Planning Guide10 min readUpdated December 2025

12-Month Wedding Planning Timeline & Checklist

Your complete month-by-month guide to planning a Queensland wedding. From booking your venue to walking down the aisle, we've got every task covered.

8
Key Phases
70+
Tasks
12
Months

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable monthly tasks makes it achievable—and even enjoyable! This comprehensive wedding planning timeline is designed specifically for Queensland couples planning a wedding 12 months out, though you can easily adjust it to fit your schedule.

Whether you're dreaming of a beachside ceremony on the Gold Coast, a romantic hinterland celebration in the Sunshine Coast, or an elegant Brisbane city wedding, this 12-month wedding planning checklist covers every task you need to complete. From booking your perfect Queensland wedding venue to organising your honeymoon, we've mapped out exactly when to tackle each item.

This Australian wedding checklist includes Queensland-specific tips, such as optimal booking windows for popular venues (which often book 12-18 months ahead for peak season from May to October), NOIM lodgement reminders, and vendor recommendations for different regions across QLD.

Planning in less than 12 months? Don't panic! Focus on the essentials first (venue, celebrant, photographer, attire) and condense the other tasks. Many beautiful weddings come together in 6 months or less. Use this wedding timeline checklist as your guide and adapt it to your timeframe.

12 Months Before

Getting Started

  • Announce your engagement to family and friends
  • Set your wedding date (or 2-3 potential dates)
  • Determine your overall budget and who is contributing
  • Create a guest list draft (this affects venue choice)
  • Research and book your ceremony and reception venue
  • Book your marriage celebrant
  • Start researching photographers and videographers
  • Consider hiring a wedding planner if desired

Pro Tip: Book your venue first—popular Queensland venues book 12-18 months ahead, especially for peak season (May-October).

10-11 Months Before

Building Your Team

  • Book your photographer
  • Book your videographer
  • Start dress shopping and order your gown (allow 6-8 months for delivery)
  • Choose your bridal party and ask them officially
  • Research and book catering (if not included with venue)
  • Start thinking about your wedding theme and colours
  • Create a wedding email address for all correspondence
  • Set up a wedding website

Pro Tip: Wedding dresses can take 4-8 months to arrive, plus alterations. Don't delay!

8-9 Months Before

Entertainment & Details

  • Book your DJ or band
  • Book your florist and discuss designs
  • Organise engagement photos
  • Research and book hair and makeup artists
  • Start planning your honeymoon destination
  • Book ceremony musicians if having separate entertainment
  • Research wedding cake options
  • Begin shopping for bridesmaid dresses

Pro Tip: Queensland's best vendors book up fast. Secure your top choices before they're gone.

6-7 Months Before

Invitations & Attire

  • Order wedding invitations and save-the-dates
  • Book your wedding cake
  • Groom and groomsmen to organise suits/attire
  • Book wedding transport (cars, buses, boats)
  • Finalise and book honeymoon travel
  • Send save-the-dates to guests
  • Arrange accommodation blocks for out-of-town guests
  • Meet with celebrant to discuss ceremony structure
  • Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with celebrant

Pro Tip: The NOIM must be lodged at least 1 month before (max 18 months). Get it done early to tick off this legal requirement!

4-5 Months Before

Finer Details

  • Have dress fittings and order any alterations
  • Order wedding rings
  • Plan and book rehearsal dinner venue
  • Set up gift registry
  • Organise wedding favours
  • Book photo booth or other entertainment
  • Plan ceremony readings and music selections
  • Confirm all vendor bookings in writing
  • Start writing your vows

Pro Tip: Keep a folder with all vendor contracts, receipts, and contact details.

2-3 Months Before

Confirmations

  • Send out wedding invitations (allow 6-8 weeks for RSVPs)
  • Finalise menu selections with caterer
  • Confirm floral arrangements and delivery details
  • Book wedding night accommodation
  • Arrange hair and makeup trial
  • Purchase wedding accessories (veil, shoes, jewellery)
  • Organise gifts for bridal party and parents
  • Plan buck's and hen's parties
  • Create wet weather backup plan

Pro Tip: Chase RSVPs actively—some guests will need reminding!

1 Month Before

Final Countdown

  • Confirm final guest numbers with all vendors
  • Create seating chart and place cards
  • Final dress fitting
  • Confirm all vendor arrival times and locations
  • Prepare final payments for vendors
  • Break in your wedding shoes at home
  • Collect marriage certificate paperwork from celebrant
  • Confirm honeymoon bookings and pack
  • Brief bridal party on timeline and duties
  • Prepare emergency kit (sewing kit, painkillers, etc.)

Pro Tip: Delegate! Give your bridal party or a trusted friend the vendor contact list for the day.

1 Week Before

Almost There

  • Confirm all vendor arrival times one final time
  • Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
  • Give final payments/tips to vendors (in labelled envelopes)
  • Pack for honeymoon
  • Prepare items to take to venue (decorations, favours, etc.)
  • Get a manicure and any beauty treatments
  • Prepare wedding day emergency kit
  • Lay out all wedding day items
  • Spend quality time with family and bridal party
  • Try to relax and get plenty of sleep!

Pro Tip: Write a detailed timeline for the wedding day and share it with your bridal party and key vendors.

Your Wedding Day!

You've done all the hard work. Now it's time to relax, enjoy every moment, and marry the love of your life. Congratulations!

After the Wedding

Apply for your official marriage certificate
Change your name on ID, bank accounts, etc. (if applicable)
Write thank you cards for gifts
Review and tip vendors who went above and beyond
Collect professional photos and videos
Preserve your wedding dress
Leave reviews for your amazing vendors
Enjoy married life! 💕

Your Wedding Planning Journey

This wedding planning timeline gives you a clear roadmap from engagement to "I do." By following this month-by-month wedding checklist, you'll stay organised, avoid last-minute stress, and ensure nothing important falls through the cracks.

Remember, every Queensland wedding is unique. Some couples prefer intimate micro weddings with 20 guests, while others dream of grand celebrations with 200+. Adjust thiswedding planning checklist to match your vision, budget, and guest count. The key is starting early, especially when booking popular Queensland wedding venues and in-demand vendors like photographers and celebrants.

For legal requirements specific to getting married in Queensland, including the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form and required documents, see our comprehensiveMarriage License Queensland guide.

Ready to Start Your Wedding Planning?

The first step is finding your perfect venue. Browse Queensland's best wedding venues now.