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How Much Does a Melbourne Wedding Typically Cost?

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    There are a lot of moving parts, including location, menu, drinks, etc., that make this a difficult question to answer.

    For weeks, the bride researches and interviews potential wedding vendors before narrowing the field down to a select few. Since we're human, we deserve the best wedding services Melbourne has to offer, but we can't afford those sky-high prices.

    How much do weddings in Melbourne usually cost? It seems like too broad of a question to answer in a single sentence. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty.

    What are the average prices in Melbourne for various wedding services, such as reception hall rental, photography, a wedding dress, flowers, a band, etc.?

    If the bride and groom do their research, they'll have a better idea of how much money to allocate to various aspects of the wedding, allowing them to make more informed decisions about where to spend their money.

    In the beginning, we can work with a null wedding budget.

    FAQs About Wedding Cost In Melbourne

    Generally, plan to budget at least $100 per guest. However, if you're planning a wedding on a budget, one of the easiest ways to reduce costs is to invite fewer people and have a more intimate celebration.

    The average Australian wedding costs $36,000. But, according to a Moneysmart survey, 82% of couples dipped into their savings to pay for their wedding. Another 60% got a loan, and 18% used their credit card.

    The ticket price is generally higher, but if you add up the costs involved with bringing things in yourself (including delivery and pick up fees), you might find that an all-inclusive is cheaper.

    However, just because you have a tighter budget for your wedding doesn't mean you need to make tons of sacrifices or go into debt. Because contrary to what you may have heard, planning a beautiful wedding under $10,000 is completely attainable.

    It's tradition for the bride's family to pay for the ceremony venue, while the groom would pay for the celebrant and the marriage licence.

    Average Australian Wedding Prices

    You can save money for a down payment on a property by getting married at the registry, however the cost to do so varies from state to state. A registry marriage is solely for legal purposes; hence, only a modest ceremony to sign the paperwork will take place, and no wedding venue or catering will be provided. Typically, only immediate family members and extremely close friends will be invited to such a ceremony.

    people toasting wine glasses · free stock photo How Much

    How Much Do Melbourne Weddings Typically Cost?

    Costs range from $450.00 to $40,000. Though if you want to go really insane, you should expect to pay accordingly.

    The answer depends on how far you wish to go without any limits whatsoever.

    The average wedding, according to MoneySmart, will cost around $36,000. The number is rising every year.

    The following is an extensive wedding budget breakdown that should answer any questions you may have:

    • Wedding Garb
    • Individuals Tasked With Officiating Weddings
    • Ceremony Location
    • Wedding Registrar Fees
    • Bridal Bouquets
    • Cosmetics and Styling
    • Music
    • Extra Charges

    Ceremonial Garments

    Two-fifths of brides say that they don't care how much they have to spend on their wedding dress as long as they locate the one. Therefore, if this describes you, read on to the next paragraph and continue your search for the ideal dress.

    The typical cost of a wedding dress is around $2,600. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you start working on your wedding dress at least eight months before the big day.

    Whether or not you spend a fortune on alterations and a hairstyle for your wedding day is, of course, dependent on where you buy your dress.

    Researchers found that the majority of brides made their wedding dress selection within the first year of wedding preparation. So, allow yourself about eight months if you want a custom wedding dress.

    Since we don't yet have a complete picture of our wedding budget, our natural inclination is to be too frugal or extravagant during the preliminary buying phase.

    Like a jigsaw puzzle, the initial few pieces you play don't reveal the full picture until you've played them all.

    It is the responsibility of the bride to establish a strategic strategy for acquiring an affordable wedding dress, which may include purchasing a couture gown, purchasing an off-the-rack garment, buying online, renting a dress, or purchasing an already worn dress (still white). Which price tags are within your financial means, naturally.

    Location for a wedding

    Most of your wedding budget will go towards the location, which, on average, costs little over $15,264. Your wedding venue could cost you up to sixteen thousand dollars.

    On weekends, holidays, and "special" days like Valentine's Day, it is common practise for establishments to charge higher prices. Discounts are typically available during the winter months because it is the off-season (1 June to 31 August).

