Who Plans What? A Fun Guide to Wedding Prep
When it comes to wedding planning, one thing’s for sure – every couple has their own rhythm. Some divide and conquer with military precision. Others… spend an hour debating napkin colours and call it “productive.” Whether you’re a spreadsheet savant or a Pinterest queen, figuring out who’s responsible for what can help you stay sane – and maybe even have a little fun along the way.
So, in the spirit of love, laughter, and light-hearted honesty, here’s our tongue-in-cheek guide to the age-old question: Who plans what when you’re planning a wedding?
The Usual Suspects: Who Takes the Lead?
The Flowers: Bride (Usually)
From peonies to pampas grass, florals tend to be a passionate project for many brides. Cue the mood boards, the colour-matching, and the deep dive into what exactly a ranunculus is.
Groom’s role: Nods along helpfully. Occasionally confuses baby’s breath with baby spinach.
RELATED: Wedding Flower Colour Palette
The Music: Groom (Surprisingly!)
Grooms often surprise everyone with strong opinions on the music. Whether it’s live acoustic, DJ decks, or a string quartet, they’re oddly invested in vibes.
Bride’s role: Approves the first dance song, vetoes death metal during dinner.
RELATED: Wedding Musicians Gold Coast
Photography: Bride
A professional who knows how to capture golden hour just right is a must. Brides usually have this locked in well before the venue.
Groom’s role: Glances at five portfolios and says, “They all look good, babe.”
RELATED: The Perfect Wedding Photo Locations
The Menu: Both (Because Food is Sacred)
Food brings couples together. From grazing tables to taco trucks, this is the one task you’ll happily over-research (read: taste test).
Typical exchange:
Bride: “Should we do an Italian grazing table?”
Groom: “Only if there’s arancini.”
Together: “We’ll take three.”
RELATED: Our Love for the Italian Job Catering
The Styling & Decor: Bride
Rustic? Boho? Garden glam? The bride often takes the creative reins here – and let’s be honest, there’s probably a colour palette involved.
Groom’s role: Advocates for fairy lights and neon signs that say “Let’s Party.”
RELATED: Your Outdoor Wedding Experts
The Guest List: Both (Reluctantly)
An emotional minefield wrapped in a spreadsheet. Who makes the cut? Who gets a plus one? Who sits next to Aunt Carol?
Pro tip: Divide it into “non-negotiables” and “if-there’s-room,” then negotiate like you’re at the UN.
RELATED: How to Keep Wedding Guests Happy
Same-Sex Couples: No Rules, All Fun
Let’s be real – when it comes to same-sex weddings, the traditional planning roles don’t apply. Maybe it’s bride vs. bride, groom vs. groom, or a totally non-gendered team effort. The magic is in doing it your way. Maybe you both love floral design and bicker over bouquets. Maybe no one wants a bouquet and you both ride in on motorbikes to a Beyoncé anthem.
At Gold Coast Farm House, we love hosting same-sex weddings because the script gets flipped – and the creativity shines. No rules, no expectations – just pure love, big laughs, and epic celebrations.
Wildcard Roles You Never Knew You’d Need
Budget Tracker: Often the groom. Master of spreadsheets. Wielder of the calculator app.
DIY Extraordinaire: One of you is about to become very familiar with a hot glue gun.
Mood Manager: Whoever did not invite Aunt Carol.
Playlist Curator: Also known as DJ Fiance. Expect a very specific vibe.
Vow Writer: One of you writes them two months in advance. The other? The night before. Somehow… still amazing.
When Roles Flip (And Why That’s Awesome)
Maybe your groom is the aesthetic king with a flair for florals. Maybe your bride’s dream is a food-truck reception and she lets you take over the table settings. Modern couples are throwing out the traditional rulebook – and that’s what makes it fun.
Our advice?
Play to your strengths. Be honest about what you care about. Divide the load fairly – and check in often (especially when cake tasting is involved).
Quickfire Cheat Sheet: Who Plans What?
| Task | Usually | Could Flip? | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue Selection | Both | Rarely | Go on tours together—vibe matters! |
| Outfit Shopping | Bride | Sometimes | Bring tissues for the reveal |
| Cake Tasting | Both | Never | Always sample at least three |
| Seating Chart | Bride | Often | Use sticky notes. Trust us. |
| Honeymoon Planning | Groom | Sometimes | Start early for the good deals |
Final Thoughts: Divide, Conquer, and Laugh Along the Way
Planning a wedding isn’t about who should do what—it’s about creating the day you both want. Whether you’re splitting every task, assigning jobs based on interest, or flipping coins to avoid arguments over fonts, it’s all valid.
And if you’re tying the knot at Gold Coast Farm House, you’ve already got the perfect canvas for a celebration that’s uniquely yours—minus the stress, plus the fresh air, fairy lights, and fields of possibility.
Want to start planning the fun part?
We’re here to help you dream big, plan smart, and laugh through the journey.
