The Ultimate Australian Wedding Planning Timeline

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with the right timeline, you can enjoy the journey without the stress. Here's your complete month-by-month guide to planning an Australian wedding.

12+ Months Before

The early stages are all about the big decisions and securing popular vendors.

• Set your budget — Have an honest conversation about what you can afford. The average Australian wedding costs around $36,000, but yours can be whatever works for you.
• Choose your date — Consider the season, day of the week, and any significant dates. Saturday weddings in spring (September-November) are most popular in Australia.
• Book your venue — Popular venues book 12-18 months in advance. Visit at least 3-5 venues before deciding.
• Start your guest list — A rough headcount helps with venue selection and budgeting.
• Book your photographer and videographer — Great ones book up fast!

9-12 Months Before

Time to lock in your wedding party and key vendors.

• Choose your wedding party — Ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers.
• Book your celebrant — In Australia, you need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage at least 1 month before (but no more than 18 months).
• Book your caterer — If your venue doesn't include catering.
• Start dress shopping — Wedding dresses can take 4-6 months to arrive, plus alterations.
• Send save-the-dates — Especially important for destination weddings or if many guests are travelling.

6-9 Months Before

The details start coming together.

• Book remaining vendors — Florist, DJ/band, cake maker, hair and makeup artists.
• Choose bridesmaids dresses — Allow time for ordering and alterations.
• Book accommodation — For yourselves and reserve room blocks for guests if needed.
• Plan your honeymoon — Book flights and accommodation for the best deals.
• Create your wedding website — Hitched makes this easy with beautiful templates!

3-6 Months Before

Things are getting real! Time for the finer details.

• Send invitations — Give guests 6-8 weeks to RSVP.
• Order wedding rings — Allow time for sizing and engraving.
• Plan your ceremony — Meet with your celebrant to discuss readings, vows, and the order of service.
• Organise suits — Whether buying or hiring, get fitted now.
• Book wedding transport — Car, kombi, boat — whatever fits your style.
• Create your gift registry — Or set up a wishing well/honeymoon fund.

1-3 Months Before

The countdown is on!

• Final dress fitting — Schedule 2-3 weeks before the wedding.
• Confirm all vendors — Reconfirm dates, times, and final details.
• Create your seating chart — Once RSVPs are in.
• Get your marriage licence — Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage if you haven't already.
• Hair and makeup trial — Test your wedding day look.
• Write your vows — If you're writing personal vows.
• Plan your rehearsal dinner — Usually the night before.

The Final Week

Almost there! Focus on self-care and final preparations.

• Confirm final guest count — Provide final numbers to your caterer and venue.
• Break in your shoes — Wear them around the house.
• Pack for the honeymoon — One less thing to worry about after the wedding.
• Prepare vendor payments — Organise final payments and tips.
• Wedding rehearsal — Run through the ceremony with your wedding party.
• Relax! — Get plenty of sleep and enjoy the anticipation.

On the Day

You've done all the planning — now it's time to enjoy every moment.

• Eat a good breakfast
• Stay hydrated
• Trust your vendors — they've got this
• Take mental snapshots throughout the day
• Most importantly: have fun and marry the love of your life!