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Bride with long red hair poses with bridesmaid in the background. They are holding clear umbrellas in light rain.
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Wedding

Farm Wedding Checklist

Outdoor weddings at the Gold Coast Farm House are all about fresh air, natural beauty, and unforgettable memories. But as every farm-style wedding couple knows, a little preparation goes a long way! Here’s your go-to checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your big day – no matter what the Gold Coast Hinterland has in store.

1. Footwear for Farm Fun

The rolling paddocks and open spaces are dreamy, but they can be tricky for stilettos!
Consider: Block heels, wedges, boots, or pretty flats that let you dance the night away—no sinking in the grass!

Many of our Farm House brides and guests pack a change of shoes for dance floor fun or just cut to the chase with a quirky pair of kicks that show off their unique style. Give your guests the heads up in the invitation or event information email.

RELATED: Finding the Perfect Wedding Shoes

Dance the night away in comfort with a quick change into your favourite sneakers

2. Weather-Ready Wardrobe

The hinterland loves to keep us guessing!
Pack:

  • A jacket, wrap, or shawl for chilly evenings
  • Sunscreen and a hat for sunny ceremonies

At the Farm House, we have clear umbrellas at the ready if your day comes with a surprise shower. We also have paper parasols for portable shade on hot days. If you want to be well prepared for the weather, double check with our venue coordinators that we have enough of these items ready to go. Once again, let your guests know that there might be moments in the sun and that winter weddings can get very cool at night.

RELATED: A Guide to Unexpected Wedding Day Challenges

Rain or shine, your outdoor wedding will be fabulous at the Gold Coast Farm House

3. Embrace the Farmhouse Vibe

Let guests know it’s an outdoor celebration.
Reminders:

  • Pack a hat and sunglasses
  • Dress comfortably for nature-filled fun
  • Remember to relax and lean into the laid-back, country-chic atmosphere!

Feel free to embrace the Farm House vibe with clothing and footwear. We’ve had many weddings featuring stylish hats on brides, grooms, celebrants, guests, and the wedding party. Depending on your ceremony location, you can be spending quite some time in the sunshine, so it makes sense to be prepared, safe, and comfortable. Boots are another farm friendly clothing option. They work for every part of the day and look appropriate worn with the most formal of outfits, including bridal gowns. We love a bride in boots!

Embrace the Farm House vibe and put on your dancing boots!

4. Phone Reception & Directions

Heads up! Limited phone signal in some spots!
Tips:

  • Download directions or maps ahead of time
  • Check if there’s signage or a wedding app to help guide you
  • One of the beautiful things about the Farm House is the seclusion. Feeling like you are miles away from the rest of the world is a blessing, but this remoteness does come with limitations. Before heading out to the property, ensure you have downloaded anything you might need to access. Your internet access will depend on your provider. Telstra has a greater reach at the Farm House compared to other networks. Be sure to let your guests know this important information.
Download anything you might need out at the Farm

5. Last-Minute Essentials Kit

For peace of mind, keep a small bag close with:
Lip balm
Tissues
Safety pins & bobby pins
Hair ties & deodorant
A mini mirror for quick touch-ups

The benefit of having your wedding at the Gold Coast Farm House is the access to our beautifully restored Queenslander. The House is available for you to get ready in and leave the bits and pieces you might need throughout the day. You can take a moment to refresh, relax, or change your outfit at any time of the day. It’s a wonderful way to start your celebration, without the frantic rush. Take a little bag with you for touch-ups but feel reassured that you have a beautiful space to unwind, reset, and recharge!

Relax and refresh at the Gold Coast Farm House

6. Rings, Vows & Paperwork

Double-check:

  • Rings
  • Vow books
  • Marriage certificate
  • A safe spot to keep them all together until the ceremony

You’ll be surprised how many couples have forgotten their rings. If you want your ceremony to go off without a hitch, share this responsibility with your most reliable friends. Share the responsibility to ensure you and your partner have the complete ceremony you always dreamed of. And if all fails, at least you have a humorous and memorable story to share.

Enrol your most reliable friends to remind you about all the important details for your ceremony

7. Stay Hydrated & Fuelled

It’s a big day – don’t forget the basics! Even a daytime wedding in winter can get warm under the Gold Coast sun. With this in mind, we always recommend our couples have a champagne bucket full of water bottles at the ceremony. You can also serve light snacks if there’s a long gap between the ceremony and reception. We love a gelato cart or a grazing table with champagne, beers and water available for you and guests to hydrate, fuel and celebrate!

Keep yourselves and your guests hydrated and fuelled with drinks and snacks after the ceremony

8. Cosy Comforts for Cool Nights

As the sun sets, it can get chilly out here in the hinterland.
Consider: Blankets, scarves, or a cosy shawl to stay toasty while star-gazing or mingling by the bonfire.

Nobody wants to suffer in the cold, and dancing can only warm you up so much. The Gold Coast Farm House provides fire pits as part of your wedding package and we also have gas heaters for hire. Your guests will appreciate a heads up if they need to bring warm clothing for the open air reception at night, so be sure to include those details in your pre-wedding correspondence.

RELATED: Winter Wedding Checklist

Be prepared for a drop in temperature when the sun sets during the cooler months

9. Capture the Magic

The Farm House is full of photo-ready corners! Allow guests to move about the property with disposable cameras to capture their time at your wedding. You can then process the film to see who came up with most aesthetic shot! Send them a copy with a thank you card, acknowledging your appreciation of their involvement in your special day.

RELATED: The Perfect Wedding Photo Locations

The Farm House is a photogenic beauty ready for you and your guests to explore

10. Bring the Pet Crew (If your furry friend is joining!)

Pack for them too:

  • Lead & harness
  • Water bowl & treats
  • A pet handler or helper for ceremony moments

We will never stop talking about how much we love having furry friends at the Farm. Bring your pets along to the viewing, coordinator meeting, and of course, the big day! While you will have no shortage of friends to pat and play with your fur babies, make sure you have at least one responsible carer to pack the poop bags, water bowls, and treats.

RELATED: Why Pets are Always Welcome

Invite your dogs and someone to look after their every need – they deserve it!

11. Enjoy Every Moment

Above all, this checklist is here so you can feel relaxed, prepared, and fully present. Let the Farm House backdrop, the fresh air, and the laughter of loved ones fill your day with joy, because this is your moment, and it’s going to be unforgettable!