How to plan your dream wedding in Tasmania
Planning a wedding in Tasmania can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, especially if you are organising things from interstate or trying to keep everything relaxed and simple. The good news is that once you break it into clear steps, it becomes much easier to make decisions, stay on budget, and enjoy the process. Here is a practical guide that covers the main milestones, plus the small details that usually make the biggest difference on the day.
1) Start with the “why” and the vibe
Before you look at venues or pricing, take a night to talk through what the day actually means to you both. Not the Pinterest version, the real version. Do you want an intimate, slow day with your closest people, or a big party with lots of energy? Do you imagine something coastal and breezy, a winery celebration, a heritage building in Hobart, or a relaxed country venue?
A helpful exercise is to pick three words that describe the wedding you want, for example: warm, simple, fun or classic, elegant, calm. Write them down and keep coming back to them when decisions get messy. If a choice does not match your three words, it is probably not worth the stress.
Practical tip: make a short “must-have” list (3–5 items) and a “nice-to-have” list. Must-haves might be a sunset portrait session, live music, or a venue that is easy for older guests. Nice-to-haves are the extras you can drop if the budget gets tight.
2) Set a realistic budget (and protect it)
Once you have a clear idea of the style, set your budget early. It is not the fun part, but it makes everything else easier. Include a buffer, because there are always surprises: delivery fees, extra styling, wet-weather options, or travel costs for vendors.
A simple way to do it is to split your budget into categories and set rough ranges. Most couples find that venue, food, and drinks are the biggest chunk, followed by photography/video, then florals, music, and styling.
Practical tips:
Decide what you will spend more on, and what you do not care about as much. If photos are important, protect that budget early.
Ask venues and vendors for itemised quotes, not just a starting price, so you can compare properly.
Keep a spreadsheet with every quote, payment date, and what is included. It saves so much stress later.
3) Choose your guest count early (even if it is a range)
Guest numbers affect everything: venue size, catering costs, table styling, transport, bar packages, and the overall feel. You do not need the exact number right away, but you do need a realistic estimate.
Practical tip: write two numbers — your “dream number” and your “maximum number”. Plan the venue and budget around the maximum so you do not get stuck later.
4) Pick the right region and venue for your plan
Tasmania has a lot of variety, but travel time matters. Think about where most guests will fly into (usually Hobart or Launceston), how far you want people to drive, and what you want the weekend to feel like.
Common approaches:
Hobart + surrounds: convenient, lots of accommodation and vendors, easy for guests.
Coal River Valley / Richmond: wineries, countryside feel, still close to Hobart.
Huon Valley: lush, green, relaxed, beautiful for outdoor ceremonies.
East Coast: stunning, more “holiday” feel, but requires more travel planning.
North / Tamar Valley: great food and wine, easy if flying into Launceston.
When viewing venues, ask the practical questions early:
What is included (tables, chairs, glassware, wet-weather option, staffing)?
What is the backup plan if it rains or it is windy?
Are there noise restrictions or a hard finish time?
Are there getting-ready spaces on-site?
How does the light look where the ceremony and reception will be held?
Practical tip: if your ceremony is outdoors, check whether the venue has a sheltered option that still feels nice. Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, and a strong plan B is not pessimistic — it is smart.
5) Lock in a date that fits your priorities
Once you have a shortlist of venues, choose a date. In Tasmania, the season you pick will change the entire look and feel of the day.
Very general guide:
Summer: longer evenings, golden light, but it can be windy and bright.
Autumn: softer light, cosy colours, usually calmer weather.
Winter: moody, romantic, great for candles and indoor receptions.
Spring: fresh and bright, but more unpredictable weather.
Practical tips:
Think about daylight hours, especially if you want sunset portraits.
If many guests are travelling, consider long weekends and school holiday periods (accommodation fills faster and costs more).
If you love the idea of an outdoor ceremony, avoid setting everything at the windiest time of day at a coastal location.
6) Book your key vendors in the right order
Once the venue and date are locked, book your “anchor vendors” next. These are the people who shape the whole experience and often book out first.
Typical priority order:
Celebrant (sets the tone and keeps the ceremony smooth)
Photographer / videographer (they guide timing and capture the story)
Catering / bar (if not provided by the venue)
Music / entertainment
Hair and makeup
Florist / stylist
Cake / extras
Practical tips:
Send vendors a clear message: date, venue, guest count, and the vibe. You will get better replies and more accurate quotes.
Ask what they need from you and when, so you are not chasing details at the last minute.
7) Build a timeline that actually feels good (and photographs well)
A calm wedding day usually comes down to one thing: enough time in the right places. A good timeline reduces stress, helps everyone stay present, and gives you better photos because you are not rushing.
Common timing tips that help:
Allow extra time for getting ready (hair and makeup often runs over).
Plan a buffer between ceremony and reception so you are not sprinting.
Schedule portraits when the light is soft (late afternoon is often ideal).
If you want golden-hour photos, protect that window in the timeline.
If you are doing speeches, decide whether you want them before or after dinner, and keep them paced.
This is where an experienced wedding photographer can help a lot. We look at the location, the sunset time, how long it takes to move between places, and the type of photos you want — and then we suggest a flow that feels natural. The goal is not to turn your wedding into a photoshoot. The goal is to create a day that is easy to live through, while still capturing the best moments.
8) Make guest logistics simple
Destination weddings are easier for guests when the information is clear. The less guesswork, the happier everyone will be.
Practical tips:
Create a simple wedding website or one-page info sheet with: ceremony time, reception address, dress code, parking, and transport options.
If you are in a regional area, consider organising a bus (it keeps the day safer and more relaxed).
Book accommodation blocks early if your venue is in a smaller town.
If guests are travelling from interstate, give them a short list of recommended suburbs or areas to stay.
9) Keep styling realistic for Tasmania
Styling is fun, but it is easy to overspend here. Let the venue and the landscape do some of the work. Focus on a few high-impact choices: ceremony florals, bouquet, candles, and lighting for the reception.
Practical tips:
If it is a windy venue, avoid lightweight arches and tall arrangements without proper anchoring.
Fairy lights or festoon lights can transform a space more than extra décor.
If you want an outdoor ceremony, consider a simple plan for shade (summer sun can be harsh in photos and uncomfortable for guests).
10) Final checks that save stress on the day
In the final month, the goal is to remove decisions, not add them.
Practical checklist:
Confirm all bookings and timings with vendors in writing.
Build a simple run sheet and share it with your coordinator (or a trusted friend).
Pack an emergency kit (safety pins, blotting paper, Panadol, tissues, snacks).
Decide who holds the rings, who fixes the dress, who gathers family for group photos.
If you can, do a quick venue walk-through or timeline call one to two weeks out.
A note from Ulla Nordwood Photography
In the Ulla Nordwood Photography team, we help couples plan a timeline that feels relaxed and realistic, with enough breathing room for real moments and beautiful light. We will suggest small improvements - like shifting portraits by 20 minutes, creating a buffer after the ceremony, or simplifying travel - that often make the day feel smoother and the photos look even better. The aim is always the same: a wedding day you can enjoy, and a gallery that brings it all back exactly as it felt.
