Planning a wedding without a timeline is like driving without GPS. You'll eventually get there, but you'll take a lot of wrong turns. This checklist breaks everything down month by month so you know exactly what to tackle and when.

Most Australian couples plan for 12 to 18 months. If you've got less time, just compress the early stages and prioritise the big bookings first.

12+ Months Out

This is the foundation stage. Get these right and everything else flows.

  • Set your wedding budget and agree on non-negotiables
  • Decide on a rough guest count (this drives almost every other decision)
  • Choose your wedding date or a shortlist of preferred dates
  • Research and book your venue (popular spots book 12 to 18 months ahead)
  • Start looking at celebrants and book one you connect with
  • Take out wedding insurance

10 to 12 Months Out

Vendors start filling up fast at this point, especially photographers and caterers.

  • Book your photographer and videographer
  • Book catering if it's separate from the venue
  • Start dress shopping (custom gowns need 6 to 9 months)
  • Choose your bridal party
  • Send save-the-dates
  • Research entertainment options and book your DJ or band

8 to 10 Months Out

  • Book your florist
  • Organise hair and makeup trials
  • Start planning your ceremony structure with your celebrant
  • Book transport
  • Research accommodation options for interstate guests
  • Begin planning your honeymoon

6 to 8 Months Out

The middle stretch. Most of the big decisions are locked in and you're refining details.

  • Order your wedding cake
  • Finalise and send formal invitations
  • Plan the rehearsal dinner
  • Book wedding night accommodation
  • Start suit or formalwear shopping
  • Register for gifts or set up a wishing well

4 to 6 Months Out

  • Finalise ceremony readings, vows, and music
  • Confirm all vendor contracts and deposits
  • Order wedding favours if you're doing them
  • Plan the seating arrangement (first draft)
  • Organise the hens and bucks parties
  • Get dress fittings underway

2 to 4 Months Out

  • Chase RSVPs from anyone who hasn't responded
  • Finalise the seating plan
  • Confirm final numbers with your venue and caterer
  • Apply for your marriage licence (required at least one month before in most states)
  • Write speeches or brief your speakers
  • Break in your wedding shoes

1 Month Out

  • Confirm every vendor booking with times, addresses, and contact details
  • Do a final dress fitting
  • Create a detailed run sheet for the day
  • Delegate tasks to your bridal party and a day-of coordinator
  • Prepare any payments due on the day
  • Finalise your honeymoon bookings

The Week Before

  • Rehearsal at the venue
  • Pack for the honeymoon
  • Prepare tips and thank-you cards for vendors
  • Charge all devices, check camera batteries
  • Hand the run sheet to your coordinator or best man/maid of honour
  • Try to actually relax. You've done the work.

Tips to Stay on Track

Use a shared spreadsheet or planning app so both of you can see progress. Set fortnightly check-ins to review the list together. And don't try to do everything at once. The whole point of planning step by step is to spread the load.

If you haven't sorted your venue yet, start with our guide on how to choose a wedding venue. And for a clear picture of what everything costs, check our full cost breakdown.