First of all congratulations! You're engaged, and you're about to start planning one of the most meaningful days of your life. But if you're feeling a little overwhelmed by the to-do lists, timelines and endless Pinterest boards—you’re not alone.

As a Melbourne wedding photographer, I’ve worked with so many couples who didn’t know where to start, how far in advance to book things, or even what they needed to plan. So, I’ve put together this guide to help you ease into the process with clarity, not chaos.

💡 Where Do You Even Start?

When you're newly engaged, the wedding planning process can feel like a giant puzzle. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out overnight.

Start with these 3 steps:

Talk about your vision together – What kind of day feels like you? Something formal? Something relaxed and outdoorsy? City rooftop or vineyard vibes?
Set a rough budget – Even a ballpark figure helps guide your decisions and vendor choices.
Draft a guest list – Your guest count will impact your venue, catering, and budget more than almost anything else.

✨ Things to Consider Before Booking Vendors

What’s most important to you? Prioritise your must-haves in the budget.
What time of year are you planning for? Spring and summer book fast in Melbourne.
What’s your style as a couple? That will shape everything from the venue to your florist and photographer.

📅 How Long Does Wedding Planning Take?

Most couples in Melbourne take 12 to 18 months to plan their wedding, especially if they want to book popular venues and vendors. That said, it can be done in less time (hello, elopements and intimate weddings!), it just requires some flexibility.

The earlier you lock in your venue and key vendors like photography, the more options you’ll have.

📋 What Vendors Do You Actually Need?

Here's a list of common wedding vendors and how far in advance you should consider booking each one.

🏛️ Venue (Book 12–18 months out)

Your venue locks in your date, guest count, and overall vibe—so book this first.

📷 Photographer + Videographer (Book 9–15 months out)

Your photos will last a lifetime, so find a photographer whose style resonates with you (candid, timeless, emotive?) and who makes you feel comfortable.

🗣️ Celebrant (Book 9–12 months out)

Especially if you're after a modern, meaningful ceremony, celebrants book out fast.

🍽️ Caterer (If not provided by your venue)

Book 6–9 months out, especially for outdoor or DIY weddings.

💐 Florist (6–9 months out)

Good florists get snapped up quickly during wedding season. Share your colour palette, inspiration and must-haves early.

🎶 Musicians/DJ (6+ months out)

Live music or DJ? Ceremony music only or full reception party? Book 6+ months in advance.

💄 Hair & Makeup (6+ months out)

Start looking 6 months out, and book a trial ahead of time.

👗 Attire (6–9 months out)

Wedding dresses can take 6–9 months including fittings. Don’t forget suits, accessories and shoes.

🪑 Styling, Rentals & Stationery

This includes furniture, signage, menus, invitations and all the pretty extras. Book as early as possible if you're after something custom.

💌 Quick Wedding Planning Tips to Save You Stress (and Money)

Planning a wedding doesn’t have to mean spreadsheets and stress. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay organised, cut costs where it matters, and actually enjoy the process.

✅ 1. Set up a separate Gmail account just for your wedding

Keep all your vendor quotes, RSVPs and Pinterest boards in one place, no more lost emails or digging through your inbox.

✅ 2. Create a shared Google Drive folder

Use it to store contracts, mood boards, guest lists, timelines, anything you’ll need access to. Bonus: your vendors can easily reference it too.

✅ 3. Don’t mention the word “wedding” when getting quotes (at first)

Sadly, some vendors inflate prices once they hear "wedding." If you're ordering signage, candles, or even a cake, try asking for a quote without the word first, you might be surprised at the difference.

✅ 4. Prioritise your “must-haves” early

Agree on 2–3 things you both care most about (e.g. photography, food, music). Allocate your budget accordingly and let the rest follow.

✅ 5. Batch your venue visits and vendor calls

Block out one or two “wedding planning days” a month so it doesn’t take over your life (or relationship!). Planning burnout is real—set boundaries early.

✅ 6. Consider booking in off-peak season or on a weekday

Many Melbourne venues and vendors offer discounted packages for winter weddings or midweek dates. If you're flexible, this can be a great way to save without compromising on quality.

📝 Final Thoughts

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the big pieces: your vision, your venue, your photographer and build from there. Focus on what really matters: celebrating your love with the people you care about most.

If you’re planning a wedding in Melbourne and looking for relaxed, candid photography that captures your story honestly and beautifully, I’d love to chat.

👉 Reach out here or browse my wedding galleries for inspiration.

Just Engaged? Here’s How to Start Planning Your Wedding (Without the Overwhelm)