The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist


Your Path to Wedding Perfection


Planning your wedding is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and, yes, a bit of stress. To ensure your special day unfolds flawlessly, we’ve created the ultimate wedding checklist to guide you from "Yes!" to "I do." Featuring tips on selecting wedding venues, capturing magical moments with photos and videos, and more, this guide will make your wedding planning process smooth and enjoyable.


12+ Months Before the Big Day: Lay the Foundation


  • Set Your Budget: Decide how much you want to spend and allocate funds for key services including venue, wedding photography, guest numbers, bridal dress.


  • Hire a Wedding Planner: This is optional and is entirely up to personal preference, but may depend on your budget and your available time.


  • Choose Your Wedding Date: Select a date that resonates with you and aligns with your dream season.


  • Book Your Venue(s): Secure a venue for your ceremony and reception. Whether it’s a waterfront location in Sydney or a vineyard in Brisbane, this decision sets the tone for your day.


  • Consider Bridal Party and Groomsmen: Think carefully about who you want standing by your side, choose those who mean the most to you and can commit to supporting you throughout the journey. Make asking them special with thoughtful touches like personalised gifts, handwritten notes, or a fun group outing to pop the question.


  • Hire a Photographer and Videographer: Choose professionals who can capture the essence of your wedding. Dreamlife specialises in artistic photography and cinematography, perfect for capturing those heartfelt memories.


  • Decide on Your Wedding Theme: Create a mood board to visualise your dream wedding. You can do this for free on Pinterest!


9-12 Months Out: Dive Into Details


  • Browse for Your Wedding Dress: Start your search early to allow time for fittings and adjustments.


  • Finalise Guest List: Begin curating your invitations and note any special accommodations for guests.


  • Secure Entertainment: Book your DJ, band, or other performers to set the mood for the day, aligning with you and your partner’s taste and vision.


  • Order Save-the-Dates: Give your guests plenty of time to plan and prepare.


  • Organise Transport for the Day:  If desired, book reliable transport for you, your partner, and the wedding party, such as a limo, vintage car, or party bus. Arrange shuttles for key guests and confirm all details to ensure smooth travel between venues.


  • Begin Planning Décor: Coordinate with your wedding planner, florist or venue to bring your vision to life.


6-8 Months Before: Personalise Your Celebration


  • Capture the Love: Schedule your pre-wedding photoshoot. Dreamlife offers pre-wedding sessions that are perfect for creating keepsakes and building excitement for your big day.


  • Taste Test Your Menu: Sample potential dishes and account for any dietary requirements to ensure your guests enjoy a delicious experience.


  • Plan Guest Logistics: Organise accommodations and transportation for out-of-town attendees.


  • Select/Order Wedding Rings: Choose rings that reflect your style and love story. Allow time for sizing and any customisations to ensure they’re ready well before the big day.


  • Send Invitations: Officially invite your loved ones to share your special day.


  • Book Your honeymoon and ensure travel documents are up to date: Plan a getaway that suits your shared interests and book accommodations, activities, and flights early. Verify that passports, visas, and other travel documents are current to avoid last-minute issues.


3-5 Months Before: Secure the Final Pieces


  • Finalise Seating Chart: Organise your guests thoughtfully to encourage a fun and comfortable atmosphere, grouping friends, family, and colleagues strategically. Double-check table arrangements with your venue to accommodate space and flow.


  • Practice the Details: Schedule hair and makeup trials to perfect your wedding day look.


  • Create a Timeline: Collaborate with your vendors to map out the day’s schedule, ensuring seamless coordination.


  • Wedding Party Fittings: Ensure all attire for the bridal party is ordered and fitted.


1 Month Before: It’s All Coming Together


  • Confirm Vendor Details: Double-check all arrangements with your venue, caterer, florist, and wedding photographer/videographer.


  • Final Fitting: Make sure your gown, suit or tux is flawless and fits like a dream.


  • Write Your Vows: Take the time to personalise your promises to each other to make your ceremony unforgettable.


On the Day: Enjoy Every Moment


  • Relax and Let the Magic Happen: Your hard work has paid off! Trust your vendors, soak in the joy, and make memories with loved ones that will last a lifetime.


  • Smile for the Cameras: Whether it’s candid moments or posed portraits, your photos and videos will immortalise the magic of your day. Trust your wedding videographers and photographers to beautifully capture every moment.


Your Happily Ever After Starts Here


Your wedding day will be a reflection of your love story, filled with laughter, tears, and timeless memories. By following this checklist and partnering with experts like Dreamlife for your photography and cinematography, you’ll ensure your day is as magical as you’ve always dreamed.


Ready to turn your wedding dreams into stunning photos and videos? Contact us today to preserve your most precious moments.