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You may be excited to begin planning your special day but aren't entirely sure where to start. This detailed guide will help you navigate the first stages of wedding planning. You'll learn which tasks to prioritise, what vendors to book in advance, and so much more. I'll also provide countless wedding planning tips throughout to ensure that your experience is as fun, organised, and stress-free as can be!If you're planning a wedding on the Mornington Peninsula, you're in luck. This guide will also include lots of suggestions for nearby venues, florists, celebrants, and more — all wedding photographer approved!

Consider What Type of Wedding You Want

The first step in planning a wedding is to sit down and figure out what type of wedding you want. For example, do you and your partner plan on eloping? Will it be a small wedding with just your family? Or maybe you envision a bigger wedding with people on the dance floor late into the night and incredible food?

The good news is, there's no wrong answer. However, it's important to have these basic details sorted out before you go any further into the planning process. For example, knowing how many people you'll want at your wedding is integral when looking for venues, receiving quotes from caterers, and so on.

It would be best if you also sorted out what month you'd like to get married and what time of day you'd want the ceremony to be. You could get married on a December morning, an afternoon in July, or any other time that suits you. You'll just need to have this information ready when booking vendors!

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Research Different Wedding Locations and Venues

Once you've decided what you want your dream day to look like, it's time to start finding locations.

If you're eloping, booking a wedding photographer is a great way to get some amazing ideas and recommendations. As an experienced wedding photographer, I know all the best spots, whether you dream of getting married on the beach or at a private Airbnb with a separate portrait session afterwards.

If you're having a more traditional wedding with lots of guests, what type of venue are you after? Your options are limitless. You could get married at a winery, beachside, in the bushland, or somewhere a bit more urban. Need some inspiration? Here's a list of some of the very best Mornington Peninsula Wedding Venues.

There will likely be multiple venues out there that suit your criteria. Once you've created a shortlist, you can go out and view them in person and request quotes. This information should help you decide on the right venue for your special day. If you've already found a venue you absolutely LOVE, however, don't feel as if you have to make a shortlist. Why keep looking if you've already found your dream venue? It's not too different from searching for love!

Contact Celebrants in Advance

Wedding celebrants are among the very first vendors you should book way in advance. In fact, booking a celebrant is actually a great place to start your wedding planning journey! If you're not familiar with the term, wedding celebrants essentially act as the host or MC of your ceremony. They help with several tasks throughout the day, including:

• Greeting guests
• Making announcements
• Informing guests about the day's schedule

They can also assist you with plenty of planning tasks well before the ceremony, such as penning your vows, incorporating rituals, and just figuring out your ideal ceremony structure. A celebrant will also make your union legal and take care of filing all the paperwork involved — very important!

The ceremony is the 'heart' of any wedding. That's why it's so important to find a celebrant with the experience and enthusiasm that your wedding deserves. If you're not sure where to start, I've compiled a list of incredible celebrants for your convenience. Check out their websites, read their reviews, and give them a call for a quick chat! You'll start to get an idea of who's the right match for your love story.

To learn more about personalising and spicing up your wedding ceremony, check out this interview I did with local Mornington Peninsula celebrant Ebony Carver!

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Plan Ahead With These Bonus Tips!

It's never too early to plan for your special day. After all, there will inevitably be some details that get overlooked as you get closer and closer to the day of the ceremony. So here are some bonus tips to help you and your partner enjoy every moment of the wedding.

Stay hydrated

Plan for there to be lots of water available during the hours leading up to the ceremony. It can be difficult to stop for a glass of water once you, your partner, and your wedding party head off to the ceremony itself. However, staying hydrated will help keep you energised and awake throughout the ceremony, particularly if you're outside on a hot day.

Choose shoes carefully

Don't select shoes based on appearance alone. Comfort is just as, if not more important! If you never wear heels, don't feel like you HAVE to wear them for the ceremony. The last thing you want is to feel awkward or uncomfortable when you're supposed to be taking in the moment. Besides, shoes are a great way to express your personality. Check out Tracy's shoes — she rocked Converse the entire day, loved it, and looked amazing. No matter what shoes you decide on, take the time to wear them in a bit beforehand. Your wedding day is not the time for blisters!

Have fun

If you want to have an unforgettable day and for your photos to show you and your partner having a great time, do it. Sometimes having fun is all about your mindset. Let your hair down, and accept that things don't have to be perfect. Little things (or sometimes big things) going wrong can actually create the best memories. Don't think you can achieve this mindset on your own? Check out my podcast, Imperfectly Perfect Weddings, for more perspective!