Here’s 9 Essential Wedding Planning Tips to help bamboozled couples

1. Prioritise Your Vision for for your Perfect Day

Before even opening google (oops, too late, you’re here, right?), take a moment to dream. Sky’s the limit. Imagine you’ve got no restrictions and ask yourself what your perfect wedding day would look like? Is it an intimate beach wedding on the Central Coast, or a big festival style celebration in the Hunter Valley vineyards? Talk to your partner about your must-haves and non-negotiables. There’s two of you, so there’s going to be two dreams going on here. Knowing your vision from the start will help guide your decisions on everything from the venue to the flowers, and ensure your wedding feels uniquely "you."

2. Set Your Budget Early

Unless you’re Richie Rich (hello!) budgeting is probably going to have to be one of the boring but necessary foundations of successful wedding planning. Start by researching typical wedding costs in the Central Coast and Hunter Valley. Whether you're booking a beachfront ceremony, exclusive hinterland barn or a free-flowing winery reception, knowing what you’re willing to spend will prevent surprises later on. Include everything in your budget: venue, celebrant fees, catering, decorations, and those unexpected extras that always pop up. By setting a realistic budget early, you’ll feel more in control and less stressed.

3. Book Your Marriage Celebrant ASAP

So… without a marriage celebrant, you’re kinda just having a big party, right? We are the one and only wedding vendor you NEED to have at your wedding to make it, well, a wedding. The celebrant guides you through the legalities of marriage and creates and delivers your ceremony. In busy wedding regions like the Central Coast and Hunter Valley, celebrants can book out quickly, especially during peak wedding season of March-May and September-November. Research Central Coast marriage celebrants and Hunter Valley marriage celebrants early on to find someone who fits your style and vision, read their reviews, check out their socials and ask yourself if you can picture this person being there on your big day with you. Know that you get what you pay for, and you pay for what you get. Let that sink in ;)

4. Create a Realistic Planning Timeline

Once you have your budget, venue and celebrant in place, it’s time to create a timeline for the rest of your wedding planning. Consider how long it will take to secure your dream vendors, and finalise the guest list. For both Central Coast weddings and Hunter Valley weddings it can be really important to ay require extra time to coordinate with wineries and local vendors. A timeline will keep you on track and help you avoid last-minute stress.

5. Choose a Venue That Matches Your Vibe

Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding. Are you envisioning a relaxed beachfront wedding, a luxe Hamptons style holiday rental on the water, or a romantic vineyard backdrop? The Central Coast offers stunning ocean views and secluded spots perfect for intimate ceremonies from the Coast to the Hinterland, while the Hunter Valley is famous for its beautiful wineries and sprawling landscapes. When visiting venues, consider your guest list and budget (sometimes the venue’s limitations will shape this for you), and overall wedding vision. And remember, some venues book out more than a year or two in advance, so start your search early!

6. Build Your Dream Vendor Team

Every wedding vendor you hire should contribute to making your day seamless and stress-free. Your celebrant, photographer, florist, stylist, and venue will all play an important role in bringing your vision to life. Research local vendors in the Central Coast and Hunter Valley who specialise in weddings, and look for those who match your personality and style. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations will help you build a dream team you can trust. If you’ve booked your venue, celebrant and photographer first, then ask them who they recommend and who they love working with.

7. Create a Guest List That Works for You

Your guest list can shape a lot of your wedding day decisions, from your venue to your catering options. Before you start sending out invitations, sit down with your partner to discuss how big (or small) you want your wedding to be. Do you want a massive party to celebrate your marriage, or would you prefer a more intimate gathering? I think once you hit more than 100 guests it becomes a party, but less than 50 is very intimate. If you're hosting a destination wedding in the Hunter Valley, consider accommodation for out-of-town guests, as well as seasonal calendar events like school holidays, big sporting fixtures (NRL Grand Final distractions during the reception, anyone?) or concerts in the Hunter Valley Vineyards that often mean accomodation options are very slim. Keep in mind that every guest adds to your budget, so it’s important to be realistic about numbers early on.

8. Stay Organised and Keep Communicating

Staying organised is key to stress-free wedding planning. Keep all of your important documents (contracts, guest lists, vendor agreements) in one place, either physically or digitally. If there’s anything you’re unsure of, don’t wait and stress about it - ask your vendors. Your celebrant, venue manager, photographer and whole vendor team are there to help you and for all of the legal marriage requirements and ceremony planning, your celebrant should be a reliable source of guidance and support throughout the process.

9. Keep Perspective and Have Fun!

While wedding planning can be stressful, it’s important to enjoy the process. After all, this is about celebrating your love! Don’t get too caught up in perfection—whether you’re planning a relaxed Central Coast wedding or an elegant Hunter Valley celebration, focus on what truly matters: the joy of marrying your best friend in front of the people you love most.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams in the Central Coast or Hunter Valley. Remember, every wedding is unique, so trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With the right team by your side—including an amazing Central Coast marriage celebrant (nudge nudge) or Hunter Valley celebrant—you’re sure to have a day that’s unforgettable.