Recently Engaged? Where to Start When Planning Your Wedding in Mackay or Queensland
If you’ve just gotten engaged, congratulations. That excitement often comes with one big question: where do we even start?
Between Pinterest, well-meaning advice, and endless checklists, wedding planning can feel overwhelming very quickly. As a marriage celebrant working with couples across Mackay and Queensland, I see this stage all the time. The good news is you don’t need to do everything at once. You just need to start in the right order.
Here’s a simple, realistic way to begin planning your wedding, with local insight to help you avoid common stress points.
Take a Breath First
Before you book anything, give yourselves permission to enjoy being engaged. Have a few relaxed conversations about what matters most to you both. What do you really value in a wedding and what is the day about for you as a couple?
This isn’t about locking in decisions yet, just getting on the same page.
Some helpful questions to start with:
Do we imagine something small or more traditional?
Do we want a relaxed feel or something more structured?
Are there any non-negotiables for us?
Those answers will guide everything that follows.
Step One: Choose a Date or Timeframe
You don’t need an exact date straight away, but a rough timeframe is essential. Even deciding on a season or month will help you move forward.
In Mackay and North Queensland, weather plays a big role. Many couples aim for the drier months, which means popular dates in Spring and Autumn book out earlier. Long weekends and school holiday periods are also in high demand.
HOT TIP: For Mackay weddings I often recommend couples opt for the winter months - these dates are much less busy so you have a better chance of getting the vendors you want and the weather is so much cooler for that 3PM ceremony. Your guests will thank you!
Step Two: Book Your Key Vendors Early
Some wedding suppliers can only be in one place on one day. These are the ones worth prioritising.
Celebrant
Celebrants are often booked around 12 to 18 months in advance in Mackay and surrounding regions, especially for weekend dates. Your celebrant also guides you through the legal requirements, including paperwork and timelines, so booking early gives you peace of mind from the start.
Venue
Your venue usually sets the date, the guest count, and the overall feel of the day. Many popular local venues book out well in advance, particularly for outdoor ceremonies and peak seasons.
Photographer
Photographers are another early booking, especially those known for natural light and outdoor ceremonies, which are common in Queensland. Locking this in early avoids disappointment later.
Step Three: Set a Rough Guest List and Budget
This doesn’t need to be perfect. A draft guest list and a general budget range are enough at this stage.
Knowing whether you’re planning for 20 people or 120 makes a big difference when speaking with venues and vendors. Your numbers will likely shift, and that’s okay.
Step Four: Understand the Legal Requirements
When choosing your wedding date, it’s important to allow enough time to complete the legal paperwork.
In Australia, you must submit a Notice of Intended Marriage to your celebrant at least one month before the wedding. This timing is fixed by law, so it’s something to keep in mind when locking in your date.
You’ll also need to show several forms of identification, and if you’ve been married before, you’ll need proof that the previous marriage has legally ended. For example, if you’re separated but not yet divorced, you’ll need to allow enough time for the divorce to be finalised before the wedding. If you don’t currently have the required ID, you’ll also need time to apply for and receive the correct documents.
Booking your celebrant early means you’ll be guided through these requirements and reminded of what needs to be done and when, so nothing is left to the last minute.
Step Five: Think About the Kind of Ceremony You Want
This is often overlooked early on, but it shapes the whole experience.
Think about:
How long you want the ceremony to be
Whether you’d like personal vows
The balance between heartfelt and light moments
Involving family, children, or pets
Choosing a celebrant whose style matches the feel you want makes the ceremony planning far more enjoyable.
What Can Wait Until Later
You don’t need to decide everything now. These details can come once the foundations are in place:
Readings and music choices
Styling and décor
Ceremony layout and timing
Final run sheet details
Planning becomes much easier once your key bookings are secured.
Final Thoughts
Wedding planning doesn’t need to feel rushed or overwhelming. Start with the big picture, lock in your key people early, and let the rest unfold step by step.
If you’re recently engaged and want guidance on timelines, legal requirements, or how to shape a ceremony that feels right for you, I’m always happy to chat!
