NOOSA WEDDING CHECKLIST
OK, so you’ve settled on celebrating your wedding in Noosa. With the biggest decision sorted, it’s time to start nailing the details to really make your day unforgettable. We think there’s no better way than securing that cocktail-in-hand experience cruising the Noosa River aboard Catalina, but we might be biased of course!
Planning a wedding is stressful, we get it. We want your big day to go off without a hitch just as much as you do. So, to help you take the stress out of your Noosa wedding, we’ve created our very own wedding checklist.
Whether you plan on celebrating your nuptials aboard the Catalina or you’ve secured another spectacular Noosa wedding venue, you can use this checklist to make sure everything’s in order for your special day.
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12+ Months Before
🙾 Set a date
LOCAL TIP: For the perfect Noosa wedding, schedule your big day sometime during winter. That way you can enjoy clear, blue skies and there’s less chance of rain.
🙾 Work out your budget
Try to be as realistic as possible and build in a little contingency in case something special comes up that you just can’t do without.
🙾 Decide on your guest list
Don’t rush this, it takes time to strike the right balance. Remember what’s important to you and your partner. Sometimes bigger isn’t better.
🙾 Book a venue
You have no shortage of incredible choices here in Noosa and we’re lucky enough to work with many of them. Try @Ricky’s, @BistroC, @NoosaWaterFrontRestaurant and @Sails for that extra special setting.
🙾 Lock in a celebrant
Don’t be scared to meet a few celebrants and see whether they’re the right fit before making a decision. We’ve got plenty of recommendations to help here too.
9-12 Months Before
🙾 Send out your save-the-date card
Try an e-version for an environmentally friendly option.
🙾 Book your photographer and/or videographer
Immortalising your memories in the style you want is a tough job. Choose someone you know is going to deliver. There is no second take.
🙾 Choose your entertainment
This can make or break your reception so have a clear vision of what you want and make sure your entertainers have this on lock. A band can be an incredible show-piece, but a DJ doesn’t need to learn new songs mid-set to get the party moving.
🙾 Book your accommodation
In an ‘always on’ holiday location like Noosa, there’s no choice but to book early. Also consider those “getting ready” photo’s and what you want out of them. Maybe you want a balcony with an ocean view, or a wine cellar, or a garden where you can see the whole family?
🙾 Start dress and suit shopping
Some serious fun to be had here and the opportunity for some stylish costume changes throughout the day too.
6-9 Months Before
🙾 Lock in your wedding suppliers, including a florist, wedding cake maker and hair and makeup artist
You may decide on more or less styling and florals based on your venue, but much like accommodation; finding the right hair and makeup in the Noosa wedding mecca can be competitive so being prepared early is key. If you’ve seen cakes you love at other local weddings, reach out to the venue and ask for their recommendations.
🙾 Plan and book your honeymoon
Get on a plane, or simply extend your stay right here in paradise.
3-6 Months Before
🙾 Send invitations
An environmentally friendly e-version is a great option here too and you can even get e-RSVP’s and link your wedding registry or wishing well. Less admin and better for the planet. Win, win.
🙾 Finalise your menu
Choose what you love, but also keep some crowd-pleasers in mind. If guests love the food, there’s less wastage, and it helps you and your venue manage intox with your revellers.
🙾 Finalise details with all vendors
Check and recheck. Make sure it’s all written down.
🙾 Apply for your marriage licence
A simple detail, but you might come out of this day with a different name and you’re going to need some documentation.
🙾 Purchase wedding rings
Personally, we like the idea of finding a jeweller and getting His and Hers, but there’s no rules here, as long as they’re there on the day.
🙾 Select music for your ceremony and reception
A Spotify playlist is a great way to guide to your shortlisted entertainers. Find out who’s going to be able to nail the ‘must haves’ and then refine your list from there. Keep in mind the tempo of the day and lean on your entertainment to make sure you don’t go too hard too early.
1-3 Months Before
🙾 Create your seating plan
Our tip, start with larger groups of friendships, relatives, common interests and then start to break it down into tables from there. Always consider access and proximity to facilities for guests with mobility issues and/or those who may be bringing small children and babies.
🙾 Finalise your wedding day run sheet
If you’ve decided to join us aboard Catalina, let us help. We know this routine backwards and can ensure we get your cocktails served right on sunset as you float across the lake to that special sunset track.
🙾 Confirm the final guest list and provide numbers to the venue
Not only will this be a weight off your shoulders, it will often determine your final budget. Who knows, you might have just found that little bit extra for some welcome cocktails (or an extra honeymoon night in Paris??)