Congratulations! You’re engaged!!

Alright, you've found your perfect match—what’s next? 

It's time for wedding planning! 

While some of the Santiago crew are celebrating with glee, it's likely that others are experiencing a few mild panic attacks at the thought of orchestrating the special day when you and your partner say "I do!" Rest assured, this is a completely normal response. To ease your worries, we’ve compiled insights from our collective 30+ years of wedding planning expertise to guide you and help keep the Xanax/Kalma at bay. 

To kick things off, remember this: your wedding can be as complex or straightforward as you and your partner desire! With that in mind, here are our essential tips for planning a wedding in Queensland.

1. Embrace the joy of being engaged!

If things go according to plan, you will never be engaged again! So take the time to enjoy this very small slice of your life knowing there is an end goal of an official life commitment to each other.

2. Define your ‘Why’ and establish your Wedding Style.

For those of us who revel in joy, a grand wedding celebration might be the perfect way to gather with loved ones for an unforgettable party. Conversely, others may prefer a more intimate atmosphere, inviting only a select few dear friends and family to share in the moment. With countless options and motivations at your disposal, the first question you and your fiancé should tackle is the reason behind your wedding. Embrace your inner Simon Sinek and clarify the purpose of your celebration, as this will guide you in shaping the style and tone of your special day from there.

3. Compile the essentials and determine the date.

Who are the closest people in your life that you want by your side on that special day? Keep this group small (refer to the guest list later). These are the VIPs that you and your partner will need to decide on together. Once you've compiled your inner circle, reach out to them and share your proposed date, ensuring they can attend. It's wise to have a few alternative days within a two-week timeframe in mind, especially if you're someone who enjoys selecting unique dates (like palindrome dates).

4. The B-word… Budget

Staying within a budget can be quite the challenge! With so many stunning options for your wedding day, it's important to remember that your celebration can be as extravagant or as understated as you and your partner desire. Focus on what matters most to you as a couple and remain committed to that vision. If fine dining is your passion, allocate more of your budget for exceptional cuisine (we know a fantastic place that can assist you!). For creative couples, consider bringing an artist on board for your special day. If music is a priority, make sure to invest in a live musician or band to elevate the atmosphere.

Just because certain traditions are typical at other weddings doesn’t mean they have to be at yours—it's 2025! Choose elements that truly represent you as a couple and prioritize them in your budget.

That being said, if you want it all and your budget allows for it, go for it—we won't judge!

5. Start Booking

Once you've established your foundational elements, it's time to secure the wedding vendors you trust.

a) Venue

While we take pride in being one of Queensland's premier wedding venues, we understand that not every couple’s special day will align with the Preston Style (refer back to point 2 on this list).

You can discover all the wonderful aspects of our weddings here. However, if you're envisioning a different kind of celebration than what we offer, we can still be friends! There are plenty of outstanding wedding destinations in the area. Venues can book up to two years in advance, so locking in your choice sooner rather than later is essential (don’t worry – take a deep breath – you've got this!).

b) Photographer & Videographer

Similar to venues, a significant number of photographers and videographers are often reserved up to two years in advance of your date, positioning them as essential suppliers to reach out to next.

Here are some useful tips for selecting the ideal photographer and videographer for your special day.

c) Accommodation

If you'd like to reduce travel time or even eliminate it, finding nearby accommodations for you, your partner, and your closest friends (as mentioned in point number 3) is essential! Engage with your venue to explore their accommodation offerings and figure out what suits you best

At Preston Peak, we're here to assist you in discovering the perfect match for your needs. Speak with our wedding planner to learn more.

d) Transport

If you have your heart set on a particular muscle car or want to guarantee your guests' comfort and safety with a party bus, securing these transportation options can become increasingly challenging as your wedding date nears. If transportation is important to you, it’s best to book as early as possible.

