How to choose the right wedding venue.
Relaxed coastal venue vibes at The Dunes. Photo: Jess Nicholls
In the first of our Ask the Expert series, we sat down with three legends of the Victorian wedding scene to get their take on what couples could consider when choosing their venue.
Steph and Maddy, Venue Coordinators from stunning oceanside venue The Dunes, music master Josh from Married to the Groove, and floral expert Youki, Creative Director of Sugar Bee Flowers, give us all the answers from their unique perspective.
Settle in for a read, there’s nothing like insider knowledge to help ease the planning process!
We love so many different types of venues. How should we narrow it down?
The gorgeous gals at The Dunes recommend real chat: “The key is to have a heart-to-heart discussion about your wedding vision and priorities as a couple. Talk about the style you both love, your budget range, the location that holds a special place in your hearts, and the number of guests you want to invite. By doing this, you’ll be able to eliminate venues that don’t quite match your preferences and zero in on the ones that truly speak to you. Remember, it’s all about finding that perfect venue that feels like “you” and sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration!”
Josh recommends focusing on the feels you want to create. “Think about the vibe you want for your wedding. Is it a weekend away? Then maybe Yarra Valley or Mornington would work great. Give your guests plenty of notice, and they may get an Airbnb there too. Or is it more like a night out in the city? This could be easier for some of your guests, and they might even have an option for kick-ons as your reception is likely to finish around 11.”
Venue: The Dunes Photo: Jess Nicholls
How far in advance should we start wedding venue hunting?
Resoundingly, the answer from everyone is as early as possible! So many venues book up far in advance. Perhaps consider a Thursday, Sunday or even Monday celebration to open up your options.
For The Dunes, 9-12 months out from your proposed wedding date is the ideal time to begin the search. “Popular venues tend to get snatched up faster than you can say “I do!” By planning ahead, you give yourself a better chance of securing the venue of your dreams and enjoying the flexibility to choose from a wider range of options.”
Venue: The Dunes Photo: Jess Nicholls
Should we look for separate ceremony and reception venues?
This one is a bit spicy! Josh says no, keep the party vibe seamless from beginning to end: “Put yourselves in your guest’s shoes. Having to fill in an hour or two and travel between venues is just a pain. The best vibe is created when you enter a venue and get a glass of bubbles before the ceremony even starts. Then, as soon as the couple are married, the party starts.”
The Dunes crew say it’s all about what works for you: “Ultimately, it’s all about what you vibe with, makes logistical sense, and fits your vision seamlessly. Having both your ceremony and reception at one venue can make life a little easier when it comes to transportation and coordination. Plus, it simplifies things for your guests too! On the other hand, choosing separate venues gives you the freedom to pick spots that hold a special place in your hearts or cater to specific needs you might have. Ultimately, it’s your call. Think about what feels right for you and go with it!”
Photo: Jess Nicholls
What details should we look out for when visiting potential venues?
Everyone agrees that paying attention to the details is super important. Capacity, layout, whether the venue offers catering and bar service, parking options, and, for outdoor venues, a backup in case of inclement weather.
In order to create a party vibe, Josh recommends a more intimate venue. “A big room can make it feel like the venue is kind of empty rather than bustling and happening. Remember that your numbers are likely to go down, not up.”
And crucially, he adds: Ask about noise restrictions! You would be surprised how many venues these affect, and not just city venues; plenty of wineries have them too. If your dream venue does have noise restrictions check out Silence is Golden for a silent disco option.
An excellent tip from The Dunes: “Finding a venue where the person assisting you with the planning process is accommodating, helpful, and gives you that warm feeling can truly enhance your experience. Look for someone who understands your vision and goes the extra mile to make your wedding dreams come true. By keeping these aspects in mind during your venue visits, you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect place that not only meets your practical needs but also creates a positive and memorable planning experience.”
For that style situation, Sugar Bee Flowers says, “It’s always a bonus if the venue has has facilities for floating or hanging florals in the reception space. At what other moment in your lives do you get to sit amongst and underneath a cloud of flowers that complements your colour scheme, elevates the space, and makes an impact for you and your guests to remember?”
An installation sensation by Sugar Bee Flowers.
What will make our reception memorable?
The Dunes summed up everyone’s feelings: “When it comes to making your wedding reception truly memorable, personalisation is the key! It’s all about infusing your unique personalities into every aspect of the celebration. So, get ready to let your creativity soar and think outside the box. Create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that reflects who you are as a couple. Consider adding personalised decor that speaks to your style and interests. Embrace meaningful traditions that hold a special place in your hearts and let go of the ones that don’t.”
How can we incorporate personal aspects into our wedding venue?
Sugar Bee recommends leaning into symbolism in your floral choices: “As a wedding florist, I love seeing the couples incorporating their own colour scheme and textures into their wedding reception decor. You can incorporate your favourite colour and flowers and enjoy the seasonal flowers to remember your day by.
We had a couple incorporate snapdragons because it was something that both of them loved from childhood. We also had a different couple asking to incorporate roses from the grandparents’ garden, so even if they weren’t present on the day, they had a part of them with them.”
And for Josh, naturally, it’s all about the sound: “I feel like music can really bring through your own personality and really change the vibe of a space. This is best done early when your guests first arrive and early in the night. It’s the perfect time when your DJ can play tunes that you really like and can set the vibe the way you want it.”
Josh from Married to the Groove is a talent at reading the room and creating a vibe. Photo: Liz Barnes
The Dunes shows what a venue can do to incorporate the personal: “Choose a venue that holds sentimental value or significance to you as a couple. Once you have the perfect location, style the venue to your liking, infusing it with elements that reflect your vision and personal style. Whether it’s vintage, rustic, modern, or bohemian, let your creativity shine through in the decor, floral arrangements, and overall ambience. Additionally, customising the food and beverage menu adds another layer of personalisation to your wedding day. Work closely with your caterer or venue to create a menu that satisfies your taste buds and showcases your culinary preferences. Incorporate dishes or beverages that hold special meaning to you and explore options for personalised presentation and serving styles. By infusing your personal preferences into the menu, you ensure that every aspect of your wedding day reflects your unique love story.
Cheers to a beautifully styled venue and a customised food and beverage menu that together create a truly unforgettable wedding experience!”
As you can see, The Dunes, Sugar Bee Flowers and Married to the Groove are experts in their field and if you’d like to enlist their talents for your own dream day, we highly suggest you check them out and send an enquiry their way.
