Planning · Checklist

The 12-Month Wedding Planning Timeline & Checklist

Your complete month-by-month guide to planning a Queensland wedding — 70+ tasks across 8 phases, from booking your venue to walking down the aisle.

10 min read Updated June 2026

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable monthly tasks makes it achievable — and even enjoyable. This wedding planning timeline is designed for Queensland couples planning 12 months out, though you can adapt it to any timeframe.

One important legal note: you must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with your celebrant at least one month (and no more than 18 months) before the day — we’ve built it into the 6–7 month phase below. Planning in less than 12 months? Focus on the essentials first (venue, celebrant, photographer, attire) and condense the rest.

1
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).
2
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!
3
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.
4
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!
5
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.
6
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 a wet weather backup plan

Pro tip

Chase RSVPs actively — some guests will need reminding!
7
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 an emergency kit (sewing kit, painkillers, etc.)

Pro tip

Delegate! Give your bridal party or a trusted friend the vendor contact list for the day.
8
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 a 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 relax, enjoy every moment, and marry the love of your life. Congratulations!

Three QLD things to get right

01

Book the venue and photographer first — Queensland’s best are reserved 12–18 months out, especially for peak season (May–October).

02

Lodge your NOIM with your celebrant by the three-month mark. One month is the legal minimum, 18 months the maximum.

03

Lock in a wet-weather backup. Queensland summers storm, so confirm a covered option two-to-three months out.

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!

First task on the list? The venue.

Browse 350+ beautiful Queensland wedding venues and start enquiring — free, no pressure.