About Melbourne
Melbourne is an exceptional city, full of unique opportunities and excitement. It is renowned for its vibrant culture, buzzing atmosphere, and thriving population, making it a great place to live, study, or visit. Located on the south coast of Australia, Melbourne is a hub for fashion, art, theatre, music, and sports. The many lanes and arcades offer endless possibilities for exploration with their diverse range of restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutiques.
In addition to being a major hub for business and tourism, Melbourne has become a highly sought-after destination for couples planning their special day. With its mix of stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views, it is easy to see why people choose this city as their wedding location.
From romantic beachfront resorts to lush countryside surrounded by vineyards or even glamorous penthouses atop the highest skyscrapers overlooking sweeping views, Melbourne has something for every couple. Couples can also opt for charming vineyards located close to the city centre or rent a traditional gondola on one of Melbourne's many canals for a unique experience they will never forget.
Wedding Options in Melbourne
- Florist
A florist can provide decoration options for both the ceremony and reception venues, as well as bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids. Florists have expertise in colour combinations that work best together while understanding which blooms will last throughout the entire event. Their designs create a unique atmosphere for each location, setting just the right mood for any joyous occasion.
- DJ/Band
DJs and bands can be hired to entertain the guests on the dance floor during a wedding reception. Musicians or DJs offer an array of options for customizing music sets based on the taste or theme of the event, while also providing equipment and technical know-how suitable for different-sized venues if required. Professional artists are able to play music that will please every guest, whether it is pop hits or classic soul tunes.
- Photography/Videography
A professional photographer captures every candid moment throughout your special day to be cherished forever. Videography allows you to relive your favourite moments again through film, instead of photos alone. Both services add a fun element to your event by introducing props like picture frames or signs with messages from loved ones, or providing interactive videos that everyone can share on social media afterwards.
Wedding Vendors in Melbourne
- The Best Men
The Best Men is a musical group from Melbourne, Australia that offers high-quality live music for weddings, functions, parties, and corporate events. Featuring experienced musicians with decades of performance experience behind them in the most popular venues they provide a range of styles including Top 40 songs, acoustic ballads, rock music, and jazz. The Best Men can even write a custom song tailored to your requirements and preferences. Their goal is to make organising music for your event as smooth and easy as possible so you can create the perfect atmosphere for you and your guests.
- Glen Nicholls Photography
Glen Nicholls is a highly experienced wedding photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. He has been capturing special moments for couples since 2014 and offers a relaxed and fun approach to shooting weddings. With his background in music, Glen understands how to create an atmosphere that allows couples to feel comfortable and natural during their photoshoot. He encourages couples to express their unique personalities, ensuring that they look back on their photos with joy. Glen`s photos focus on the connection between the couple and capture real emotions, all while providing guidance throughout the photoshoot.
- Oh Hello Petal
Oh Hello Petal is a Melbourne-based design studio providing clients with thoughtful and creative floral arrangements, event design, and supplier services. With more than ten years of experience in the wedding industry, the team at Oh Hello Petal is passionate about creating lush designs filled with texture, intentionality, and meaning. Utilising locally grown, high-quality blooms, they strive to deliver sustainability-focused designs that reflect the legacy and history of their clients. The studio offers an array of additional services including décor, linens, furniture, lighting, stationery, and more — allowing them to create unique events tailored to each individual.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Melbourne
With its beautiful and diverse landscapes, Melbourne is a popular destination for many couples who plan to tie the knot. However, it is important for couples to consider the advantages and disadvantages of having a wedding in this city before planning their special day.
Advantages
- Melbourne has an abundance of venues to choose from, ranging from rustic barns to stunning beaches, making it easy for couples to find the perfect location for their special day.
- The city boasts a wide variety of restaurants and catering services that can cater to any taste or dietary requirement.
- Melbourne’s iconic landmarks and stunning natural scenery make it one of the most photogenic cities in Australia, providing plenty of picturesque backdrops for wedding photos.
- Compared to other major cities in Australia, Melbourne provides cost-effective options for weddings with competitive prices throughout its venues and service providers.
Disadvantages
- Popular wedding locations can become crowded during peak seasons due to high demand, compromising the privacy and intimacy that some couples may desire on their special day.
- With unpredictable weather patterns, there is always the risk of wet weather ruining an outdoor event or forcing couples to alter their original plans at short notice.
- Many areas around Melbourne have limited accommodation options that can be expensive during peak season, making it difficult for some guests to find suitable lodging close by.
- Being one of Australia's biggest cities comes with its own set of problems like traffic jams which can disrupt guests' arrival time or delay photo sessions outside the venue.
Tips on How to Organize Weddings in Melbourne
Planning a wedding is one of the most important events for a couple, and it can be overwhelming to make sure everything goes smoothly. To make the process easier, here are some tips when organizing this celebration in Melbourne.
- Research venues: When looking for the perfect location, research your options thoroughly. Consider both indoor and outdoor venues available in Melbourne and pick one that fits your budget and theme. Be sure to double-check if they have all the necessary amenities like catering services, music systems & lighting, etc.
- Get creative: There are some unique spaces in Melbourne that provide an amazing setting for weddings such as parks, farmhouses, and vineyards. Think outside of the box and explore these options to find something special that will fit your needs perfectly.
- Plan ahead: Make sure you book your event location well in advance so you can reserve both the date and time slots you want for your special day. This will help ensure that all vendors have enough time to prepare accordingly so that everything runs smoothly on your big day.
Famous Locations in Melbourne
- Royal Exhibition Building
The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, is a unique testament to the city's prosperous past. Built in 1880 for the International Exhibition, this Victorian wonder has many firsts to its name — the first Australian building to hold parliament, house an aquarium, and fly the national flag. The beauty of the building and gardens charm visitors who come from all over the world to attend events ranging from craft fairs to car shows. Every March, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show attracts over 100,000 visitors over five days, adding to the allure of this grand edifice.
- St Kilda Foreshore
St Kilda Foreshore is a picturesque location with numerous attractions to enjoy. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll down the palm-fringed promenade or cast a line off St Kilda Pier. At the pier's end, a kiosk offers sweeping views of Melbourne's skyline, especially captivating during sunset. Eco-tours are available during summer, including coastal discovery walks and information on the resident little-penguin colony. The Moorish-style St Kilda Sea Baths boasts a heated indoor saltwater pool, perfect for the colder months. Just south of the pier, the St Kilda Esplanade Market is held every Sunday, while The Espy -— a popular live-music venue — is found along the Esplanade.
- Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is a picturesque park with impressive features to charm all visitors, including stately avenues that lead to expansive lawns, flowerbeds, fountains, and a creek. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Cooks' Cottage, once belonging to the parents of Captain Cook. The cottage's location near the visitor centre means that visitors can grab a bite and relax at the attached cafe or explore the delightful 1930s Conservatory. Those in search of whimsical entertainment are sure to enjoy the miniature Tudor Village and Ola Cohn’s Fairies' Tree, adorned with fanciful creatures and whimsical decorations.