Your true love has gone down on bended knee. They’ve popped the question. The day you’ve dreamed of has come and you’re going to get married! 

In life, there are few more exciting times than when you’re planning your wedding. But, there are few more stressful times, too. 

There are many important decisions to be made including where you'll get married, who will marry you and what the ceremony and reception will look like. Once the big question has been popped, the next is often, “Where shall we get married?”. 

There are plenty of venue options available for bridal couples, so make sure you nut out with your partner exactly what each of you wants out of a venue. Get in early as many venues book out way in advance. Always stick to your budget – if you can’t afford a venue, do not choose it. 

Ensure you organise to see the venue before booking and when you make your choice, make a contract. This can include rental hours, a payment plan and cancellation policies. Also, make sure both your names are spelled correctly on the contract, especially if the venue is making signs and menu cards.

Another important, and very personal, decision the couple must make is whether to have a civil ceremony or church wedding.  

Civil ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, however, you may decide on a church ceremony that reflects your religious background. 

A civil ceremony is a nonreligious wedding ceremony performed by a civil celebrant, who must be licensed by the Attorney-General. 

You can book a celebrant up to 18 months before your wedding date and they do get booked up quickly, especially if you want to wed on a Saturday. Two adult witnesses are required at the ceremony and the locations are almost endless; a hotel, winery, the beach, a park, even your own garden.

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Another consideration is how to ‘style’ your big day. In the same way couples choose their wedding outfit to suit their individual style, the ceremony and reception can have unique touches to reflect who the couple are.

To ensure your wedding has a cohesive look, get value for money, and to take another level of stress out of the day, many people consult hire companies, which have a vast array of pieces available. These days couples can hire everything from selfie booths to wishing wells, signs and centrepieces, and table decorations or bunting. Some companies can even light up the sky for your special evening – with fireworks.