From the very minute you get engaged and the whole World finds out, the questions will start to pour in. “When is the wedding?” “Where are you having it?” “Have you picked your dress yet?” “Am I invited?”. Take a deep breath, step back and know that you don’t have to rush to answer the bombardment of questions. Just take your time and enjoy the feeling of being engaged.
But, when you feel ready and up for the challenge of wedding planning, here is a guide on how to plan the perfect wedding in Mount Isa.
Set a budget
First and foremost is setting a budget for your wedding. Truth be told, convesation around money can be difficult. But, without a set budget for your wedding, you won’t even know where to begin your planning.
According to a survey conducted by Bride to Be magazine, the average cost of a wedding in Australia is $65,482. Now, that steep figure might unsettle you. Do take it with a grain of salt as it is an estimate that takes into consideration the most extravagant weddings too. Your wedding budget will depend on your financial capacity, and that doesn’t mean it won’t be extravagant if the budget is lower than the alleged average.
Have a talk to your partner about the affordability of your wedding. Discuss with your parents whether there is any possibility of contribution. Once you’ve explored your options, this will help you get closer to a realistic figure for a wedding budget.
Name the Date
Planning the date isn’t just as simple as plucking a random one from thin air. Revisit your daydreams about how you always pictured your wedding to be.
Was it a spring wedding? Perhaps you’d like to make it more meaningful and marry on your anniversary? Or, you’d prefer practicality over sentimentality and would like it to be convenient on a weekend so that more people can attend?
Either way, it’s always a good start to talk to friends and family about any potential conflicting dates before setting it in stone. For those who are hoping summer and early fall marriages, know that these are the most popular timings for weddings, so you may have to pay more for peak seasons and will need to plan way ahead to ensure you get the venue that you want.
Alternatively, being flexible on the date you wed can help keep costs low and landing venues, catering, and all other perks to your liking.
Confirm your guest count
Be realistic about how many people you’d like to invite to your wedding. Of course, it’d be nice for all your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, and so on to watch you tie the knot. However, it probably isn’t realistic.
A good talk with your partner and your loved ones about who they would like to invite will help you start your guest count. Work together to create a preliminary guest count, and make considerations for that “plus 1”. With an estimation, you can start looking for wedding venues.
Booking your wedding venue in Mount Isa
When it comes to wedding planning, most venues are booked at least a year in advance, which is why you will need to decide where you’d like your wedding to be held. Venues to consider include the outdoor garden concept, a hotel ballroom, country club style, farm or gallery space, and so on.
Depending on how many people are on your guest list, your choices for venues will be narrowed down. For example, it wouldn’t be so realistic to have an outdoor garden wedding for a guest list of 300.
Next, you will have to decide what will best fit your vision of the perfect wedding – and who will be attending. For example, if a good portion of your guests include the elderly, a walk-up loft wedding venue wouldn’t be an ideal choice.
Also, are you a little OCD and can’t manage the thought of uncertainty? Then perhaps an outdoor wedding may not be ideal given the endless factors that are beyond your control. From wind to rain, you won’t want to be caught out on your wedding day if you aren’t flexible enough to go with the flow. Does a casual vibe call to you? Maybe a barn setting may be ideal for you.
To avoid disappointment, why not go for the traditional hotel venue which gives you the blank space you need to be creative and make your wedding perfect for you.
At Redearth Boutique Hotel, you are spoilt for choice with four separate function spaces that can suitably accommodate the wedding of your dreams, and all within your budget.
From intimate weddings as small as ten to large cocktail parties hosting up to 250 guests, flexibility is to your advantage at Redearth Boutique Hotel. Catering packages are also provided, and can be tailored according to your desires.
The beauty of celebrating your wedding in the Redearth Boutique Hotel is in your opportunity to take advantage of the experience. Go beyond just the wedding celebrations and stay the night in lavishness and luxury. With a special indulgence escape package that can be added onto your wedding event, treat your “just married” selves to an extravagant stay. Your guests can also take advantage of accommodation packages, and it’s also good to know that there are plenty of car parking spaces available for your guests.
The Redearth Boutique Hotel is strategically positioned at the heart of Mount Isa, right at the doorstep of the major attractions of the town. Talk about convenience to explore the Aussie Outback for guests who are from out of town!
Consider hiring a professional
Truth is, most couples will have zero experience in hosting a party as big and important as a wedding. Given the complexity of the planning, getting a professional wedding planner can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with planning a wedding.
Many brides initially start off by planning their own wedding, only to realise that it can quickly become a full time commitment. If you want to take away the stress of having to get the details right, and would like to just rock up to your perfect wedding without having to do all the homework, a wedding planner is perfect for you.
Generally speaking, the smaller the event, the easier it will be to plan. However, if your wedding involves many people and several intricacies, you may need some help to ensure that you stay on budget. Given their experience in the industry, they know how to ask the questions you may not necessarily ask. Many couples often go beyond budget because they didn’t have the knowledge to avoid unexpected expenses. It also pays to have an existing relationship in the industry, which is the advantage a wedding planner has to offer.
To make your life that much easier, the Redearth Boutique Hotel offers a full wedding planning service. With decades of experience in creating perfect wedding memories, a unique and intimate reception awaits you and your guests.
The wedding planning team is dedicated to making your wedding unique for you. With customisation of details to suit your style, prepare to unravel a wedding that is perfect for you. Capacity of the range of function rooms are flexible and ranges from 80 guests for a sit down meal to 120 guests at a standing cocktail party.
From tailoring your wedding package to make your dreams come true, take advantage of experienced wait staff and bar service, extravagant room decor, and even a honeymoon spa suite reduced to $99 for your wedding night (from an RRP of $269).
Choose your dress
Most wedding dresses are custom made – unless you’re lucky to find the one you like off-the-rack. It’s advised to order your dresses 9 to 12 months before your wedding to account for alterations. Consider when your wedding is taking place – for example, a summer wedding will match a strapless A-line lace dress nicely. In the end, the dress you choose should be one that makes you feel comfortable and confident. It should also be one that comes within budget.
Photography booking
It’s important to book your photographer well ahead of your wedding as some may be booked out a year in advance. Check out magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram to find a photographer in Mount Isa that matches the style you want. Be sure to set up a meeting and have a discussion about expectations and inclusions to see whether you are on the same page.