    How Much Do Wedding Receptions Typically Cost Per Guest?

    The typical guest list has 97 persons and costs roughly $165. Find out from the venue how much extras like drinks, decorations, ceremony rental, etc. will cost.

    Wedding locations typically cost the most money. It's not uncommon for the location alone to consume at least half of the wedding expenditure.

    Obviously, you need to pick the best option.

    Catering

    Particularly notable for their size are the Victorians and Melburnians of Victoria and Melbourne. It should come as no surprise that Californians spend more on wedding catering than residents of any other state. Ignore the median cost of living in the United States, which is now $9,666. Budget upwards of $11,947 on catering if you're holding your event in Victoria.

    Generally speaking, wedding food costs would make up the second largest portion of couples' total wedding spending plans. According to 2019 data compiled by Wedding & Bride magazine, the following four types of catering have shown to be the most popular:

    • Meeting in a chair (52%).
    • Eat at a Buffet (29% of the Time)
    • Good for nibbling on (15%)
    • Alternate methods, such as do-it-yourself or food-truck preparation (4%).

    The majority of couples still choose for the traditional sit-down meal at their wedding reception. Some venues, however, offer both sit-down meals and cocktail receptions as part of a single package, with the latter costing about 15–25% less.

    Plus, a cocktail reception can accommodate more guests than a traditional sit-down meal. So, if you want to have a wedding but keep the same venue costs down, you can invite more people to a cocktail wedding.

    Marriage Officiants

    A wedding cannot go off without a hitch if a marriage celebrant is not there. Your wedding celebration can't get any better than they can.

    How much do Melbourne celebrants charge for weddings? Ranging from $350 to $800 with an average of roughly $500.

    A licenced celebrant will work with you closely to craft a ceremony that is tailored specifically to you and your partner.

    They won't just make you sign the paperwork whenever they want. Expert advice on music, rituals, vows, and other mystical components can be arranged.

    wedding1

    Official Record of Marriage

    The Victorian Marriage Registry is the cheapest option for Melbourne residents.

    You can still get married in a stunning location at the Old Treasury, which is located at 20 Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3000.

    Inexpensiveness is a hallmark of the ceremony:

    • $450/day, Monday-Friday
    • Spending $550 for both days of the weekend

    Getting married with a marriage registry ceremony will satisfy all government mandates.

    Booking administration, a celebrant, your choice of wedding location, a traditional ceremony script (which can be customised), both a Commonwealth and an original marriage certificate, and more are all included.

    Portrait Photographer

    From $2,560 up to $15,060 is what a professional photographer might charge for a wedding. That far-fetched?

    Costs for a professional wedding photographer in Victoria are roughly $2,914, which is less than the national average. When meeting with your prefered wedding photographer, keep in mind that 53% of prior couples bought a wedding album with their images.

    While the cost of a wedding photography package in Melbourne is very low (at 5.8% of the total), it is universally acknowledged as one of the top three most crucial vendors. Because a wedding photographer will be responsible for capturing all of the special moments and details that you have worked so hard to organise. A wedding photographer's rate might vary widely, though, based on factors including his experience, fame, and the inclusions in his packages.

    Choosing a good photographer is crucial. So crucial that nearly all Australian wedders get one for their big day.

    When you stop to consider it, the money you spend on a wedding photographer is an investment in the skill they will use to capture the special moments that you and your spouse will cherish forever. However, after you see the final product, you will fully appreciate the high price tag.

    Flowers for a Wedding

    Couples are spending an average of $5 more on wedding flowers and decorations than they did ten years ago. The average cost of wedding flowers is about $1,650. This includes everything from bouquets and buttonholes to centrepieces and the arbour.

    This may come as a shock to you at first. However, you'll find that the flowers you choose for your wedding are essential to capturing the spirit of the day.

    Floral arrangements for a wedding typically include:

    • Flowers for the bride
    • Decorations with Flowers
    • Plants and flowers that are suspended from the ceiling

    Centrepieces

    You may get a lot more flowers if you want to spend a little extra.

