Intimate weddings in Melbourne
What is an intimate wedding?
Planning a small, intimate wedding offers a unique opportunity to create a celebration that truly reflects who you are as a couple. Melbourne, with its diverse venues and vibrant culture, is the perfect city to host such a special event. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable intimate wedding in Melbourne.
What is Considered a Small Wedding?
A small wedding typically includes 50 guests or fewer. This allows for a more personal and meaningful celebration where you can spend quality time with each guest. The intimacy of a smaller guest list often results in a relaxed and heartfelt atmosphere, free from the obligations of hosting a larger crowd.
Who to Invite to an Intimate Wedding
Creating a guest list for a small wedding requires careful consideration. Focus on inviting immediate family members, closest friends, and those who play a significant role in your life. This approach ensures that your wedding day is filled with genuine emotions and meaningful connections. Discuss with your partner the criteria for plus-ones to maintain the intimacy of your event.
Key Factors for Choosing Your Intimate Wedding Date in Melbourne
When selecting a date for your intimate wedding in Melbourne, consider these key factors:
Popular Wedding Months: March and October are the most popular wedding months. Spring and autumn offer the best weather, avoiding the summer heat and winter chill.
Weather Considerations: Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable, so aim for mild and pleasant seasons. Spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor ceremonies.
Avoid Public Holidays and Mass Events: Public holidays and major events can increase costs and reduce the availability of venues and vendors. Check local event calendars to avoid clashes.
Venue Availability: Popular venues book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. Secure your venue as early as possible.
Legal Requirements to
Get Married in Australia
To get married in Australia, you must adhere to the Marriage Act 1961 and Marriage Regulations 2017. Here are the key legal requirements:
Eligibility: Both parties must not be married, must not be closely related, and must be at least 18 years old (unless a court has approved a marriage where one person is 16-18 years old).
Understanding and Consent: Both parties must understand the nature of marriage and freely consent to marry.
Notice of Intended Marriage: Submit a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form to an authorized marriage celebrant at least 1 month and no more than 18 months before the wedding.
Authorized Celebrant: The marriage must be solemnized by an authorized marriage celebrant in the presence of two witnesses over 18 years old.
Ceremony Requirements: Use specific wording during the ceremony as required by law.
Post-Marriage: After the ceremony, three marriage certificates must be signed by the couple, the celebrant, and two witnesses. The celebrant will submit the paperwork to the registry of births, deaths, and marriages within 14 days.
Handling the Guest List for an intimate wedding
Creating a guest list for an intimate wedding can be challenging. Here are some strategies to help you manage this delicate task:
Prioritize Close Relationships: Focus on inviting immediate family and closest friends who play significant roles in your lives.
Criteria for Plus-Ones: Decide early on your stance for plus-ones. Typically, plus-ones are reserved for guests in long-term relationships.
Communication: Be honest and transparent with those not invited. You can send announcement cards to inform them of your wedding and express your wish to celebrate with them at another time.
Case Study: Reducing the Guest List of an intimate wedding
A couple planning a wedding faced the challenge of narrowing down their guest list from 200-300 people. They prioritized immediate family, close friends, and people who have been a significant part of their lives. They excluded distant relatives and friends they hadn’t spoken to in over a year. They also decided to have a small ceremony and a larger reception to include more guests. For those not invited, they sent out announcement cards explaining their decision and inviting them to celebrate at a later date.
Choosing the Perfect Venue for an
intimate wedding in Melbourne
Melbourne offers a variety of unique venues ideal for small weddings. From cozy restaurants and boutique hotels to charming gardens and private estates, the city has something for every couple's taste. Consider non-traditional venues that may not require minimum guest counts, such as:
Lakeside venues: Perfect for a serene and picturesque ceremony.
Restaurants with private dining rooms: Ideal for a sophisticated and intimate reception.
Historical sites and boutique hotels: Provide a touch of elegance and exclusivity.
Unique and Lesser-Known Venues in Melbourne
Melbourne offers a variety of unique venues perfect for intimate weddings. Here are a few recommendations:
Botanicah Melbourne: Located at 48 Commercial Road, Prahran, Botanicah is a plant-filled venue with indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s suitable for gatherings from 20 to larger receptions, offering a lush, green environment.
Address: 48 Commercial Road, Prahran
Capacity: Flexible for small to medium-sized weddings
Unique Features: High pitched roof, skylights, tropical plants, and a courtyard with exotic trees.
Ballers Clubhouse: In the heart of Chinatown, this venue combines a bar and games experience, perfect for a fun and relaxed wedding.
Address: Chinatown, Melbourne
Capacity: 2500 square meters, private function spaces available
Unique Features: Multiple bars, open-air patio, and a variety of games and activities.
Outdoor Venues for Small Weddings
Royal Botanic Gardens: The Terrace within the gardens offers a serene setting with views of the Ornamental Lake. Perfect for ceremonies and receptions up to 120 guests.
