season and shortlist dates — Stay flexible until the venue is locked

Book your venue — Popular venues book 12–18 months out for peak Saturdays

Book your celebrant — The best ones book almost as far ahead as venues

Start a wedding folder — Quotes, contracts, inspiration, and contact details in one place

9–12 Months Before

Book your photographer and videographer — Top professionals take one wedding per day and sell out fast

Book entertainment — Band, DJ, or ceremony musicians

Start dress shopping — Made-to-order gowns need 6–9 months plus alterations

Research florists and caterers (if not included with your venue)

Book accommodation blocks for out-of-town guests, especially for regional weddings

6–9 Months Before

Send save-the-dates — Earlier (9–12 months) if guests are travelling

Book florist, cake maker, and transport

Choose suits or attire for the wedding party

Plan the honeymoon — Passports valid? Leave booked?

Book hair and makeup artists

3–6 Months Before

Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) — Legally required at least one month before the wedding (and no more than 18 months); do it now with your celebrant and forget the deadline stress

Send invitations — Around 3 months out, with RSVPs due 4–6 weeks before the day

Menu tasting and final catering selections

Hair and makeup trials — Ideally timed with another event so the trial does double duty

Buy wedding rings

Order stationery and signage

1–3 Months Before

Confirm all vendors — Reconfirm times, locations, and final details in writing

Build the run sheet — Ceremony time, photo locations, speeches, first dance, send-off

Finalise the seating chart once RSVPs close

Final dress fittings and suit alterations

Write your vows — Don't leave them for the final week

Chase missing RSVPs (there are always a few)

The Final 2 Weeks

Give final guest numbers to the caterer

Make final vendor payments and prepare any cash tips

Delegate day-of jobs — Someone to wrangle vendors, someone for the rings, someone for emergencies

Pack an emergency kit — Sewing kit, stain remover, pain relief, phone chargers

Get some sleep — Seriously

On the Day

Hand your phone and the run sheet to your delegated wrangler, and enjoy every minute. You've earned it.

Find Every Vendor in One Place

Browse verified Australian wedding vendors with real photos and reviews, and tick the big bookings off your list early.

Browse Wedding Vendors →

---

Last updated: June 2026