Dreaming of a Melbourne wedding or tying the knot somewhere in beautiful regional Victoria? Our easy-to-use wedding checklist will guide you through every step. From booking your celebrant and venue to organising styling, catering, transport and more, this checklist ensures nothing gets missed. Plan with confidence and connect with trusted Victorian wedding suppliers along the way.
Engagement
- Announce engagement and insert in newspapers if desired.
- Arrange engagement party.
Melbourne Wedding Checklist
Soon after your engagement
- Set wedding budget. It may be helpful to use the Wedding VIC budget planner.
- Plan the wedding style.
- Hire a wedding coordinator if necessary or do the planning yourself using Wedding VIC.
- Choose the wedding venue and set the date.
- Contact the wedding official – priest, celebrant or registry office.
- Choose wedding party – groomsmen, bridesmaids, etc.
- Draw up a guest list and formalise approximate numbers for reception.
- Decide on reception venue and book.
- Hire any extra equipment required – marquee, furniture, crockery, etc.
- Determine if a wedding decorator is required and contact if necessary.
- Begin shopping for wedding dress or dressmaker and accessories.
- Select suits and dresses for the rest of the wedding party and arrange fittings.
- Plan and book the honeymoon.
- Book the wedding transportation – cars, horse and carriage, limousines, etc.
- Select photographer and videographer.
- Select a florist.
- Choose music or musician for church or ceremony.
- Book reception entertainment.
- Consider pre-marriage counselling.
- Consider wedding insurance.
3 Months before
- Order invitations and other stationery.
- Select bomboniere.
- Choose wedding cake.
- Make wedding day appointments – hairdresser, beautician, etc.
- Make any necessary personal appointments.
- Arrange passport, vaccinations, etc if the honeymoon is overseas.
- Arrange a Master of Ceremonies.
2 Months before
- Compile gift list and consult a gift registry if necessary.
- Must give notice of intent to marry to wedding official at least one full month and no more than 6 months in advance of wedding date.
- Arrange wedding rehearsal.
- Select wedding rings.
- Collect and write invitations.
6 Weeks before
- Relax! Take some time out for self care.
- Confirm reception arrangements especially if hired goods have been selected.
- Order beverages.
- Confirm arrangements with florist.
- Confirm honeymoon details.
- Plan honeymoon clothes.
- Mail your invitations.
- Maintain a record of acceptance and declines.
- Advise venues of estimated guest numbers.
- Plan hen’s and buck’s nights.
- Select gifts for attendants.
- Begin to prepare your speeches.
4 Weeks before
- Arrange wedding insurance for gifts and holiday insurance.
- Confirm reception arrangements especially if hired goods have been selected.
- Confirm arrangements with wedding official.
- Have a hair and beauty rehearsal.
- Final wedding dress fitting and alterations if necessary.
- Finalise arrangements with photographer.
- Finalise attendants outfits.
- Update your Wedding VIC Guest List and begin writing thank you notes as gifts are received.
2 Weeks before
- Relax! Your wedding plans should be coming along nicely.
- Final fitting of all wedding attire and arrange delivery.
- Make sure the wedding party is fully aware of all arrangements and of what is required of them.
- Finalise guest numbers and confirm with caterers.
- Arrange wedding reception seating.
- If the bride is changing her name she will need to notify her credit institutions.
- Type an alphabetical list of guests and table allocations with place cards and give to your reception venue.
1 Week before
- Relax! Enjoy the lead-up to your wedding day.
- Finalise all arrangements – catering, floral, photography.
- Have wedding rehearsal.
- Final fitting check of all outfits and accessories.
- Ensure that all guests (especially interstate and overseas) have transport to and from the church and reception.
- Pack an emergency kit for the day which a family member can carry.
- Pack for the honeymoon.
- Layout all clothes for the wedding day – just to set your mind at ease.
- Give gifts to attendants.
Melbourne Wedding Planning Articles from our Blog
So, you're the designated party planner? 🥂🔨 From budget-busting tips to the "Energy Arc" strategy, here is how to plan a Hens or Bucks that people will actually want to attend.
Being a groomsman is more than just a suit and a speech. đź‘” From "Pocket Management" to the "Ring Guardian" protocol, here is how the Groom's Squad ensures a legendary day.
Being a bridesmaid is more than just a dress. đź‘— From "Vibe Patrol" to the "Emergency Medic," here is the ultimate guide to being the MVP of the Bride's Squad.
Skip the expensive photo-sharing apps. Here's how to set up a free wedding photo QR code for your VIC wedding using Google Photos, plus how to turn it into a game your guests will actually love.
Being the "Kid Captain" is the ultimate wedding gift for parents. 🧸 From mess-free bribes to the "Screen-Time Strike," here is how to manage the mini-VIPs like a pro.
Being the "End of Night" person is more than just carrying boxes. 📦 From locking away the cards to saving the $500 bouquets, here is how to manage the wedding logistics like a pro.
Helping the photographer with family shots? 📸 Don't let it turn into a 2-hour ordeal. From the "On Deck" system to the "Elderly First" rule, here is how to be an elite Photo Wrangler.
So, you’ve been asked to be a wedding usher. You’re more than just a seat-pointer. From "Tetris Seating" to being the "Unplugged Whisperer," here is how to be the MVP of the ceremony.
Handed the mic? 🎤 Don't panic! From the "Inside Joke Filter" to why you should ditch the iPhone notes, here is how to give a speech that won't end up on a 'Cringe' compilation.
From the "Marshmallow Bribe" to the "Aisle Target," here is how to manage your tiny human's big debut in the bridal party. 👧👦✨
Handed the iPhone for the big day? 📱 Don't panic. From avoiding the pro photographer's shots to the "24-hour delivery" rule, here is how to be the MVP of the wedding gallery.
🎤 "The microphone is a weapon—use it wisely." 🥂 Being asked to MC is a huge honor, but it's also a massive job. We’re breaking down how to be the MVP of the reception, from vendor "syncing" to the 5-minute rule.
🍷 "Is 40 cases of beer enough?" 🍻 We’re doing the "Booze Math" so you don't have to. From the 1-drink-per-hour rule to the secret of the "Sale or Return" policy, here is how to stock your BYO bar like a pro.
Gen Z officially makes up the majority of engaged couples in 2026. In Melbourne, Australia's most culturally diverse, food-obsessed, aesthetically opinionated city, they have never been more at home. Here's what their weddings look like.
Let's talk real numbers, Victoria. "100 guests" is the default setting for most couples starting their wedding spreadsheet. But in a state known for premium food, world-class wine, and iconic warehouse spaces, what does that crowd actually cost? From laneway restaurant takeovers to Yarra Valley winery blowouts, we break down the real cost tiers—and share the guest-trim hack that could save your budget. 💸🍷✨
The average Australian wedding costs $35,315 and most couples overspend their budget by 18%. Here's what's actually driving costs in Victoria right now, and the strategies that genuinely work.
Wedding Suppliers in other Australian States
Wedding NSW
From coastal ceremonies to country estates, Wedding NSW connects you with trusted Sydney and NSW wedding suppliers to help bring your big day to life.
Wedding QLD
Planning your celebration in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or beyond? Wedding QLD is packed with local wedding suppliers, venues, and inspiration for couples across Queensland.
Wedding SA
Planning your wedding in Adelaide or regional SA? Wedding SA is your trusted directory for wedding suppliers across South Australia – including the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula and beyond.
Wedding WA
Visit Wedding WA to discover top wedding suppliers, venues, and ideas across Western Australia – from Margaret River to the Swan Valley.