50+ Wonderful wedding ideas for your special day

Wow your guests with these fun and fantastic ideas for your special day!

50+ Wonderful wedding ideas for your special day

If you are planning for your big day, then you’ll know how many decisions need to be made to bring all of the details to life. From the preparation and getting ready in the morning, to the ceremony, to the photos, the reception and everything in between. There is no denying your wedding day is equally as amazing as it is a huge day for everyone involved. So it is important to be organised with all of your decisions in advance, and this is a great place to start with lots of wedding ideas.

It is both a blessing and a curse that there are endless wedding ideas, styles and themes to choose from. But the important thing is that you create a day that perfectly represents the unique love you share with your partner, so definitely keep that in mind when deciding on all the details.

Without further ado, grab your favourite drink and take some inspiration from these 50+ wedding ideas.

Wedding ideas – the preparation

1. Custom logo embosser

Do you love adding that personal touch to everything you do? Well, a custom logo embosser will work wonders to the look of your wedding stationery. Not only does embossing look stunning on your envelopes, but your custom logo will also look gorgeous embossed on the napkins on your special day.

Embossing can be expensive, so another way to get something similar is to hire a graphic designer who can make everything personalised just the way you want and then take it to a specialised printing service near you.

2. Custom wedding stationery

Another gorgeous way to personalise your wedding stationery is with a bespoke invitation design. Think gold foil detail on the envelopes and ‘thank you’ calligraphy cards.

3. DIY bouquets

Whether you are wanting to save some money, or you genuinely love doing things yourself, DIY bouquets are so much fun to do with your bridesmaids. If you have the time for it, you really could have so much fun creating your hand-arranged bouquets the night before or the morning of.

wedding-ideas-bouquets
Source: Photo by Tom Kulczycki on Unsplash

4. Dried blooms

Dried blooms are very on-trend right now. And the good news is that they will last a lifetime, so after they are done being displayed at your wedding, you could either gift them to special guests or take them home to display and admire for a lifetime. A lovely keepsake from the most special day of your life.

And let’s not forget there are always plenty of wedding florists who can help create your bouquet or flower wall.

Wedding sign ideas

5. Acrylic welcome sign

You can’t be there to physically greet each guest. So why not add a little sign to welcome your guests? This will also alleviate any confusion if your guests are unsure as to where to go for the ceremony. How about an acrylic welcome sign painted white then finished with gold calligraphy over the top?

6. Vintage gold frame

For a gorgeous look, consider a welcome sign housed in a vintage gold frame. You can even decorate the picture glass inside with gold and white chalk ink pens to add details and illustrations. Or create a beautiful welcome sign with the help of a signwriter.

7. Cute signs for the aisle

Little chalkboard signs with a cute saying are always good to give guests a giggle. I love the ones that say ‘I’m just here for the cake’ or ‘it’s too late now, here she comes!’.

wedding-ideas-chalkboards
Source: Photo by Sooz . on Unsplash

8. Chalk ink calligraphy

If you’ve got a seating plan, then guests need to know what table to sit at. So adding table number signs to your tables is a fabulous idea. I love the idea of glass frames with chalk in calligraphy on them which you can then erase after the wedding and reuse the photo frames in your home.

9. Agate name table settings

If you love to be a little extra and don’t want to just have paper name plaques for your tables, then something like agate name plaques is a lovely idea. I love the muted neutral colour scheme of agate slices and you can fancy them up with gold calligraphy on top. yu could even have little signs on the tables letting the guests know that they can take their agate slice home at the end of the night.

10. Neon signs

Want that ‘wow’ factor? Well, let neon signs do all the work! A neon sign really gives the bar area a personal touch. Find the right person to help with your wedding day signage.

wedding-ideas-neon
Source: Photo by Chris Liverani on Unsplash

11. Hand-lettered signs

Ever wondered how to create your own hand-lettered signs? Well, this is how it’s done: just design your layout on the computer, print and temporarily stick it behind an acrylic or glass surface, then use a chalk ink pen over the top! It’s so surprisingly easy and looks absolutely spectacular. Or, simple chalkboard signs can look effective too.

wedding-ideas-signs
Source: Photo by Gayani Anuththara from Pexels

12. Chalkboard drink menu

Chalkboards are actually a great idea for any type of sign you need at your wedding. They’re ideal for a drinks menu complete with the favourite cocktails of the bride and groom, as well as a list of additional drinks. I’ll have the vodka, lime and ginger beer, please! That sounds delicious.

