Tuesday 03 June 2025
How to set the tone for your dream day (and why your venue is where it all begins)
You’ve just got engaged – congrats! Whether it was a surprise proposal or something you’ve both been planning for a while, it’s a huge moment, and now the question becomes: Where do we even begin?
Before you dive into Pinterest boards or lock in your favourite florist, it’s important to get the big picture right. Making a few smart, early decisions will help everything else fall into place and set you up for a smooth, stress-free wedding planning journey.
Here are the first five decisions every couple should focus on after getting engaged, and how a venue like Growwild, in the Southern Highlands, can help bring your vision together.
1. Decide on the Type of Wedding You Want
Before you start calling vendors or setting dates, have a chat as a couple about the kind of celebration you both imagine. Do you see yourselves with:
- A formal black-tie dinner?
- A relaxed, garden celebration with a cocktail vibe?
- Something intimate with your closest 30 people?
- A full weekend of celebrations with ceremony, reception, and recovery brunch?
Having a shared vision helps steer all the decisions that follow – from location to styling to guest count.
At Growwild, the beauty is in the flexibility. Whether you’re after a low-key garden celebration or something more elegant under the marquee lights, the venue adapts to your vibe without losing its romantic, countryside charm.
2. Create a (Rough) Guest List
It doesn’t need to be final, but knowing whether you’re inviting 40 or 140 people makes a big difference when choosing a venue or setting a budget.
A rough guest count will also help you decide:
- The right size of venue,
- Whether to do assigned seating or a cocktail-style reception,
- Your food and drink budget.
Growwild can comfortably host both intimate weddings and larger guest lists, with multiple spaces like the barn, marquee, and gardens giving you options depending on how many guests you’re inviting.
3. Set a Budget (Even if It’s Flexible)
It’s not the most exciting part – but it’s one of the most important. Having a general idea of how much you want to spend, and where you’d like to prioritise your money, gives you clarity when making bookings.
A good approach is to set a rough total budget, then outline which areas you want to invest in most:
- Venue and catering
- Photography and videography
- Styling and florals
- Entertainment and extras
Because Growwild offers both ceremony and reception options in one location, it can help simplify your spend and reduce the cost and stress of moving guests between venues. You also have the freedom to bring in your own preferred vendors to suit your budget and style.
4. Choose Your Wedding Location
Once you know the kind of day you want, the size of your guest list, and your general budget – it’s time to choose the region you want to get married in.
More and more couples are choosing destination-style weddings without needing to travel far. The Southern Highlands, just 90 minutes from Sydney and Canberra, offers:
- A true escape with garden, winery, and countryside venues,
- Charming accommodation for guests,
- Stunning scenery that changes beautifully across all seasons.
Growwild is nestled in the heart of this region and offers the convenience of a close-to-home wedding with all the charm of a countryside escape.
5. Book Your Venue
The moment you lock in your venue, everything else starts to fall into place. Your date is confirmed, your ceremony and reception locations are set, and you can begin booking vendors, sending save-the-dates, and building your day around your chosen space.
Your venue will influence almost every other decision – style, timeline, photos, even your menu – so it’s often the most impactful booking you'll make.
At Growwild, we help couples visualise their day from the first tour. You’ll get a feel for the flow between the gardens, the barn, and the marquee. You’ll see where your photos could be taken and where your guests will mingle. And most importantly, you’ll be able to picture yourselves here – celebrating, laughing, and beginning your new chapter in one of the most romantic regions in NSW.
Final Thought: Take it One Step at a Time
Getting engaged is exciting – but it can quickly become overwhelming. By making these five key decisions early on, you’ll build a strong foundation for everything that comes next.
If you’re at the start of the journey and want to explore what’s possible, we’d love to show you around Growwild.
Book a tour today and see how this peaceful, garden-filled venue can bring your wedding vision to life – no matter what stage you’re at.