It’s not every day that you get married and arranging a wedding can be regarded as an ordeal; the logistics of having everything in the right place at the right time are complex and it is very easy to completely overlook something, especially when you have a couple of hundred guests arriving. Despite the obvious responsibility, sit down, relax and read our wedding party checklist.

• The Venue - A critical choice and one of the stunning Gymea wedding venues managed by Tradies would be ideal. Opting for a venue with lots of wedding party experience means everything you need is at hand and they even have overnight accommodation, should it be required. They can provide top-notch live entertainment or you can make use of the resident DJ who really knows how to get people on the dance floor.

• The Menu – An established venue would have a diverse menu which includes great buffets, ideal for a summer event. Remember there might be a few vegans on your guest list, you never can be sure.

• Drinks – Again, a venue has closed bars for private parties and you won’t have to worry about things like ice and let’s not forget the kids and those who are not drinking. A range of drinks covers every taste and the last thing you want is to run dry just when things are livening up.

• The invitations – These should be sent out at least 3 months in advance of the wedding date; some people have very busy social calendars and make sure it is RSVP. Include a map to the venue and any special requests you have for a themed wedding party. Click here for an amusing blog on how the Aussie summer language came about.

• Music – You know your guests, so make sure you have at least a dozen long playlists if you are handling the music yourself. If hiring a DJ, do meet with them at least once prior to the gig and that should ensure the right tunes are played.

• Photographer/videographer - Usually you can find a wedding photographer who also videos the experience and with professional video editing software, you will be presented with a DVD, complete with personalised sleeve, which you can send to all your guests as a keepsake.

• The honeymoon – Some couples are so focused on the reception, they forget to bring their passports and air tickets, which would put a damper on the day. Put all essential travel documentation somewhere safe and have your partner remind you.

• Parking - Once you know the number of guests, you can estimate the car parking space you’ll need. Venues usually have large car parks, so it shouldn’t be an issue if you are hiring a venue for the night.

One other thing you should do is check with state authorities about any possible covid restrictions, as things can change in a matter of hours. Create lists and always call vendors a few days before to remind them of your event.