Checklist Starter — Australia
A practical, timeline-based starter checklist for couples planning a wedding in Australia — venues, vendors, budgeting, and key milestones.
Region tips: adapt seasons (AEST/AEDT) and local supplier lead times.
How to use this starter checklist
Start with a 12–18 month view if you have a big guest list or destination elements; 3–6 months can suffice for intimate elopements. Use sections below to quickly map dates and responsibilities.
- Prioritise venue and key vendor availability first.
- Create a simple budget split (venue, food, photos, attire, florist, extras).
- Assign tasks to a friend or member of the bridal party.
Quick checklist (starter)
| When | Task | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 12+ months | Choose venue & hold date | Secure date first — peak weekends book early in metro areas. |
| 9–12 months | Lock key vendors: photographer, caterer, celebrant | Ask for Australian references and clear cancellation terms. |
| 6–9 months | Wedding attire & registry, save-the-dates | Allow fittings and shipping time for specialty items. |
| 3–6 months | Final guest list & seating, florist details | Confirm arrivals and dietary requirements. |
| 0–3 months | Final confirmations, rehearsal, marriage license | Check local registry rules; some states require notice periods. |
Timeline planner (example)
12 months sample timeline
- Book venue & celebrant
- Engage photographer and caterer
- Start guest list & theme
Venues & vendors — selection prompts
Venue checklist
Capacity, wet weather plan, noise restrictions, accessibility, preferred suppliers list.
Vendor questions
Cancellation policy, travel fees, GST treatment, sample contract and insurance details.
Styling & florals
Seasonal blooms, venue-specific setups, delivery and pack-down times.
Budget starter — simple split
A straightforward allocation to begin with:
- Venue & catering: 40–50%
- Photography & video: 10–15%
- Attire & hair/makeup: 8–12%
- Florals & styling: 8–12%
- Entertainment & extras: 5–8%
Adjust percentages to reflect priorities (e.g. food-first or photo-first).
Build a small contingency fund (5%) for last-minute updates.
Resources & downloads
Venue walkthrough checklist
Checklist to use during site visits to capture decisions and measurements.