The Only Wedding Planning Checklist You Need

Your step by step guide to planning a beautiful, stress free wedding.

Planning a wedding involves hundreds of decisions, but with a clear plan you'll enjoy the journey just as much as the big day. Use this checklist to stay organised from engagement through to your wedding day.

12–18 Months Before Lay the Foundation

• Celebrate your engagement

• Set your wedding budget

• Create a guest list

• Choose a wedding date

• Book your ceremony and reception venues

• Book your wedding stylist or planner

• Create a inspiration or mood board
  

10–12 Months Before Secure Your Dream Team

• Book your celebrant

• Book your photographer and videographer

• Book entertainment

• Book your florist

• Book decor and furniture hire

• Book hair and makeup

• Choose your bridal party
  

8–10 Months Before Define Your Wedding Style

• Choose your wedding style

• Select your colour palette

• Plan ceremony styling

• Plan reception styling

• Choose your cake

• Arrange your menu tasting

• Start planning your honeymoon
  

6–8 Months Before Refine the Details

• Order invitations

• Purchase wedding rings

• Arrange dress and suit fittings

• Choose ceremony and reception music

• Confirm decor selections
  

4–6 Months Before Bring Everything Together

• Send invitations

• Meet with your stylist

• Meet with your photographer

• Confirm floral designs

• Book beauty treatments

• Start your seating plan
  

2–3 Months Before Validate the Details

• Collect RSVPs

• Finalise guest numbers

• Write your vows

• Complete your seating plan

• Confirm supplier timings

• Advise venue of final guest count
  

1 Month Before The Final Countdown

• Final dress and suit fittings

• Pay outstanding invoices

• Prepare your wedding day timeline

• Pack your emergency kit

• Collect wedding attire
  

Wedding Week Start Soaking it in!

• Confirm supplier arrival times

• Pack your rings and vows

• Attend your rehearsal

• Relax and enjoy the excitement
  

Wedding Day Your Story Begins

• Make sure you eat breakfast!

• Allow extra time for hair and makeup

• Take a quiet moment together after the ceremony

• Eat, celebrate and dance

• Enjoy every moment
  

Wedding Styling Essentials

• Welcome sign

• Seating chart

• Ceremony backdrop

• Aisle runner

• Candles

• Centrepieces

• Table numbers

• Cake table styling

• Guest book

• Wishing well
  

Sahara & Co Events Planning Tips

1. Dont forget to book your dream venue early. Popular Melbourne venues often secure bookings 12–18 months in advance.

2. Invest in the details that create magic. Focus on large statement installments, rather than small design elements. Beautiful lighting, elegant florals and carefully curated styling have the greatest impact on how your wedding feels.

3. Create one cohesive vision. Start your Discovery work early to find what aesthetic you align to and build that into conversations with vendors.

4. Trust your suppliers. Once your plans are in place, allow your professional team to bring your vision to life while you focus on celebrating.