13. Directional sign

Don’t have your guests guessing where they need to go and instead make it obvious with a directional sign. I love simple and literal language such as ‘party there’ and ‘vows there’. If you want to DIY this, all you will need is some planks of wood, something to cut them with, a few nails and a chalk ink pen for the calligraphy. Otherwise, simply find a handyman near you to take care of all your DIY wedding ideas.

wedding-ideas-directional-signs
Source: Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash

14. Laser etched signs

Laser-etched signs look lovely as a cake topper. You could find something like this online or even chat with someone who works with a laser cutter to see what they can do.

wedding-ideas-cake-topper
Source: Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

Wedding ceremony ideas

15. Chair details

If you want to add a little more detail to your ceremony, then chair details are a great idea. I love little ribbon tassels hanging off the back of ceremony chairs which would be pretty easy and quick to DIY. Just cut off bits of ribbon that are all the same size and tie them onto a piece of string. Easy and effective! This is the perfect job for your wedding event planner and then they can take care of event step up and cleaning afterwards too.

16. Clear marquee

Here is another great wedding idea for if you love the look and feel of an outdoor wedding but are a little worried about the weather ruining your big day. A clear marquee means that you get the feeling of being outdoors, yet are still protected by a roof. Plus having a roof means that you can drape fairy lights and attach feature light pendants inside. Just don’t forget those important wedding dance lessons ahead of the big day!

wedding-ideas-marquee
Source: Photo by Evelina Friman on Unsplash

17. In the forest

If you’re anything like me and much prefer nature rather than being in the four walls of a building, then check out this gorgeous ceremony idea. I love this setup amongst the trees in the forest. Plain white chair covers adorned with flowers look lovely and minimalist, but you might also opt for natural log benches and log stools to really blend in with the surroundings.

wedding-ideas-forest-wedding
Source: Photo by Luigi Pozzoli on Unsplash

If you’re looking for something to officiate the ceremony, find a wedding celebrant near you.

18. Colourful vintage jars

If you’re a collector of vintage treasures, then I’m sure you’ll love this wedding idea: colourful vintage jars hanging with little posies of flowers inside. Perhaps a trip to the closest charity shop will be all you need to grab a collection of colourful vintage jars.

19. Beach wedding ceremony

How gorgeous is this tropical beach wedding ceremony! I love the simple white arbour.

And the white temporary drapes are great for the bride’s grand reveal as they can be closed just before she comes down the aisle. How cute is the floral heart?

wedding-ideas-beach-wedding
Source: Photo by Asad Photo Maldives from Pexels

20. Farm style seating

How gorgeous and laid back are farm style weddings? I absolutely love haystack seating with the addition of the material on top to make things a little more comfortable. I’m sure this would be an amazing feature of your wedding that your guests will be talking about in years to come.

21. Petal confetti

Confetti looks so beautiful being thrown when the couple walks back down the aisle after the ceremony. I would highly recommend using something biodegradable like dried rose petals so that you don’t have to worry about packing everything up at the end as the petals will just decompose back into the earth.

wedding-ideas-petal-confetti
Source: Photo by Monstera from Pexels

22. Dog of honour

This definitely takes on the meaning of man’s best friend. I absolutely love the idea of having a dog of honour. How cute would it be to have the pitter-patter of paws walking down the aisle with a cute little bandana around his or her neck? How proud would they feel to be a part of mummy and daddy’s special day!

wedding-ideas-dog-of-honour
Source: Photo by Maria Lindsey Content Creator from Pexels

Wedding reception ideas

23. Balloon garland

If you aren’t really much of a flower person, then perhaps a balloon garland would be more your style. I love romantic garlands in peachy, nude and gold tones but simple Mr & Mrs balloons can make a little garland as well.

Get your flowers and balloons delivered direct to the venue and then your event planner will take care of the rest.

wedding-ideas-baloon-garland
Source: Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

24. Wedding bar idea

If you are decorating all your tables, then why would you leave your bar blank? What about going for a very over-the-top flower and foliage arrangement that is the perfect border for a bar menu sign? All you have to do is lock in a bartender to keep the drinks pouring all night.

25. Let the sparks fly

Not only are sparklers fun for the send-off at the end of the night, but they also look so spectacular in your wedding photos and video. I love the idea of having long sparklers to help let those sparks fly when the night is coming to an end and it’s time to say goodbye to the bride and groom.

wedding-ideas-sparklers
Source: Photo by John Benitez on Unsplash

26. Photo booth

Every wedding needs a photo booth! They come in so many styles these days, from vintage-style booths to photobooths inside Kombivans. Have a large sign above your photobooth so guests know it’s there.

wedding-ideas-photo-booth
Source: Photo by Liz Brenden on Unsplash

27. Wedding table setting

What’s on the menu for tonight? Get your guests salivating at all the deliciousness that they are about to devour by letting them know what’s on the menu. I love a wedding menu in calligraphic writing written in the same font as guest name tags.

28. Tall dinner candles

Table decoration can sometimes be something that is overlooked and left until last. Even though it is not necessarily the most important part of your day, having beautifully styled tables still adds to the wow factor of your day. I love how much class is added by having an assortment of tall dinner candles lined up along the table.