6. Choose the Celebrant

The celebrant holds a crucial position in establishing the atmosphere for the most important 15-30-90 minutes of your wedding day. It's vital to seek someone whose personality aligns with both you and your partner. While some may prefer an exuberant and cheerful ambiance, others might favor a more easygoing, relaxed vibe. Feel free to consult your other vendors; many are acquainted with different celebrants and can offer valuable insights into their styles.

7. All the… Small things…

This encompasses elements such as flowers, decorations, styling, décor, and cake— all the exquisite details you'd like to incorporate into your wedding day. The extent of these elements will be influenced by your wedding style and budget, which will help determine how much or how little you wish to include. Additionally, consider your and your partner's personal preferences.

For instance, if one of you has an allergy to fresh flowers, seeking an alternative might be necessary. If sweets aren't your preference, you could choose a stunning arrangement of cheese wheels instead of a traditional cake. There are numerous unique cake alternatives available here.

8. Music & Entertainment

The soundscape you choose sets the tone for your wedding day. This could include the delightful sounds of birds chirping in a natural setting, a curated playlist crafted by you and your partner, or a live musician or band performing throughout the day (refer to points number 2 and 4 for more details).

You can explore additional entertainment options here. However, keep in mind that there’s still some planning ahead, so take your time—your wedding can be as straightforward or as elaborate as you desire!

9. The Outfits

For some couples, it's all about the fashion, darling!

Others discover their ideal look at the local thrift store. This is a priority you and your partner should be well acquainted with by now – how you each dress. One might be donning some fabulous Jimmy Choos, while the other rocks a pair of Converse. Your outfits should encapsulate your identities as individuals – whether you choose to exude elegance and sophistication or embrace the comfort of board shorts on a beach day. The choice is entirely yours – as we've mentioned before – it's 2025! Just because certain trends are seen at other weddings doesn't mean they have to apply to yours – select what truly reflects you as a couple!

10. Guest List

Alright, take a deep breath.

Organizing the guest list can be one of the most daunting tasks for any wedding. Begin by focusing on your VIPs (refer to point number 3) and build from there. Keep in mind the seating capacity of your venue.

A great question to ponder is, “Who will still be a part of our lives in 10 or 20 years?” Avoid the trap of asking, “Who will feel slighted if not invited?” (If someone is offended by not receiving an invitation, are they truly the kind of people you want at your wedding? Just saying…)

And if anyone expresses disappointment, you can always turn to the classic line: “I’m sorry, but due to COVID regulations, we had to limit our guest list…” 🙂

11. Set a schedule for the day

While it may seem like a minor detail, creating a schedule for your wedding day is essential for ensuring that everything goes smoothly and your vendors deliver their finest service. However, this doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Your vendors will be more than willing to collaborate with you to design a timeline that aligns with your priorities as a couple. The best part is that you can decide on this schedule in advance, allowing your wedding planner or function coordinator, along with your other vendors, to manage the timeline on the day itself—freeing you from the need to constantly check the time.

Another significant advantage of having a well-planned schedule is that if any unexpected issues arise during the day, a competent venue will have an experienced wedding planner or function coordinator who can expertly handle these challenges, often resolving them before you even realize there's a problem! As we mentioned, a reputable venue offers this kind of service (keep in mind that not all venues and wedding vendors provide the same level of support).

12. Honeymoon (yay!)

After all the effort you both have put in, it's essential to treat yourselves to a holiday and cherish your time as a married couple. While work obligations and budget constraints may influence the specifics, we strongly encourage you to carve out some downtime after the wedding. This moment offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your special day and unwind together following the whirlwind of the months leading up to your celebration!

Final Thoughts

Take a deep breath – there’s plenty to consider here. As we mentioned before, your wedding can be as grand or as uncomplicated as you and your partner desire. Having the right team by your side can truly simplify both your wedding planning and the big day itself. Interested in having the dream team collaborate with you for an unforgettable wedding experience? Reach out to us – we’d love to demonstrate how Preston can make your special day exceptional!