There were more than 28,000 weddings in Victoria in 2019, and we can’t say we’re surprised! The state has some of the highest marriage rates in the country. Plus, Melbourne’s gorgeous Port Phillip coastline is one of the best backdrops for wedding photos.
Weddings are celebrations of love that bring two hearts together and bind them by law and commitment for the rest of your life. If you’re planning your dream wedding in Melbourne, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first step is making sure to give yourselves plenty of time for wedding planning. Ensure you’ll have a wedding day that you’ll remember forever.
1. The Weather
Do you remember the Crowded House’s song about Melbourne having four seasons in one day? The city’s location is slap bang in the middle of the Victoria coastline. Cold pockets of air blowing over the state mixed with warm air, by the time you reach Melbourne.
No matter what time of year, you’ll always need to have the weather at the back of your mind.
Good news is that there are some great salons in, like Two Birds Hair and Beauty, that will make sure you stay looking great through it all. Your look will not only hold up well in high humidity but also withstand a bit of rain. Leaving you looking beautiful whatever the season. Prepare for a lot of wedding photos and every bride deserves to look stunning on their day.
2. The Location
If your engagement venue was stunning, you might want the venue to be equally even more break-taking too! Victoria may be the smallest of the mainland states, but Melbourne is the largest urban area in the entire country. If your friends and family are scattered across the 3,858.5 square mile area, then keep in mind the location.
Make sure it’s easy for everyone to attend your chosen wedding venue. Fortunately, there are some incredible wedding venues in Melbourne that are easy to reach.
Try arranging the wedding that is located within the Melbourne Central Business District. Venues such as State Library Victoria, Vue de Monde, and Hotel Windsor, are the perfect places for a day of celebration with your friends, loved ones, and, of course, your bride or husband to be. It will be easy to access from several stations like Melbourne Central, Southern Cross, Flagstaff, Flinders Street, and Parliament.
3. The Permits
In Victoria, some clients choose to get married in public parks. There are many gorgeous parks in Melbourne to choose from, including Royal Park, Flagstaff Gardens, and Carlton Gardens.
However, you don’t just need to make a booking for these locations, you also need to apply for a permit. Don’t forget to submit your application to the City of Melbourne Planning and Logistics Team well in advance.
Fees range from $537 to $1073, with an additional $60 booking fee. For the price, you get a dedicated section of the park that’s yours for up to 4 hours. Keep in mind if you pick the Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory, you’ll have to choose between a 1.5 hour and 3-hour booking.
4. The Date
Choosing a wedding date can be a little complicated. You’ve to consider the availability of the guests and budget. While also keeping in mind that you can book the venue on time.
It’s not surprising that Melbourne is a top choice for many major events considering it’s one of Australia’s biggest and, dare we say it, most stunning of cities. If you are set on a specific venue, try booking the hotel rooms in advance.
In January there is the Australian Open at Melbourne Park and the Docklands Australia Day fireworks. Also, don’t forget about the big fashion festival a little later in the year. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl also plays host to a huge number of events throughout the year. Why do all these things matter? Because big events which draw the crowds can affect traffic and hotel availability.
5. The Cost
Did you know that couples in Victoria spend more on weddings than couples in any other part of the country? It’s true! Reports show that the average cost of a wedding in Victoria is $15,580, compared to $15,503 in New South Wales. $14,936 in South Australia, $14,076 in Western Australia, $10,472 in Queensland, $10,200 in Tasmania, and just $9,685 in the Australian Capital Territory.
If you’re working with a tight event planning budget, keep in mind the cost of the wedding. Ensure you stay within your available budget by looking for the most affordable suppliers that still suit your event’s needs. While it may just be that Victorians have more expensive tastes, it’s also important to consider that vendors in the local wedding industry charge a little more. But it’s possible to plan the wedding of your dreams on your own as long as you keep a clear vision of what you’d like and research on some event planning ideas on your own. You can also opt to hire wedding planners for day coordination and you take care of the rest of the pre-wedding planning save some dollars.
6. “Legal only” ceremony
In Victoria, you can choose a ‘legal only’ ceremony. That is a fantastic option for ones who are excited about getting married but not one for a big fancy do.
While these are designed to be simple and stress-free weddings, according to the law you’ll still need to have two witnesses, aged over 18. So even for couples planning the smallest of Melbourne weddings, thinking about who you want to have in your wedding party is important. Make sure to ask in advance so you can be sure your chosen witnesses are free. Also, keep a backup person in mind to proxy in behalf of the first option just to be sure.
7. The Opening Times
As with all Australian states, it is necessary to file a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month (and no more than 18 months) before the wedding date. You can pick up a NOIM form in person at the Customer Service Centre in Melbourne near Southern Cross Station. However, be sure to keep in mind that the service center is only open Mondays to Fridays between 8 am and 4 pm, and it’s not open on public holidays.
When planning a Melbourne wedding, make sure to leave plenty of time to pick up, complete, and file your NOIM. You can download the form from the Attorney General’s website. Make sure you don’t forget to do it because you can’t get married without NOIM!
So…when is the big day?
With these 7 little things always in the back of your mind, you’ll find it easy (and perhaps even enjoyable!) to plan a fabulous wedding in Melbourne.
Wedding planning doesn’t need to be as stressful as everyone says. You just need to know what to consider making your dream day a truly great one.