29. Bare teepee tent

Nothing says ‘laid back wedding’ more than a teepee does. I love the idea of a naked teepee without any covering on it so that you can sit under it and still admire the stars. This would also be the most perfect place to share your first dance with your love. Secluded and intimate, yet your guests can still witness your amazing dance moves.

30. Lantern installation

Create a gorgeous table lantern installation, with lanterns arranged to create an interesting silhouette with some higher and some lower than others. You could hire some lanterns for the day or even buy them and gift them to guests or take them home for yourself.

wedding-ideas-lanterns
Source: Photo by Michael Morse from Pexels

31. Feature pendants

Here’s another beautiful wedding scene with lots of gorgeous rattan features overhead. Plus how extravagant are the extra-large pampas grass prongs used as decoration all around the room! This reception is very on-trend and styled to perfection.

wedding-ideas-rattan-pendants
Source: Photo by Chasse Sauvage on Unsplash

32. Outdoor furniture

If you want to create a little area for your guests to relax in between the ceremony and reception, then adding a little outdoor furniture set is a great idea. You could either hire something, borrow it from a friend or even treat yourself to a nice new outdoor furniture set to then take home after the big day. How Instaworthy is this swing set in front of a flower wall?

wedding-ideas-swings-flower-wall
Source: Photo by Nicholas Ismael Martinez on Unsplash

33. Bespoke cocktails

Is there a certain cocktail that you and your partner love and want to share with your guests? Perhaps you can’t decide between a few of your favourites. Well, a bespoke cocktail bar is a great idea.

34. Grazing board

If there is a little bit of time between ceremony and reception where the bridal party is getting their photos done, then putting a grazing board out is a great idea. Guests can pick and choose what they want to eat and don’t have to get too full for dinner. Plus a grazing board really does look very spectacular. It’s the perfect option when it comes to cocktail or appetizer catering.

wedding-ideas-grazing-boards
Source: Photo by Rebecca on Unsplash

35. Guest book table

Having a guest book at your wedding is a great day as it is another element from your day that you can treasure for years to come. Set up a little table specifically for the guest book with a little sign and photos of the couple for decoration. Put this near your ceremony space so guests can write their special sentiments before and after the ceremony.

36. Polaroid photobooth

Love the retro look of Polaroids? Why not make a Polaroid-style frame which would be quite easy to cut out of cardboard. Plus when guests take a photo in your Polaroid photo booth, they will forever remember the occasion as the Polaroid cut-out has your name and the date on it.

37. Succulent wedding favours

If you want to add that extra touch and make sure your guests go home with more than just sore feet from dancing the night away, then party favours are a lovely idea. I love little succulent wedding favours that I’m sure all guests would love to take home and plant in their garden in remembrance of your special day. Consider a witty tag: “Our day would have succ-ed without you”.

38. Giant Jenga

Games and activities are the best wedding ideas to keep guests entertained before the food starts. I absolutely love the idea of setting up an area for giant Jenga which I’m sure guests will enjoy playing again and again. I’m sure you’d be able to find a giant Jenga set online or it may even be quite easy to make with timber cut to the same shape and size.

39. Table décor

How simply stunning is this table décor. I love the look of the mix-and-match glass jars and receptacles which all work beautifully together on top of the wood slice. You could collect an assortment of glass jars from charity shops and have some for flower arrangements and others for tea light candles.

wedding-ideas-table-decor
Source: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

40. Candy bar

If you and your love are sweet tooths, then perhaps you can celebrate that side to you by adding a candy bar for your guests. I love how bright and fun a candy bar looks with brightly coloured decorations and flower arrangements.

41. Noughts and crosses

Noughts and crosses is another awesome wedding lawn game that can be enjoyed in between events. I absolutely love the idea of having the first letter of the couple’s names instead of the typical X’s and O’s. How clever.

42. Teepee entrance

If you are wanting teepees instead of a traditional marquee for your outdoor wedding, then creating a spectacular entrance is a great idea. Roll out a carpet or a vintage rug or two, and drape fairy lights overhead which makes for a very warm welcome.

43. Terrarium table decorations

So often we see flower arrangements for reception table decorations, but what about trying something a little different? A little terrarium in a geometric glass planter is so gorgeous and would go perfectly with a Boho, natural or modern wedding theme. How lovely.

44. Family tree

If you want to showcase all the wonderful people that made you who you are, perhaps you could attach photos to a tree and call it very literally a ‘family tree’. All the old photos will bring back memories for people young and old. And perhaps this would be a good way of showing your new family some special people from your own family.

And let’s not forget the important other entertainment options like a great wedding singerDJ or band.

Wedding cake ideas

45. Multitiered cake

If you’ve got a lot of guests, then that means there are a lot of mouths to feed. So a multi-level wedding cake is a great idea especially if you want all your guests to enjoy some wedding cake after dinner. The best thing about a tiered cake is you can have a different design and a different flavour for each level.

wedding-ideas-tiered-cake
Source: Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

46. A place to cut the cake

If you love all the traditional aspects of a wedding day, then set aside a special moment during your reception where you cut the cake is a great idea. Create a special area by adding a golden border, special table and floral arrangement which is the perfect place to cut the cake.