    Decorations

    There has been a recent trend of couples placing a greater emphasis on the wedding's decorations to ensure that the venue looks exactly as they had envisioned. The total amount spent on wedding decorations has increased across the country by 8%, and this trend can also be seen in Victoria. Approximately $1,424 is how much money you should set aside for wedding decorations.

    Putting on the Finishing Touches to Your Hair and Face

    It's important to factor in the cost of hair and makeup for the bridal party and yourself on the big day.

    In Melbourne, a bride may expect to spend about $800 on hair and makeup for her big day. The bride and groom will spend these expenses in addition to those for grooming rituals.

    One of the more affordable yet crucial parts of the wedding.

    The cost includes both airbrushing and conventional application of cosmetics for the bridal party.

    Music

    In the neighbourhood of $1,700 is what most couples spend on wedding music.

    In Melbourne, the usual rate for a four-piece live band at a wedding can easily surpass $3,000.

    You'll have to feed and water them if the performance lasts more than three hours. Commonly, this entails three or four sets. They need to be well lit, and have the right instruments to play.

    Whether you choose to have a DJ or a live band play at your wedding, the music will be an integral part of setting the mood you want for both the ceremony and the reception.

    More than two-thirds of newlyweds (65%) prefer to have a DJ set the mood at their reception, while one-third (35%), prefer to have a band or duo perform.

    Bridal Cake

    Melbourne wedding cakes can cost between $450 and $1,000. Approximately $655 is the norm.

    This is not a store-bought cake, so don't compare it to that. You are investing in some extremely talented artists.

    The best wedding cakes pay equal attention to flavour, texture, and visual appeal, making them works of art in their own right.

    man and woman holding hands walking on seashore du

    Spending on Items Not Included in the Price

    The planning of a wedding can feel like an unending cycle of study, but if the bride is on a tight schedule, she can save money by focusing her attention on the more expensive aspects, such the reception hall and the wedding dress.

    Depending on the specifics of your wedding, you may also be responsible for paying for things like:

    Videography

    The majority of newlyweds (49%) in the United States now hire a videographer to capture their special day so they may watch it again and again. Your wedding video in Victoria will cost you about $2,598.

    One of the most expensive vendors in the wedding business is the videography package (5.16 percent). In addition, if you book both the photography and the videography for your wedding with the same business, you can save between 6 and 10 percent.

    Evening Attire

    Typically, $1,558 is the price range for a formal wardrobe in Victoria. The customary number of groomsmen in a wedding party is three, and this trend stems from the fact that increasingly more grooms are opting to have unique suits tailored for their big day. If money is tight, don't be reluctant to have a conversation with your wedding party about who will be responsible for what costs.

    Groomsmen Attire

    This budget could be different depending on whether or not you've previously discussed who'll be footing the bill for the bridesmaids' attire. The typical cost of three bridesmaid dresses in Victoria, Australia, is $814.

    An Invitation to the Wedding

    Nearly two-thirds of wedding couples choose a professional service to order their invites, primarily to take advantage of modern trends like acrylic and metallic embellishments and letterpress accents. People are also choosing to coordinate all of the event's ancillary materials, such save the dates, menus, signs, and place cards, with the invites itself. Despite this, the average cost of wedding invitations in Victoria remains unchanged from a year ago at $801. Be sure to include the price of stamps in your planning!

    Breads baked especially for weddings

    It's becoming increasingly common for couples to coordinate their wedding cake and centrepiece floral arrangements. Most couples in Victoria, Australia, pick a three-tier cake for their wedding, which drives up the average price to roughly $553.

    In-Store Photographic Enclosures

    Despite a decline in the number of couples renting photo booths, those who do value the event itself more than mere mementoes. It is recommended to set aside $863 to rent a photo booth in Melbourne or Victoria.

    Bomboniere

    Most newlyweds spend no more than $5 per guest on a Bomboniere. If you are considering this option, you should take the number of expected guests into account when determining your spending limit. The total amount spent on wedding favours by the typical couple in Victoria is $476.

    How to Cut Costs at Your Wedding,

    Tip #1

    Determine how much a typical wedding in Melbourne can set you back.

