The Wedding Checklist That Actually Reflects How Couples Plan

Most wedding checklists start 18 months out. The reality is, plenty of couples get engaged and married within six months, and they still pull off a great day. What matters isn't when you do things, it's that you do them. This checklist is grouped by category, not timeline, so you can work through it at your own pace and tick things off as they happen.

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Perth Wedding Photographer - Elopement in Perth CityPerth Wedding Photographer - Elopement in Perth City

The Big Decisions First

Get these locked in before anything else. Everything else follows from these.

• Set a rough budget and agree on who is contributing This shapes every other decision, so do it first.
• Choose a date, or at least a rough timeframe Season and day of the week affect venue availability and cost.
• Write a guest list Even a rough number determines what venue size you need.
• Decide on the style and feel of the day Formal sit-down, relaxed outdoor, backyard, winery, beach. Knowing this narrows everything else down quickly.

Venue and Ceremony

• Book your ceremony venue
• Book your reception venue
• Confirm whether the venues are licensed or if you need a permit
• Check what's included and what you need to hire separately Tables, chairs, linens, audio, lighting.
• Book a celebrant Good celebrants fill up fast, especially in the South West.
• Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage with your celebrant Required at least one month before the ceremony in Australia.

Suppliers

Book the suppliers with the least availability first. Photographers, videographers, and popular caterers book out well in advance.

• Book your photographer
• Book a videographer if you want your day filmed
• Book catering or confirm what your venue provides
• Arrange a cake or dessert
• Book a florist
• Book a hair and makeup artist
• Arrange transport for the wedding party if needed
• Book any entertainment, band or DJ
• Look into a photo booth if you want one A popular addition at receptions. Guests love it.

Attire

• Find and order your wedding dress or suit Dresses in particular can take months to arrive and alter.
• Organise bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits
• Sort shoes, accessories, and anything else you're wearing
• Schedule fittings and alterations

The Day Itself

• Plan a rough timeline for the day When does prep start, when does the ceremony begin, what time is dinner. A good timeline keeps everything on track and protects time for photos.
• Confirm all supplier arrival times and logistics
• Arrange accommodation for yourselves and any interstate or out-of-town guests
• Organise a rehearsal if you want one
• Write your vows if you're going personal
• Assign someone to be the point of contact on the day Someone who can handle questions from suppliers so you don't have to.

Admin and Paperwork

• Send invitations with enough notice for guests to arrange travel Save the dates are worth doing early if you have guests coming from interstate.
• Organise RSVPs and finalise guest numbers for catering
• Create a seating plan if you're having one
• Arrange wedding insurance if your venue or budget warrants it
• Plan your honeymoon and book travel if needed

In the Week Before

• Confirm all bookings with every supplier
• Prepare payments or envelopes for suppliers being paid on the day
• Pack an emergency kit Safety pins, stain remover, pain relief, a phone charger, snacks.
• Get a good night's sleep

No list covers everything, and no two weddings are the same. If you're planning a wedding in Bunbury or the South West and want to chat through your day, feel free to get in touch. I'm also happy to share a free wedding day planner to help you map out the timeline once the big decisions are made.