1. BUDGET

This is number 1 because it simply just matters.

Create a spreadsheet with these columns:

CATEGORY, DESCRIPTION, ESTIMATED COST, ACTUAL COST

Start populating Category with:

Ceremony Items, Reception Items, Decorations, Food & Beverage, Entertainment, Assistance, Memories, Bridal Party

Start populating Description with:

Reception tables, reception chairs, chacuterie board, cake, mains, dessert, red wines, champagne, beers, DJ, celebrant, photographer, videographer, wedding dress, wedding suit, bridesmaid dresses, makeup, hairdos, bouquet flowers, buttonholes, arbour flowers, reception flowers, cake flowers, welcome board flowers, confetti flowers, welcome board, seating chart, invitations, bombonierres, candles.

Start populating Estimated Cost with:

Realistic costs for each item. You can guestimate these costs by doing some light research on google or simply attaining one quote. E.g. Attain one quote for the amount of flowers you want at your wedding.

This will take a bit of research and quotes from vendors you like and want to work with.

Honestly, be realistic with your numbers but you don't have to estimate to the dollar initially. The goal is to estimate your main costs and get an estimated total cost.

Populate Actual Cost: Put these values in your spreadsheet when you actually lock in your vendor and know the actual cost of the item.

Highlight 5 description items you value the most and least likely to compromise on.

Once you have started the spreadsheet template, look at the next steps and populate the spreadsheet as you move through the items.

2. NUMBER OF GUESTS & GUEST LIST

As a rule of thumb, 80% of the guests you invite will show up. Of course, you want the venue to be able to cater for slightly more if you get 100% attendance! Let's just say 100% attendance rate is rare.

Between the two of you, start to build a guest list. If you have a budget, include this in your estimated costs and if budget is a high priority, you may need to consider restricting numbers.

3. VENUE SELECTION

Find a venue that can cater for the number of guests you are inviting. Don't forget to include yourselves in the count!

Do site visits where possible and do several quotes on your favourite venues.

Consider the weather and have back up for rainy situations, especially over Winter. Ask the venue if backup options are available (which may add to cost) !

4. FOOD & BEVERAGES

For Australia, I would assign $200/guest for Food & Beverages. These are my estimations so don't take them for granted completely. Do some initial research and come up with your own.

Find 3 caterers you like and get quotes before finalising. Some may do tastings.

For beverages, some venues have beverage packages for you to select. Some venues allow BYO which is often much cheaper. It just takes more effort for you to source the beverages which could be heaps of fun too!

5. THEMING

What is your theme? Summery, garden, boho, rustic, classic or sophisticated, eclectic?

What are your colours?

6. INVITATIONS

E-invitations are amazing. They fit in a lot more information. It does take you a day to think about the details and create this. Best of all- it's free and you can track attendance at any time by logging onto the website:

www.withjoy.com

You may choose to do paper invitations exclusively or in addition to the e-invitations. Canva is a great place to do DIY invites.

7. WEDDING DRESS

Chances are you might not find your perfect dress on your first session, but you might. Go alone or go with a friend, mum or relative - it is entirely your call.

8. BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Do you have to pay for your bridesmaid dresses? No - don't feel obliged to, but if you do choose to ask them to pay, it would be nice to let them know when you ask them to be your bridesmaid. Be clear on the bridesmaid cost expense - it can be a cost range.

9. GROOMSMEN ATTIRE

Match the bridesmaids. Recommend them to all look consistent. The groom should have an extra touch and stand out!

10. FLOWERS

Troll through instagram and get quotes for your favourite florists in your area. Some florists are willing to travel but often with a travel fee incurred. Don't forget to add that to your budget!

11. MAKE UP AND HAIRDOS

Highly recommend doing a make up trial and a hairdo trial before your big day. Book in early- these guys are always fully booked way in advance.

Consider including or not including your bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom for make up and hairdos. Provide clarity on who is paying. If you are paying, add it to the budget.

Schedule in a haircut/colour maintenance about 1 week before the big day if this is something you want.

Schedule in a nails maintenance session 2 days before your big day, unless you are travelling.

12. CAKE

There are so many options. Semi-naked cakes are incredibly popular. If you don't like them, there are so many more options. I definitely recommend Instagram for cake vendors.

13. CELEBRANT

Some celebrants do rehearsals and some don't. This is something you might want to ask your potential celebrants, especially if you have a preference.

14. DJ

DJs sometimes help with MC activities. Query this service if this is something you need help with.

15. OTHER ENTERTAINMENT

Singers? Dancers? Photobooth and props?

16. RUNSHEET

Ceremony in the morning and reception at night? or a later ceremony start and reception into the night?

17. DECORATIONS

Candles, guest book, pens, stickers, linen or cheesecloths, wishing well, champagne towers

18. DAY COORDINATION

We don't do day coordination but are happy to recommend or suggest options. Some venues offer a day coordinator as part of the package so don't forget to ask!

If you have an organised friend who can help, you can put together a list of activities for them to complete on the day.

19. COORDINATION

We highly recommend a wedding planner or a wedding co-ordinator for your big day.

Chat to us for recommendations.