Planning a wedding is one of those life chapters that feels equal parts magical and overwhelming. You’re juggling venues, guest lists, budgets, outfits, food, music and a hundred tiny details you never knew existed until now. It’s exciting, emotional and occasionally chaotic — but with the right approach, it can also be one of the most enjoyable projects you’ll ever take on.
Every couple’s wedding journey looks different. Some people have been dreaming about their big day since childhood, while others only start thinking about it once the ring is on their finger. Some want a huge celebration, others prefer something intimate. No matter your style, the key to planning a wedding is staying organised, making decisions that feel true to you and remembering that the day is ultimately about celebrating your relationship.
Interestingly, many couples find that planning a wedding sparks conversations about the future — family, lifestyle, long‑term goals and what comes next. It’s why some people even look into resources like parenting classes in Sydney early on, not because they’re rushing into parenthood, but because weddings often bring up broader conversations about building a life together.
Below, we’ll walk through the major steps of planning a wedding, along with practical tips to help you stay calm, confident and excited throughout the process.
Start with your vision and priorities
Before you book anything, sit down together and talk about what you want your wedding to feel like. Not what it should look like based on trends or expectations — what it should feel like for you.
Ask yourselves:
- Do we want something big or small
- Indoors or outdoors
- Classic, modern, rustic, coastal or something else entirely
- A formal sit‑down dinner or a relaxed cocktail‑style celebration
- A local wedding or a destination event
Once you have a shared vision, identify your top priorities. For some couples, it’s the venue. For others, it’s photography, food, music or the guest experience. Knowing your priorities helps you allocate your budget and avoid getting distracted by things that don’t matter as much.
Setting a realistic budget
Weddings can be expensive, but they don’t have to spiral out of control. The key is setting a realistic budget early and sticking to it as closely as possible.
Break your budget into categories such as:
- venue
- catering
- photography
- outfits
- flowers
- entertainment
- styling and décor
- stationery
- transport
Then decide which areas you’re willing to invest more in and where you’re happy to save. Some couples splurge on photography and keep décor simple. Others prioritise food and music. There’s no right or wrong — just what feels right for you.
Choosing the right venue
Your venue sets the tone for the entire wedding. It influences your styling, your guest list, your budget and even your outfit choices. When comparing venues, consider:
- capacity
- location
- indoor and outdoor options
- catering packages
- wet‑weather plans
- accessibility for guests
- photo opportunities
Visit venues in person whenever possible. Photos can be deceiving, and the atmosphere of a space is something you can only truly feel when you’re there.
See also: Why Should I Become a Lifeguard?
Building your guest list
The guest list is often one of the trickiest parts of planning a wedding. It affects your budget, your venue options and the overall vibe of the day.
Start by listing everyone you’d ideally like to invite. Then work together to refine it based on your priorities and budget. Remember, it’s your day — you don’t have to invite people out of obligation.
Choosing your wedding suppliers
Your suppliers are the people who bring your wedding to life. This includes:
- photographer
- videographer
- florist
- celebrant
- caterer
- stylist
- hair and makeup artist
- entertainment
When choosing suppliers, look for people whose work you genuinely love and who feel easy to communicate with. A good supplier doesn’t just provide a service — they help guide you, offer ideas and make the planning process smoother.
Styling and personal touches
Wedding styling has become more creative than ever. Couples are moving away from cookie‑cutter décor and embracing personal touches that reflect their story.
This might include:
- custom signage
- meaningful colour palettes
- family traditions
- personalised vows
- unique table settings
- themed photo booths
Even small details can make your wedding feel more “you.”
Planning the ceremony
The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. It’s the moment you officially commit to each other, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Think about:
- the tone you want — romantic, light‑hearted, traditional or modern
- whether you want readings or rituals
- writing your own vows
- music choices
- the structure of the ceremony
A great celebrant will help you craft something meaningful and memorable.
Planning the reception
The reception is where the celebration really begins. When planning your reception, consider:
- the flow of the evening
- seating arrangements
- speeches
- food service style
- entertainment
- dance floor placement
Think about how you want your guests to feel — relaxed, energised, entertained — and design the reception around that.
Adding unique touches to your guest experience
One of the biggest trends in modern weddings is creating a memorable guest experience. Couples are finding creative ways to make their wedding feel fun, personal and unexpected.
This might include:
- interactive food stations
- live entertainment
- custom cocktails
- lawn games
- photo moments
- personalised gifts
Some couples even explore ideas like unique wedding favours in Perth to give guests something thoughtful and memorable to take home. These small touches can make your celebration feel truly special.
Staying organised throughout the process
Wedding planning involves a lot of moving parts, so staying organised is essential. Use a shared digital checklist, a spreadsheet or a wedding planning app to keep track of tasks, payments and deadlines.
Break your planning into stages:
- 12+ months out
- 6–12 months out
- 3–6 months out
- 1–3 months out
- final week
This helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensures nothing gets missed.
Managing stress and expectations
Even the most organised couples experience stress during wedding planning. It’s completely normal. The key is communicating openly with each other, setting boundaries with well‑meaning family members and remembering that perfection isn’t the goal — joy is.
Take breaks from planning when you need to. Go on date nights where wedding talk is off‑limits. Keep perspective: the wedding is one day, but your marriage is the real journey.
Final thoughts on planning a wedding
Planning a wedding is a big task, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to create a day that reflects your relationship, your values and your future together. With clear priorities, thoughtful planning and a focus on what truly matters, you can create a celebration that feels meaningful, joyful and uniquely yours.