47. Cheese cake

These days more couples are exploring their wedding cake ideas beyond the traditional options. A favourite of gourmands? A literal cheese cake, made of rounds of beautiful cheeses. It looks spectacular with the addition of figs, grapes and foliage!

wedding-ideas-cheese-cake
Source: Photo by The HK Photo Company on Unsplash

48. Doughnut cake

If you love doughnuts more than you enjoy cake, then why not have a doughnut cake at your wedding? It definitely will be easier to share around rather than cutting a slice of cake for each guest. Plus what a great idea to have a small cake on top so that you and your love can still enjoy the special moment of cutting a wedding cake.

Wedding ideas – dress colours

49. White and white

If you’re not really sure what colour scheme to go with for your big day, then white on white is a great choice. Keep everything really simple with a gorgeous white dress, flowers, shoes, bridesmaid outfit and even white umbrellas if needed!

wedding-ideas-dresses
Source: Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels

After the big day gets some help removing all the red wine, dirt and sweat from your special dress with wedding dress dry cleaning.

50. Pearl veil

Are you a girl who loves pearls? Or perhaps you just like something a little different, yet still classy? Well, the pearl veil is for you. I love the subtlety of little pearls gently placed across the veil which creates a beautiful look across the bride’s face and skin. Speaking of skin, get the exact makeup look that you want by finding the right wedding makeup artist for you.

51. Matching bridal robes

Bridesmaids always look amazing in matching bridal robes! I love the idea of everyone getting ready in matching sets on the morning of the wedding. White for the bride and pink for the bridesmaids. Plus lace bridal robes will look beautiful in your pre-ceremony wedding photos.

52. Beach wedding shoes

If you’re planning on having a beach wedding, then heels aren’t really the most practical shoe on the sand. So if you’re considering going barefoot, why not get some special beach wedding ‘shoes’. Ideally, opt for anklets that almost look like little sandals with their bejewelled design.

53. Memory charms

If there are some special people that you wish could’ve been with you on the day but are no longer here, then honouring them with their own special photos in memory charms attached to your bouquet is such a beautiful idea. How special to walk down the aisle with your guardian angels close by.

54. Personalised coat hangers

And last up we have gorgeous personalised coat hangers. If you love the finer details, then I’m sure you’d love this idea. Also putting your bridesmaids’ or groomsmens’ names on the coat hangers means that there won’t be any confusion on the big day.

So there we have 50+ wedding ideas to help you in some decision making for your big day. I absolutely love the more creative ideas such as lawn games and handwritten signs. And I already know I will be coming back to this post for future plans. What wedding ideas do you love the most? Let’s talk all about weddings below!

How to plan an outdoor wedding

If you’ve been on Pinterest lately for some wedding inspo, you’ll see that one of biggest trends for weddings right "How to plan an outdoor wedding"

How to plan an outdoor wedding
floral wedding arbour
Image source: Modern Wedding

If you’ve been on Pinterest lately for some wedding inspo, you’ll see that one of biggest trends for weddings right now are beautiful floral arches. It’s a stunning and perfect backdrop for the I Do’s, which has caused an increase in outdoor weddings recently. We also have amazing weather and panoramic costal vistas for a very picturesque setting for a wedding ceremony. However, compared to an indoor wedding there’s a lot more organising to do when taking your wedding outside such as furniture and food preparation. Luckily we’ve thought of everything you need to consider to help you plan your dream outdoor wedding.

Here are some tips on how to plan your dream outdoor wedding:

1. Wedding Location

You need to think about whether you’re going to have both the ceremony and reception outside or perhaps just the ceremony. If you’re thinking about the entire day there will be limited venues (especially in the major city areas) and so you might want to widen your search to surrounding areas, for example; the Hunter Valley, Barossa, Yarra Valley or better yet your own backyard.

If you’re looking at your local park for a ceremony, you’ll probably need a council permit and depending on the space they can be very limited in availability.

When you’re considering a location think about parking, accessibility for older/ handicapped guests and how suppliers would bump in and out everything you need.

canopy-rose-garden-royal-botanic-gardens-sydney
Image source: Events By Jennifer

2. Budget

Unless you’re having your wedding at your place or a friends, an outdoor wedding can be costly as everything needs to be brought in for it. Chairs, tables, cutlery, decorations, flowers, toilets, lighting and kitchens to heat/ cool food will all need to be thought of. Not to mention the more remote you are, the higher the costs will be too.

If you have your heart set on it, look at putting a wedding budget together as soon as possible so there aren’t any surprises closer to the wedding day.

