Just Got Engaged in Brisbane? Here’s Exactly What to Do Next (Without the Overwhelm)

So… you’re engaged. AHH!
Between the happy tears, the ring selfies, the calls from Mum and the group chats popping off, it’s completely normal to have a moment of:

“…Okay but what do we actually do now?”

Don’t worry — if you’re a newly engaged couple in Brisbane and surrounds (hello, sun-soaked proposals and river views), I’ve got you. Here’s a simple, stress-free guide to get you started without spiralling into a Pinterest-fuelled panic.

1. Celebrate first. Seriously.

Before you even think about colour palettes or table seating…
Grab a drink at Howard Smith Wharves, go for a picnic at New Farm Park, or order Uber Eats and bask in your newly-engaged glow.

You only get this moment once — stretch it out.

2. Talk about your vibe (not the details yet)

Engaged couples don’t usually start with a 27-item wedding checklist.
You start with how you want it to feel.

Ask each other:

  • Do we want chill and intimate… or a big party with everyone we know?

  • City rooftop at sunset or hinterland greenery?

  • Fancy dinner vibes or food trucks and lawn games?

Don’t skip this step — it sets the tone for everything else.

3. Lock in the date range, not the exact date

Popular Brisbane venues and vendors book fast (especially September–May), but you don’t need to have an exact date nailed before you start reaching out.
A 3–4 week date window is enough to begin conversations.

Pick:

  • A season you love

  • A rough weekend or month

  • Daytime or sunset ceremony

That’s it.

4. Choose your celebrant early (yes, before half the other stuff)

I know, I know — this sounds biased. But hear me out.

Your celebrant:

  • Guides you through all the legal paperwork

  • Helps create your ceremony style

  • Sets the tone for your whole day

  • Often refers you to trusted local vendors

We’re basically your wedding hype-person, admin brain and professional storyteller in one.

Brisbane dates disappear quickly (weather + lifestyle + outdoor venues = high demand), so reach out early, even if you’re not 100% sure on your date yet.

5. Start a shared notes app

Notion, Google Keep, Apple Notes — whatever you use, make a shared space.
Add:

  • Ceremony inspo

  • Budget ideas

  • Vendor links

  • TikToks that spark joy

  • Random 2am thoughts

It keeps things organised and avoids the “Babe did you see the link I sent?” argument.

6. Build your “big three”: Venue, Celebrant, Photographer

Everything else can come later.
When you book these three early, everything else falls into place naturally.

Tip: Ask your celebrant or photographer for vendor recommendations — most of us have dream-team lists of people who are talented, reliable and fun.

7. Don’t compare your wedding to TikTok weddings

You don’t need:

  • 9 bridesmaids

  • A $7k floral installation

  • Designer tableware

  • Fog machines and sparkler cannons

Unless you want those things.

Brisbane weddings are at their best when they feel authentic — relaxed, warm, unforgettable, and very “you two”.
Focus on meaning, not pressure.

8. Remember: there’s no “right way” to get married

You can:

  • Walk down the aisle together

  • Have no aisle at all

  • Read vows privately beforehand

  • Bring your dog

  • Wear sneakers with your suit or dress

  • Skip traditions that don’t feel like you

This is your story — you get to design it your way.

And if you’re ready for your next step…

If you're newly engaged in Brisbane and want someone who’ll keep things calm, guide you through the legal stuff, and create a ceremony that’s personal, modern and genuinely fun — I’d love to chat.

No pressure, no awkward sales pitch — just a friendly convo about your vision and what’s possible.

Welcome to the most exciting chapter yet. 💍✨

Trudy the Celebrant x

Trudy Worden