    Tip #2

    Learn how your wedding vendors factor into your overall budget. Each component of your wedding can end up costing you anywhere from 5% to 7% more than you had originally planned.

    Tip #3

    Having a clear sense of what you value most. More than 60% of the entire budget goes into the venue, food, and other services, as well as the attire the bride and groom wear.

    If you're planning a lavish wedding, you might want to spend more time looking for discounts from the service providers you've shortlisted.

    A typical bridal party might interview three to five businesses per service area. But you can't possibly visit every wedding service provider here.

    Grooms also tend to be less patient than women when it comes to wedding shopping.

    Tip #4

    Although you may fall in love with the service of a certain wedding vendor, you should avoid spending too much money with them. It may cause you to go over your allotted wedding budget and force you to forego other amenities. If you're thinking about gambling, keep in mind that you won't win all of your money back in a single game. Don't change your strategy for planning a wedding's cost.

    Tip #5

    Don't be duped by a low price that seems too good to be true; there may be hidden fees and dangers you're not aware of. It's crucial that you read the stipulations thoroughly before selecting whether or not to pay the deposit.

    You must always remember that life does not hand out freebies. Building a wedding budget is the first step in planning the nuptials.

    Consider the question, "Where can I have my wedding ceremony in Melbourne?" as an illustration. No matter if approval is requested or not. Where can I learn more about the top wedding venues in Melbourne?

    Going to the Chapel?

    You may be discouraged by the high expense of a Melbourne wedding, but remember that it's just for one day.

    Having stunning wedding photographs to look back on will make your special day even more unforgettable.

    Conclusion

    How much do weddings in Melbourne cost? There are a lot of moving parts, including location, menu, drinks, etc., that make this a difficult question to answer. The average wedding in Melbourne will cost around $36,000. Costs range from $450 to $40,000 without any limits whatsoever. Most of your wedding budget will go towards the location, which typically costs a little over $15,264.

    Your wedding venue could cost you up to sixteen thousand dollars. Wedding food costs would make up the second largest portion of couples' total wedding spending plans. Californians spend more on wedding catering than residents of any other state. Some venues offer sit-down meals and cocktail receptions as part of a single package, with the latter costing about 15–25% less. The cost of a wedding photography package in Melbourne is very low (at 5.8% of the total), but it is not that far-fetched.

    Couples are spending an average of $5 more on wedding flowers and decorations than they did ten years ago. This includes everything from bouquets and buttonholes to centrepieces and the arbour. A bride may expect to spend about $800 on hair and makeup for her big day. Melbourne wedding cakes can cost between $450 and $1,000. The typical cost of three bridesmaid dresses in Victoria, Australia, is $8.

    If money is tight, don't be reluctant to have a conversation with your wedding party about who will be responsible for what costs. The average cost of wedding invitations in Victoria, Australia, remains unchanged from a year ago at $801. Most newlyweds spend no more than $5 per guest on a Bomboniere. The total amount spent on wedding favours by the typical couple in Victoria is $476. Grooms tend to be less patient than women when it comes to wedding shopping.

    Building a wedding budget is the first step in planning the nuptials. Don't be duped by a low price that seems too good to be true. There may be hidden fees and dangers you're not aware of.

