We hear a big congratulations is in order! Good job, Lovebirds, you are OFFICIALLY engaged to be married. Wondering what’s next? What your first steps should be? Don’t fret. Our expert team has you covered from that magical “YES!” to aisle-time and beyond.
Here’s a little secret: wedding planning doesn’t have to send you into a spiral. With 25 years in the industry, we’ve seen it all – and we can assure you, it’s as simple or as detailed as you want it to be.
At its core, getting married in Australia requires just three things: two people ready to say “I do,” a celebrant to make it official, and the right paperwork sorted before and after the ceremony. Everything else? That’s up to you.
So, now that you’re engaged, where should you start? Naturally, at the beginning!
The First Two Steps
Once you’ve announced your engagement (and soaked up all the congratulations), the first question you’ll hear is, “When’s the big day?” Deciding on the date is one of the first steps – but it can depend on a few factors. If family or friends are travelling from overseas or you’re working around other commitments (like due dates or major events), you might want to involve them in the decision-making process.
Setting a date is often done alongside choosing a venue, as availability can be a deciding factor. Whether you lock in the venue first or settle on a date depends on what feels most comfortable for you.
And remember, there are plenty of other exciting steps ahead – from setting a date for your engagement party to picking your bridal party and even insuring your engagement ring.
Announce your big news to the world
Sure, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook make it easy to share your engagement with everyone in one hit – but let’s be real, they can feel a bit impersonal. Plus, once it’s out there, it’s out there. Before hitting “post,” take a moment to let your closest friends and family hear the news directly from you. They’re the ones who will be genuinely over the moon for you (and you’ll avoid any awkward “I had to find out on Facebook!” moments).
Whether your partner went the traditional route and asked for a blessing or you’ve skipped straight to “yes!” without the fanfare, a quick call to the VIPs in your life shows how much you value them. Once the inner circle is in the know, feel free to go wild with your announcement – a mass email, a social media post, or even a classic engagement announcement in the paper if you’re feeling nostalgic.
After all, sharing this moment with your loved ones first makes the big reveal all the sweeter!
Set an in-principle date
After the hugs, happy tears, and celebratory champagne, the inevitable question will come: “So, when’s the wedding?” Even if the final date is still up in the air, having a rough idea can make those conversations (and your early planning) much easier. Plus, it’s essential for giving potential guests – especially those who need to travel or clear their schedules – enough time to plan.
That said, don’t let anyone pressure you into locking in a date before you’re ready. Rushing the decision can lead to unnecessary stress or confusion later if plans change. It’s perfectly okay to tell people you’re still deciding – this is your day, after all, and the timeline should feel right for you and your partner.
When you’re ready, having a tentative timeframe in mind – even as simple as a season or year – will help you start thinking about logistics and costs while keeping loved ones in the loop without overcommitting too soon. It’s all about moving at your own pace!
Sign up (for free) as an Easy Weddings couple
With Easy Weddings, you have access to a directory of over 4,500 wedding suppliers from across Australia, covering everything from florists and photographers to cake makers and dress designers. Browse their portfolios, read real reviews, and send enquiries – all through one easy-to-use platform designed to simplify your planning.
When you sign up as an Easy Weddings couple (for free!), you unlock access to our exclusive suite of planning tools, including a comprehensive pre-wedding checklist, budget tracker, and guest list manager. Planning on the go? Download our free app to keep everything organised, no matter where you are.
You’ll also earn WedPoints when you purchase a wedding supplier package carefully curated by our wedding experts. These packages are tailored to suit your venue of choice and make coordinating multiple suppliers a breeze, all while rewarding you with points to use toward special treats for your big day. Sign up here and start planning with ease!
Start a wedding fund
Now that the celebrations are underway and you’re ready to dive into planning, it’s time to think about the practical side: budgeting. No matter how big or small your wedding is, some savings will be essential – especially if you’ve always dreamed of a grand celebration.
This is where setting an in-principle date comes in handy. The timing of your wedding impacts everything from the style of your dress (a fluffy gown might not work for summer) to the overall cost. Marrying during peak wedding season will typically come with a higher price tag, while off-peak dates could save you significantly.
If you’re covering the costs yourselves, opening a joint bank account is a great way to stay on track. Set a realistic monthly contribution and watch your wedding fund grow. It’s not just about saving money – it’s about setting expectations and understanding the kind of wedding you can achieve within your budget.
If family or friends are contributing, involve them in the conversation early. Clear communication about who’s covering what and when ensures everyone’s on the same page and avoids any awkward surprises later. Whether it’s just the two of you or a group effort, starting your wedding fund now makes the journey ahead a whole lot smoother.
Top Tips for Early Days Wedding Planning
- Don’t feel pressured to rush. Take time to savour the excitement of being engaged. Enjoy the moment before diving into decisions – there’s no need to have everything sorted straight away.
- Get on the same page about your budget. Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about what you can realistically afford. Establishing a budget early avoids misunderstandings later and keeps your planning on track.
- Start collecting inspiration. The fun begins here! Create Pinterest boards, save Instagram posts, and browse magazines to gather ideas for your wedding style, colours, and details.
- Talk about your priorities. Discuss what’s most important to each of you – whether it’s the venue, the food, the guest list, or the flowers. Knowing your non-negotiables helps you allocate your budget and focus your planning.
- Enjoy this stage of the journey. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but these early days are all about dreaming, imagining, and sharing excitement with your partner. Lean into the joy of it!
Ready to dive into wedding planning? Download the app to begin your journey! We’re here to help every step of the way.
