HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Planning a wedding is exciting. It’s your chance to make your dream day a reality. Every decision, from the perfect dress to the final guest list, shapes your celebration. 

Step-by-Step Wedding Planning

Step 1: Finalise Your Budget, Vision, and Guest List

Start with a realistic budget that guides your decisions. Talk with your partner about your dream wedding style (formal, casual, etc.) to create a shared vision. Your guest list influences everything from venue size to catering. Then, consider how a child-free wedding might allow for a more intimate gathering.

Step 2: Find Your Perfect Venue & Set the Date

Factor in your guest count, preferences for indoor or outdoor settings, and potential catering restrictions when choosing your venue. Remember that seasonal factors can affect pricing. Warmer months are often more expensive and weekdays are generally more free. 

Make sure your venue is available on your chosen date. You might want to consider Centennial Vineyard Bowral and Bendooley Estate for your wedding ceremony or reception.

Step 3: Assemble Your Wedding Team

Prioritise what matters most. Do you want stunning photos? Seek out an amazing photographer like Storytellers, The Loved Ones, or Sera Luna. Want to capture those memories on video? Partner with talented videographers like Ted Su Video or Red Stone Productions, who work with us here at Unity Entertainment. 

Do you want delicious food and a lively reception? Look for a caterer and DJ that fits your style. Unity Entertainment offers bespoke DJ and MC services for the perfect party. For those special touches, consider:

• • MCs: Nathan Cassar, Married by Adam, or Wayne Aguiar

• • Celebrants: Married by Adam, Ceremonies by Chloe, or Andrea Beaumont

• • Florists: Bella Fiore or Perky Petal for beautiful bouquets and décor.

Step 4: Go Over The Details: Details: Attire and Invitations 

Find your perfect wedding style. Shop for your dream dress or suit and coordinate the bridal party attire. Your invitations set the tone so choose a design that matches your vibe. If it’s a child-free wedding, mention this on your invites.

Step 5: Finalise Your Wedding Timeline

Plan how your wedding day will unfold. Consider traditional ceremony structures or personalise the flow with the help of your chosen celebrant or officiant. Cocktail hour is a great time for guest entertainment. Pick live music from soloists like Nyssa Bunyan, Sebastian Thomas, Karleigh Rose, and Sabrina Louise, or a talented saxophonist like Ben Samuels. 

You could also go with a fun band like White Clover or Maple Creek. For the reception, you need to plan the seating, meals, speeches, and dancing. It might seem too much but don’t worry. Unity Entertainment can manage planning your wedding timeline.

Step 6: Bucks/Hens Party

Bachelor and bachelorette parties (more commonly known in Australia as buck’s nights/stag nights and hen’s nights,) mark the end of single life and celebrate the upcoming wedding. They give the wedding party and close friends a chance to bond and create lasting memories. Popular themes include weekend getaways, spa days, adventure activities, or a night on the town. You might want to hire DJs or MCs from Unity Entertainment to elevate the fun.

Step 7: Prepare The Speeches & Soundtrack

Heartfelt speeches are a wedding highlight. Choose reception music that caters to a grown-up crowd, and doesn’t forget those classic dance floor fillers. Collaborate with your DJ for the perfect mix.  

To add some extra flair, hire vendors like Sharon May for hair styling, a stunning display from Wedding Fireworks Sydney, Fireworks Dry Ice, Dazzle FX, or even a fun photo booth from Star Events Hire.

Step 8: Plan The Wedding Reception

The wedding reception is a joyous celebration after the ceremony. It’s filled with delicious food, cake cutting, first dances, and heartfelt speeches. If you’re wondering how to plan a wedding reception, think about adding fun elements like a photo booth, signature cocktails, or a live band to get everyone dancing.

After the planning, kick your feet back and relax! By partnering with Unity Entertainment, you can enjoy your day without stressing about how your wedding will go.