    Content Summary

    1. How much do weddings in Melbourne usually cost?
    2. What are the average prices in Melbourne for various wedding services, such as reception hall rental, photography, a wedding dress, flowers, a band, etc.?
    3. If the bride and groom do their research, they'll have a better idea of how much money to allocate to various aspects of the wedding, allowing them to make more informed decisions about where to spend their money.
    4. In the beginning, we can work with a null wedding budget.
    5. Average Australian Wedding Prices You can save money for a down payment on a property by getting married at the registry, however the cost to do so varies from state to state.
    6. Costs range from $450.00 to $40,000.
    7. The average wedding, according to MoneySmart, will cost around $36,000.
    8. Whether or not you spend a fortune on alterations and a hairstyle for your wedding day is, of course, dependent on where you buy your dress.
    9. Researchers found that the majority of brides made their wedding dress selection within the first year of wedding preparation.
    10. So, allow yourself about eight months if you want a custom wedding dress.
    11. Location for a wedding Most of your wedding budget will go towards the location, which, on average, costs little over $15,264.
    12. Your wedding venue could cost you up to sixteen thousand dollars.
    13. Find out from the venue how much extras like drinks, decorations, ceremony rental, etc.
    14. It should come as no surprise that Californians spend more on wedding catering than residents of any other state.
    15. Budget upwards of $11,947 on catering if you're holding your event in Victoria.
    16. The majority of couples still choose for the traditional sit-down meal at their wedding reception.
    17. Plus, a cocktail reception can accommodate more guests than a traditional sit-down meal.
    18. So, if you want to have a wedding but keep the same venue costs down, you can invite more people to a cocktail wedding.
    19. Marriage Officiants A wedding cannot go off without a hitch if a marriage celebrant is not there.
    20. A licenced celebrant will work with you closely to craft a ceremony that is tailored specifically to you and your partner.
    21. Official Record of Marriage The Victorian Marriage Registry is the cheapest option for Melbourne residents.
    22. Costs for a professional wedding photographer in Victoria are roughly $2,914, which is less than the national average.
    23. Flowers for a Wedding Couples are spending an average of $5 more on wedding flowers and decorations than they did ten years ago.
    24. The average cost of wedding flowers is about $1,650.
    25. However, you'll find that the flowers you choose for your wedding are essential to capturing the spirit of the day.
    26. The total amount spent on wedding decorations has increased across the country by 8%, and this trend can also be seen in Victoria.
    27. Approximately $1,424 is how much money you should set aside for wedding decorations.
    28. Putting on the Finishing Touches to Your Hair and Face It's important to factor in the cost of hair and makeup for the bridal party and yourself on the big day.
    29. In Melbourne, a bride may expect to spend about $800 on hair and makeup for her big day.
    30. Music In the neighbourhood of $1,700 is what most couples spend on wedding music.
    31. Whether you choose to have a DJ or a live band play at your wedding, the music will be an integral part of setting the mood you want for both the ceremony and the reception.
    32. Your wedding video in Victoria will cost you about $2,598.
    33. In addition, if you book both the photography and the videography for your wedding with the same business, you can save between 6 and 10 percent.
    34. Evening Attire Typically, $1,558 is the price range for a formal wardrobe in Victoria.
    35. If money is tight, don't be reluctant to have a conversation with your wedding party about who will be responsible for what costs.
    36. People are also choosing to coordinate all of the event's ancillary materials, such save the dates, menus, signs, and place cards, with the invites itself.
    37. Despite this, the average cost of wedding invitations in Victoria remains unchanged from a year ago at $801.
    38. Be sure to include the price of stamps in your planning!
    39. Most couples in Victoria, Australia, pick a three-tier cake for their wedding, which drives up the average price to roughly $553.
    40. It is recommended to set aside $863 to rent a photo booth in Melbourne or Victoria.
    41. Bomboniere Most newlyweds spend no more than $5 per guest on a Bomboniere.
    42. If you are considering this option, you should take the number of expected guests into account when determining your spending limit.
    43. The total amount spent on wedding favours by the typical couple in Victoria is $476.
    44. How to Cut Costs at Your Wedding, Tip #1 Determine how much a typical wedding in Melbourne can set you back.
    45. Tip #2 Learn how your wedding vendors factor into your overall budget.
    46. Tip #3 Having a clear sense of what you value most.
    47. If you're planning a lavish wedding, you might want to spend more time looking for discounts from the service providers you've shortlisted.
    48. But you can't possibly visit every wedding service provider here.
    49. Tip #4 Although you may fall in love with the service of a certain wedding vendor, you should avoid spending too much money with them.
    50. Don't change your strategy for planning a wedding's cost.
    51. Building a wedding budget is the first step in planning the nuptials.
    52. Where can I learn more about the top wedding venues in Melbourne?
    53. You may be discouraged by the high expense of a Melbourne wedding, but remember that it's just for one day.
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