3. Get help

As much as we would like to set up our own perfect wedding day, it’s important to be realistic and also enjoy this special time. So if hiring an end-to-end planner is out of your budget consider an event planner to be your go-to on the day. They will ensure everything runs smoothly – after all it’s their job.

paper cranes productions

4. Theme

The best thing with having your big day outside is that a water, vineyard or mountain view is a fantastic way to compliment your theme. For example, a beach wedding set on the sand or cliff, a rustic wedding on a farm, or a wine-lovers favourite – amongst the vineyards.

Matching your view and theme helps with other elements such as that flower arbour mentioned earlier. It also allows you to get your DIY on for all of the remaining decorations and stationary. Having a magical view can also save on costs too.

Here are some of the wedding elements to think about:

• Aisle: Will you scatter petals all over the ground, line the pathway with buckets of flowers/ candles or just the simplicity of the sand on the beach
• Signing table: Somewhere to sit and sign all the legal papers. Many couples opt to have a signing table and a couple of chairs.
• Chairs: Benches or individual folding chairs are the best options for an outdoor wedding as they can be easily moved and set up quickly.
• Flowers: If you’re having a garden wedding, it makes sense to go with flowers in season as they will be a natural backdrop. Alternatively another big trend at the moment is tropical plants and greenery, especially for a seaside wedding.

5. Post ceremony drinks

After being announced for the first time as husband and wife, everyone will wish you congratulations so having a bar set up for champagne and nibbles is a lovely informal way to get the party started.

You can hire companies specifically to set up a bar if you have everything else covered, or your event planners will be able to organise this for you.

6. Outdoor reception

We’ve all seen beautiful fairy light night sky reception images – they are amazing! But if you’re going to have the whole event outside, you’ll need to figure out if anything is supplied already such as access to power.

For your outdoor reception, you’ll need to make a big list of everything you need and make sure you get a few different quotes, so that you can compare and get the best deal for you.

outdoor reception
Image source: United with Love

7. Extra special touches

The options are endless here and everyone is looking for that little something extra to make their big day the most memorable. From wedding favours and photo booths to confetti bars and lawn games, it can add up fast. So as the saying goes, less is more and perhaps just pick a few things and do them well.

Lawn games are an outdoor wedding favourite. You could choose giant chess, jenga or stick to the more traditional croquet and ring toss. It’s a great way to keep guests entertained while you’re off having photos taken.

8. The little things

Your nearest and dearest could possibly be outside for a lengthy amount of time. So depending on the time of year you might want to think about picking an are with some shade, having umbrellas, blankets and fans on standby. If it’s a really hot day, sunscreen and plenty of water are must-haves.

outdoor wedding ideas
Image source: Chic Vintage Weddings

9. Have a plan B

Weather is unpredictable and you might not know what the weather will be like till the week of your wedding, so having a plan b is critical. Just remember, rain on your wedding day is supposed to bring you luck and clouds make for better photos anyway.

10. Have fun

Seriously, who cares if there’s a little drizzle, you’re getting married to your best friend and are going to a party to end all parties. Don’t sweat the small things and it will all turn out perfectly.

Have you got any other wedding tips? Let us know in the comments below

How To Save On Your Wedding With Outsourcing

The biggest day of your life is supposed to be like something out of a fairytale, but what they don’t "How To Save On Your Wedding With Outsourcing"

How To Save On Your Wedding With Outsourcing

The biggest day of your life is supposed to be like something out of a fairytale, but what they don’t tell you in fairytales is the cost of a wedding.

It’s really REALLY expensive, probably not as much as the recent wedding of Salim Mehajer, which gathered a plethora of media attention for requiring police assistance, estimating to cost at least $200,000.

But for us regular folk, a wedding costs on average $36,200 according to the ASIC and apparently in major cities such as Sydney, a more realistic average that couples should be considering is $70,000.

Due to the high cost of weddings couples tend to put off buying a house, face scrupulous budgeting impacting on their social life or even moving back in with family to save every cent.

Whilst there are some costs that can’t budge, such as venue locations, there are lower cost alternatives to the traditional wedding suppliers for photography and flowers etc. Airtasker has seen a steady rise in the number of wedding tasks and we’ve been able to compare traditional wedding supplier prices with tasks completed on Airtasker.

Wedding Savings

And what about those extra special personalised touches? We’ve put a list of all the wedding tasks on Airtasker to give you some inspiration.

6 Must-Know Tips For Flawless Event Planning

Special occasion coming up? A stress-free event is all in the details.

6 Must-Know Tips For Flawless Event Planning

Whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a extravagant charity ball, we all love attending a fabulous event, but actually planning one is a different story.

Event planning can be a tiring, stressful and thankless task. From coming up with a concept in the first place, researching suppliers, getting invitations out on time and hiring event staff the to-do list is long – and that’s before the event has even started.

laptop coffee notebook
Laptop, notebook, coffee…let’s do this. Photo by Rawpixel

Here are 6 tips to make planning your next event easier.

