Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and slightly overwhelming) chapters of your life. And if you’re planning your wedding right here in Brisbane - congrats! You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful venues, top-tier suppliers, and picture-perfect locations.

But here’s the thing: with so much to choose from, the planning process can quickly become a bit of a minefield. I’m Kate, the wedding planner behind Hitch Perfect, and I’ve helped couples plan everything from elegant garden elopements to full-scale celebrations across South East Queensland and beyond.

If you’re just getting started or knee-deep in details, these tips will help you plan your dream Brisbane wedding with confidence (and a lot less stress).

1. Start With What Matters Most

Before diving into Pinterest boards or venue hunting, sit down as a couple and chat about your priorities. Is it the food? The music? The location? This first step is crucial. Why? Because it gives you a clear direction for your budget, timeline and decision-making. It’s what I call the foundation of a stress-free planning journey.

Kate’s tip: Want help with this part? Download my free Wedding Planning Prioritisation Worksheet. It’s a simple, guided tool that helps couples identify their top wedding priorities - so you can focus your time, energy and budget where it really counts.

2. Lock in Your Dream Venue Early

Brisbane wedding venues can book out quickly - especially during peak seasons. If you have your heart set on a venue like Gabbinbar or Sanctuary Cove, don’t wait too long to enquire.

Kate’s tip: Consider weekday weddings or winter dates if you’re keen on a particular venue but want more availability or flexibility - it’s also better for your budget! I had a couple who fell in love with a venue that was just outside their budget. We got creative and planned a Sunday, off-peak wedding, which made their dream space possible and gave them room in the budget for other priorities.

3. Consider the Weather (Seriously)

Brisbane is stunning, but let’s be real - it can also be humid, unpredictable, or downright stormy in the summer months. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, always have a solid wet weather plan.

Kate’s tip: Don’t just “have” a wet weather plan - make it a real plan. Given our sunshine state’s unpredictable weather, I always create a fully developed wet weather plan. Not just a “we’ll move it if we have to” plan - but one that’s just as beautiful and intentional as the original. Because if the rain pours, the last thing you want is a wedding that feels like a compromise.

4. Choose Local Vendors Who Get Brisbane

Brisbane has an incredible wedding community. From florists and photographers to stylists and celebrants - working with vendors who know the local landscape can make the planning process so much smoother.

I’ve built strong relationships with local creatives, so when my couples book with me, they’re tapping into a trusted network that I know will deliver.

Kate’s tip: To help couples navigate this, I’ve created a Brisbane Vendor Interview Series on the blog. You’ll find real insights from the people behind the scenes: what to look for, questions to ask, and how to know if they’re the right fit for your day.

5. Don’t Underestimate Logistics

Planning a wedding isn’t just about the vibe - it’s about the flow. It’s about pulling together dozens of moving parts. Think: bump-in times, supplier access, noise restrictions, power sources, and council permits (especially for outdoor or private property events).

At one wedding, a whole box of decor was misplaced by one of the venue staff. Because I had a detailed bump-in schedule that included multiple buffers for ‘just in case’ scenarios, we were able to utilise that time to search for the box and keep the whole day running without stress for the couple. Spoiler: it was in the venue’s kitchen! Funny place for decor, huh?

Kate’s tip: At Hitch Perfect, I create a full run sheet for every wedding - timing each single detail right down to the minute. It takes the pressure off you and keeps everyone on the same page.

6. Think About Guest Comfort

Brisbane weddings often take place outdoors, and the climate can be warm - especially in summer.

From shaded ceremony seating to accessible restrooms and transport between locations, small touches can make a big difference to your guests’ experience.

Kate’s tip: For a recent garden wedding, we set up a mimosa tower on arrival (the first of two champagne towers for the day). Guests sipped cool drinks under parasols while waiting for the ceremony to begin - relaxed, refreshed, and ready to celebrate.

7. Let the Location Shine

Brisbane is full of stunning backdrops - from city skylines to river views, rolling hills, and lush gardens. Your photos and your vibe can be totally transformed by choosing a location that celebrates where we are. Whether you’re getting married riverside, in the hinterland or at a heritage estate, sometimes less is more when it comes to styling.

I once planned a wedding at Gabbinbar Homestead where we kept ceremony styling simple to let the venue’s stunning gardens speak for themselves. It felt elegant, timeless, and completely in tune with the surroundings.

Kate’s tip: I love helping couples bring in local touches - from native florals to regionally inspired menus to make their wedding feel grounded and personal.

8. Make It Personal (Not Pinterest-Perfect)

Trends come and go, but your wedding should reflect you. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern minimalist vibe, romantic garden party, or bold colour palette, trust your instincts and don’t feel pressure to follow the crowd.

One of my grooms wore RM Williams boots with his suit, then surprised his new wife after the ceremony with a matching pair just for her. It was such a beautiful, unexpected moment - and totally them. The photographer caught the moment of surprise on camera, so they have that memory to cherish forever.

Kate’s tip: The best weddings I’ve planned always include personal details that reflect the couple’s relationship, even in subtle ways.

Groom Surprising Bride with RM Williams Boots

9. Don’t Try to Do It All Yourself

Even the most organised couples need backup on the day. You might think you can juggle everything, but trust me - on the day, you should be soaking it in and sipping champagne, not calling the cake supplier or directing the band. Even if you’re planning most of the day yourself, an on-the-day coordinator will be your best investment.

Kate’s tip: My on-the-day clients always tell me the same thing after the wedding: “We didn’t realise how much we needed you until we had you.”
My On-the-Day Coordination service is designed to let you enjoy your wedding without worry. From vendor arrivals to last-minute changes, I’ll be across every detail so you don’t have to be.

10. Remember What It’s All About

At the end of the day, this celebration is about the two of you. The connection. The love. The people who matter most. When decisions start to feel overwhelming, come back to that. The perfectly folded napkins won’t matter if you’re stressed the whole time.

One of my favourite weddings was incredibly simple - but the couple were so present and joyful that it felt electric. That’s what people remember.

Kate’s tip: If you’re feeling like wedding planning is getting the better of you, plan a date night where neither of you are allowed to mention the wedding. Coming back down to earth and having a moment of connection with your partner is incredibly grounding.

Ready to Plan Your Brisbane Wedding?

If you’re feeling excited but overwhelmed, that’s totally normal. Whether you need full planning support, styling help, or someone to make sure everything runs like clockwork on the day, I’d love to help.

Let’s make your wedding feel like you, minus the stress.

Enquire Now or follow along on Instagram for more wedding planning tips, behind-the-scenes magic, and inspiration from real couples.