One of every ten weddings in Australia is a Sunshine Coast wedding. The large number of couples holding their big day here is no doubt due to the world-famous beaches and hinterland, which provide the perfect scenery for a dreamy wedding.
Sunshine Coast Wedding Planning
Before you start planning your Sunshine Coast wedding, we’re here to give you some helpful tips. Of course, there are some essential things that you should do when planning a wedding, but also somethings you’ll want to avoid. In this article, we’ll help you plan your wedding so it can be just as you’ve always imagined it.
Do: Find Your Venue Right Away
Although your wedding is an exciting time, there are thousands of other brides looking for Sunshine Coast wedding venues too. Venues are usually first come first serve, meaning that if you don’t plan ahead, you’ll have to postpone your wedding or settle for any available location.
Also, you should make a practical list of what you want out of your venue and the number of guests you’ll invite. Having your checklist in mind will aid you in choosing a wedding venue that is not only beautiful but also one that works for you and your budget.
Don’t: Forget to Follow Council Rules and Get Permits
Many couples opt for outdoor weddings on the Sunshine Coast, especially since the weather is appealing all year round. If you choose to get married on council property, such as a beach or park, make sure to get the proper permits. Just as if you were booking a venue, you will need to do this with time as they book out quickly.
After you have the proper permits, make sure to ask about the council rules you will need to follow. Some things to keep in mind are the volume of the music, lighting, and cleanup of the property. Knowing these rules in advance will help you to plan your wedding so that it is in accordance with them.
Do: Book Wedding Suppliers in Advance
As with booking a venue, you can book your wedding suppliers for up to 18 months in advance. It is vital to do research about potential suppliers and start contacting them as soon as you can. If possible, book your suppliers 12 months before your wedding.
These days, the internet has plenty of resources for brides and grooms who want to plan a spectacular wedding. Wedding websites often feature reviews of venues and suppliers from past brides. Many times, you can contact suppliers directly from wedding websites to check their availability and get estimates for their services.
Don’t: Book Your Suppliers Without Meeting With Them First
Although wedding planning can be tiring, it’s essential to make sure the suppliers you choose live up to your standards. If you aren’t happy with the DJ, photographer, or caterer, it can put a damper on your wedding day. For this reason, it is crucial to make sure you have investigated your suppliers thoroughly and that you are on the same page.
One way to avoid disappointment is meeting with your suppliers beforehand and talking to them about your expectations. For example, explain to the photographer what you would expect the day of the wedding, the types of photos you would like, and extra services that will be needed, such as a videographer. Your clarity will help them to understand and fulfil your expectations on the wedding day, and you can be sure that they are a good fit for your wedding.
Do: Be Considerate of Your Guests
On the day of the wedding, you will surely be too preoccupied to make sure that each guest is comfortable and having a good time. However, there are steps you can take to prevent your guests from feeling uncomfortable, especially if you have an outdoor wedding. Some practical tips include the following:
- Make sure to have refreshments for guests throughout the entire day, especially if you’ll be married on a hot day.
- Provide shaded areas and sunscreen for all
- Have mosquito repellent on hand, so they don’t have to feel itchy and irritated.
- If there will be grass or sand, provide a safe place for guests to put their heels.
Don’t: Try to Plan Your Wedding Alone
Wedding planning is an overwhelming task, and it’s hard to do it alone if you haven’t previous experience. Nowadays, hiring a wedding planner is possible with even the modest of budgets and can take a load off the bride and groom. An experienced Sunshine Coast wedding planning team can help you coordinate your big day and make the process much more successful.
Do: Think of A Backup Plan
When planning on an outdoor wedding, remember to have a plan B in case of rain. If you’re renting a venue, make sure to ask what their backup plan is for unfavourable weather. If you are having a wedding at the beach or park, make sure to rent a tent that fits all your guests.
Although a backup plan may mean expanding your budget, it would undoubtedly be well worth it if it did happen to rain on your big day. With a little advanced planning, your wedding will be beautiful, come rain or shine.
Don’t: Forget to Have Fun!
With so many things happening in one day, it can be hard to take the time to relax and enjoy yourself. However, your wedding celebration is one of the most memorable days of your life, and you want to make sure that it doesn’t disappoint. Preparing ahead and having others who can help and coordinate the day for you gives you much more time to take in the moment you waited so long for—your wedding!
If you would like help planning or styling your wedding, don’t hesitate to contact us. With our experience and expertise, we can convert your dream Sunshine Coast wedding into a reality!