1. Make the concept memorable, appropriate and achievable 

Wow factor is fun, but you don’t always need glitz, glamour and a huge budget to host a memorable event. Think about the reason for the event and build a concept out from this. Are you celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday or engagement? Launching a new product? Congratulating a team for a great season?

This will help you choose a theme that you can implement from decorations and food, to venue choice and entertainment to create a memorable event with harmonious details.

party cocktails with fruit
Summer party? Summer drinks. Photo by Tom Pumford

When you’ve got some ideas in mind it’s time to do a reality check. Think about whether your vision is:

  • Achievable: Whether it’s a simple rustic table setting or an over-the-top Gatsby theme, there are costs and time involved in bringing any idea to life. Sense check before you start planning to make sure you’re using your budget wisely.
  • Appropriate: some occasions call for fanfare, others should be subtle and understated. Avoid awkward moments by thinking it through.
  • Memorable: As (fictional) Vogue editor Miranda Priestly quips in The Devil Wears Prada, “Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking”. Seasonal themes can get a bit tired, so think out of the box. Look at window displays, Pinterest or Instagram for contemporary inspiration, or turn back the clock and look to cult films or old recipe books for a blast from the past.

2. Make a list, check it twice

A successful event is all in the details. When you start planning you’ll probably be surprised how many things there are to keep on top of, so as simple as it sounds, write them down.

Whether your style is notebook or Google Sheet, keep all the details for vendors, key dates, payment terms, dietary requirements and RSVPs somewhere you can refer back to easily. Not sure if you’ve covered it all? Tick off this event planning checklist.

Even the best laid plans can go astray, but you can manage risk by thinking through potential problems:

  • Weather – holding your event outdoors? Unexpected weather happens, even in the middle of summer. Have a backup plan for shelter, be it umbrellas, a marquee or an interior space in case of an emergency.
  • Timing – Guests, staff and suppliers running late (or early) are the biggest contributors to issues here. Creating time buffers between deliveries and key timings will help avoid unexpected clashes – you might even get a bit of a rest!
  • Budget – break it down and keep a record as you go. Those receipts add up! It can be helpful to have an ‘in case of emergencies’ fund aside for last minute changes, vendors falling through or unexpected extra guests.

3. Invitations & RSVPs

On a daily basis Facebook invitations to gigs, parties, charity events and even weddings pop up but nothing impresses more than a personalised invitation delivered straight to your inbox – or even better, your actual letterbox.

The invitation sets the tone, but also needs to include the important information about the event. It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to include basic details!

As a minimum make sure you cover:

  • Date
  • Venue
  • Time
  • Dress code, if applicable
  • Contact details
paper invitation origami bird
Cheap and cheerful origami bird invitation. Photo by Rawpixel

Keep costs down by using design website Canva to put together your own digital invites, or use a service like Paperless Post to take care of the design, distribution and management of RSVPs. An online system makes it easy to collect information and send reminders to guests.

Want something more tactile? Get creative! From a vintage postcard to a box with a trinket related to the theme, if you can deliver it, it can be an invitation. If you really want to make an impact go all out and have invitations delivered by hand.

4. Shop around for the right solution

Regardless of whether people are paying to attend your event or not, you’ll have a budget you need to work within.

Hosting a dinner party? If you want to lovingly choose every ingredient by hand visit a farmers market and speak to the suppliers, but if you’re pushed for time an online supermarket can deliver everything you need to your door.

long table dining styled wedding
Long table dinners need lots of chairs. Photo by Sweet Ice Cream Photography

For small events you might be able to borrow or buy the pieces you need for serving, styling and presentation, but for larger events you’ll either need to find a furnished venue or hire them in.

Think about:

  • Tables – Long? Round? Bar? None? How will these fit in the space?
  • Seating – Style and comfort
  • Linen – Do you need tablecloths? Will they need ironing on the day?
  • Tableware, cutlery and glassware – What food and drinks are you serving? How many people are at each table? Will all the plates fit on the tables?
  • Decoration – Simple elements or complete venue design? Who is setting it up, and packing it up?
  • Music and announcements – Are you plugging in an iPhone, streaming a Spotify playlist or having live music? Do you have any speeches or announcements that need a microphone and a PA system?

Think about delivery and cleaning costs when deciding where to source from – some vendors include these in their hire price and some will charge additional fees.

If your event is for a not-for-profit or local community club venues and vendors may offer discounts, so ask around.

5. Get connected

We live in the digital age and people expect to engage with online invitations, interactive maps, photo filters and more. There are plenty of ways to engage your guests before, during and after your event through social media and digital tools so they can:

  • Keep informed with updates or changes
  • Interact during the event – you could run a Q&A, a game like Kahoot or a silent auction for fundraising
  • Share photos from the event – create a hashtag and let people know any relevant social media handles so they know you’re happy for them to take photos, and can tag you in when they share

6. Hire Event Staff

As soon as you get into double digits for attendees do yourself a favour and get some helpers. Whether it’s someone to do the heavy lifting setting up tables and decoration, acting as an MC or cleaning up afterwards an extra pair of hands will give you the capacity to actually enjoy the event yourself.

waiter holding drinks tray
Cocktail waiter, photo by Kate Townsend

 

Having trouble roping in a friend to help? Save the relationship and hire event staff on Airtasker instead.

For larger events you’ll need approximately:

  • Bartender: One for every 50-75 guests for beer and wine, more if you’re serving cocktails
  • Waiters: One for every 50-75 guests for a cocktail function, to as many as two per 10 guests for a formal sit down meal
  • Security Guard: One for every 75 guests (if you’ve hired a venue this will often be included as part of the terms and conditions)

and of course, someone to help clean up afterwards!

For help with your event planning find an experienced events manager on Airtasker.

Wedding Tasks On Airtasker

Ensure everything works out on your wedding day with the right people.

Wedding Tasks On Airtasker

Preparing for the big day can be overwhelming as it is exciting. Unless you planned for a civil wedding, Chandler Bing of Friends said it best: “I’m buying dinner for 128 people tonight.” But before you go around town trying to run from one task to the other, do not fret.

We understand how weddings can be busy too, so we at Airtasker provided you with a fool-proof solution. Below are 10 tasks you can fan out to Taskers to help you search for that special something.

Each of these tasks proves essential to making your big day a success. On top of that, they are 10 big ones that you can say are taken care of. What are these, you ask? Keep scrolling to find out!

Here are some of the wedding tasks that you can get done on Airtasker:

1. Engagement Tasks

Document the day you said yes to forever with an engagement photographer. Imagine you or your partner getting down on one knee amidst a backdrop of the sun setting or the stars sparkling. Does not get better than that! Work with an engagement photographer to help you plan and capture this unforgettable moment.

Post a task for:

2. Wedding Planning

Unless you have a meticulous friend or you can multitask to a tee, we recommend getting a wedding planner to take care of the small stuff and time-consuming tasks like meeting with your vendors.

Think of them as your eyes and ears – they can supply you with an answer to just about anything, without you even asking. Some even offer wedding planning packages with a wedding planning checklist to ensure both of you are on the same page.

A month or two before the wedding, you can add a wedding coordinator to your team to help manage the final timeline, walk you through the ceremony details and rehearsal and oversee everything on the big day.

Post a task for:

3. Wedding Hair and Makeup

a bride getting her makeup done

It’s your special day, so it’s only natural to want to look your best. Whether it be having luscious locks that fall mid-shoulder, having beach wedding makeup or clean makeup, show your wedding hair and makeup peg to your stylists to help you achieve your dream wedding look.

Post a task for:

4. Florist

Whether it is to toss or by the side of the aisle, flowers add that ethereal pizzazz to any wedding. Pick the perfect bloom and flower arrangement with a wedding florist who knows the complementary pair and colour like the back of their hand. Perhaps they can do your blush and white wedding flowers idea!

Post a task for:

5. Wedding Literature

From sending your save the dates and official invites to having the program properly printed out right, you can never go wrong with a wedding literature specialist. They ensure that no misspells, false information or lost-in-the-mail incidents happen on their watch.

Post a task for:

6. Alteration

a bride getting her wedding gown altered

Throw that “you must work for the dress” saying out the window! Make the dress work for you. If you are finding that your perfect white gown pinches too tight or is a bit loose, get some tailoring done to make the dress hug your body perfectly.

The same goes for the grooms out there! See to it that the ring isn’t the only one that fits right.

Post a task for:

7. Wedding Caterer

Setting a budget for the food is ideal, but the more important consideration is the taste. Having a wedding caterer on board can help you figure out if it’s best to serve salmon or halibut, or if you are keen to offer a dessert bar or a chocolate fountain. These choices need the help of a professional, stat.

Post a task for:

8. Wedding Entertainment

Make your wedding day (or night!) the most memorable with an unforgettable program and entertainment.

Whether it be hiring a string quartet, reliving your best moments in the club dancing, or having dancers open your reception, make sure you pick the right type of entertainment everyone will enjoy with your wedding entertainment specialist.

Post a task for:

9. Wedding Cake

newlyweds slicing their wedding cake

Cutting the cake won’t happen if there isn’t one to begin with. How many tiers do you want? Is it going to be chocolate or vanilla? Will it have a chiffon texture? Get answers to your burning questions answered when you have a wedding cake baker on board.

Post a task for:

10. Wedding Documentation

Immortalize the day you said “I do” with a slew of wedding documentation specialists. Have that photographer click through the classics and the candids, and the videographer capture the most intimate moments on film.

Post a task for:

 

Your special day does not have to be a hassle and a financial burden for you. Upload a Task with a budget to match, and your local Taskers will be ready to ensure your special day goes smoothly!

Congratulations and best wishes!

Wedding Planning Checklist

First things first, congratulations on your engagement at this special time. Right now you’re floating on cloud nine but also "Wedding Planning Checklist"

Wedding Planning Checklist

First things first, congratulations on your engagement at this special time. Right now you’re floating on cloud nine but also starting to realise that you have an engagement party and wedding to plan in a short space of time.

An engagement party will normally take place anywhere up to 3 months post proposal so it’s understandable that a lot of your focus is on this. However be ready for an onslaught of questions about when and where your wedding is going to be. So it’s best to get onto the wedding planning as soon as possible.

wedding046-1-ddb17f
Source: Hawkesbury TV

Here is a wedding planning checklist to help you every step of the way:

1. 10-12 Months to go wedding planning checklist

• Pick a few dates that work, this way you can be more flexible with venue availability.
• Consider hiring a wedding planner to help manage every small detail.
• Work out a budget and if your parents are putting in money, see how much they are happy to put it and for what bit.
• Start visiting reception venues and looking at packages – book once you’ve picked one.
• Book the church/park/venue where you’d like the wedding ceremony to take place.
• Set up a Pinterest board and pin your favourite dress, bridesmaid and hair looks.
• Decide how big your wedding party will be and who you’d like them to be.
• Put together a rough guest list as this may influence which reception venue you choose.

2. 8-10 Months to go wedding planning checklist

• Pick a colour and/or theme as this will influence other decisions.
• Start wedding dress shopping – many places will need appointments booked in advance.
Wedding photographer and videographer – view portfolios and book
• Book a florist for ceremony, bouquets and reception.
• Entertainment – DJs, reception band, ceremony quartets.
• Wedding cake supplier – you will need to taste test and look at past cakes.
• Start to plan honeymoon – where you want to go and if you want to go straight after the wedding or wait a bit.

3. 6-8 months to go wedding planning checklist

• Buy the wedding dress and veil.
• Send out save the dates to guests.
• Finalise entertainment and select your ceremony music.
• Buy, order or rent bridesmaid dresses.
• Book your honeymoon.
• Think about the gift registry, wedding presents and wishing well.
• Book the wedding cars to take you to and from the ceremony.
• Finalise wedding cake flavours and decoration.
• Finalise decorations with wedding reception venue e.g. photo-booths, candy bars, entrance boards, table arrangements.

4. 4-6 Months to go wedding planning checklist

• Finalise and order wedding invitations, RSVP cards and other stationary required such as thank you cards.
• Look for grooms and groomsmen suits. Consider buying versus hiring suits.
• Book hair and make up artists and also arrange your trial to co-inside with a trial fake tan.
• Have your trial photo shoot.
• Organise wedding accommodation for yourself, wedding party and others if required.
• Have a food tasting at the reception venue.
• Organise table place cards and the guest bonbonniere (aka wedding favours).
• Order wedding ring bands.

5. 2-4 months to go wedding planning checklist

• Have your final dress fittings so any alterations can be made – make sure you have your wedding shoes for this.
• Finalise guest list and send out invitations.
• Confirm hairdresser and make up for bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers.
• Look into dancing lessons for you and the groom.
• Finalise reception menu along with guest dietary requirement alternative meals.
• Put together ceremony booklets, ushers and what the readings are and who will read them.
• Finalise the gift registry so guests can purchase in advance.
• Attend your hens party and kitchen tea – make sure you relax and have a good time.

6. 1-2 months to go wedding planning checklist

• Start writing your vows and speeches, you will go through many drafts.
• Buy your wedding party and groom gifts as a token of thank you.
• Purchase guest book and any other small decorative pieces.

7. 3-4 weeks wedding planning checklist

• Confirm your honeymoon.
• Organise a dress rehearsal for the wedding party to go through a run through of the ceremony.
• Finalise order of the day and communicate to entertainment, photographers and your wedding party.
• Contact guests who haven’t RSVP’d.
• Start setting out seating plan for reception.
• Buy bridesmaid accessories such as bags, jewellery and hair pieces.
• Collect wedding bands and check they fit at the jeweller.

wedding-planning-checklist
Source: Huffington Post

8. 1-2 weeks to go wedding planning checklist

• Send final floor plan and guest list to venue along with dietary requirements.
• Have all your beauty treatments e.g. facials and waxing.
• Pick up grooms suit.
• Confirm all vendors and suppliers.
• Have your final hair colour appointments.

9. Final week wedding planning checklist

• Deliver all wedding favours, place cards, decorations to the venue.
• Get a spray tan.
• Don’t forget the manicure and pedicure the day before.
• Have a list ready for the day for your Maid of Honour to check off.
• Organise final vendor payments.
• Check on the flower delivery.
• Make sure all outfits are steamed and ready to go.
• Don’t forget to get an early night before the big day.

We hope you have a great wedding day and if we’ve left anything off the checklist, let us know in the comments below.