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
Capacity: Up to 120 guests
Unique Features: Alfresco Terrace, modern design, and picturesque lake views.
Fitzroy Gardens: A beautiful DIY option for outdoor weddings. Permits are not required unless using the conservatory.
Address: Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne
Capacity: Flexible for small gatherings
Unique Features: Scenic gardens, historical landmarks, and the charming conservatory.
Setting a Budget
Even with a smaller guest list, it's crucial to establish a budget. Allocate your funds based on your priorities, whether it's the venue, catering, or decor. A small wedding allows you to splurge on high-quality elements that matter most to you without stretching your budget thin.
How to plan an Intimate wedding
that reflects your story
Your wedding day is a celebration of your commitment to your relationship and the story you have created together. Your wedding day should be a day filled with meaning and full of memories that bring you joy when you think of them. An intimate wedding will allow you to have more time to reflect and take the day in a bit slower and it will also allow you to go further than the small chat with all of your guests allowing you to enjoy an epic party while also having quiet moments with just the two of you. Here are a few things to help you plan your Intimate wedding day.
Choose a venue where you can stay on-site.
In regards to venues, if you have a limited guest list (15 to 20), you will be able to access more flexible stays like airbnb or maybe even camping? With a smaller wedding you have the option to go with private villas, smaller estates, airbnb or even camping if you don’t mind going with rustic vibes. If you are looking for something more urban then you will have even more options by choosing an inner city hotel or apart hotel.
Write your own vows
No google allowed! Vows are a promise to each other and there is no need to follow traditions or a script, just look deep inside and let the ink flow. This is a great way to add meaning to your day.
Get ready together
Instead of choosing to spend half of the day apart why not opt for something more intimate and just get ready together? These moments can be deep and meaningful, just by taking time you can relax and connect with each other. Leave the stress behind of having to be at a certain place by a certain time or all the logistics of having to drive and find parking somewhere by a certain time …
Choose a place to get ready that means something to both of you.
Maybe it was your first getaway when you started dating, or nearby is where you first kissed, or it’s just a place where you crashed after an epic night out, either way choosing a place that means something to both of you will add to your story and to your day. Depending on the location of your Intimate wedding, maybe you can consider a well designed Airbnb or unusual places like Notel.
Have a private vow ceremony
You can have the best of both worlds: a private ceremony with just you and the celebrant, and then an epic party with your friends and family. Don’t be scared to be different, more and more couples are daring to change the format of their wedding day and make their own story to break away with tradition.
Finally just remember that when it comes to your wedding day the most important thing to keep in mind is that it’s a day when you share your promises and commitments with each other and everything else is just a bonus. Weddings are not meant to be a script or a format where one size fits all, so if you decide to go with an intimate wedding, make it intentional and work in adding meaning to your day.
Planning the Ceremony of an
Intimate wedding
With fewer guests, you have the flexibility to involve everyone in the ceremony. You might ask guests to participate in a reading, blessing, or ring warming ceremony, making the event more interactive and meaningful. Consider having guests encircle you during the vows for an intimate and inclusive setting.
Food and Drink for an Intimate wedding
A smaller guest list allows you to indulge in gourmet catering and premium beverages. Consider serving a multi-course meal or offering a variety of tasting stations. This focus on quality over quantity ensures your guests have a memorable dining experience.
Hiring Vendors for your Intimate wedding
Choosing the right vendors is essential for a smooth and enjoyable wedding day. Look for professionals who specialize in small weddings and understand your vision. Key vendors include:
Wedding planner: A planner experienced in intimate weddings can help with logistics, design, and vendor coordination.
Photographer: Capture candid and heartfelt moments with a photographer who excels in smaller, more personal settings.
Florist: Work with a florist to create bespoke arrangements that enhance your venue and theme.
Adding Unique Elements
Small weddings allow for creativity and the freedom to break from tradition. Here are some ideas to make your wedding stand out:
Unique entertainment: Hire a live band, solo musician, or even a magician to entertain your guests.
Interactive activities: Set up a photo booth, lawn games, or a mixology station where guests can create their cocktails.
Managing Expectations and Boundaries for your Intimate wedding
Communicating your decision to have a small wedding can be challenging. Set clear expectations early and be honest about your guest list limitations. Consider hosting a separate celebration later for those who aren't invited to the intimate wedding.
Accommodations for Guests
With a smaller guest list, you can arrange special accommodations for your guests. Consider booking a block of rooms at a boutique hotel or renting a large house where everyone can stay together. This adds to the sense of intimacy and allows for more quality time with your loved ones.
Embracing the Melbourne Experience
Melbourne offers a vibrant backdrop for your wedding. Encourage guests to explore the city's attractions, from its renowned coffee culture to its beautiful parks and beaches. Incorporate local flavors and traditions into your wedding to give your guests a taste of what makes Melbourne special.
Planning an intimate wedding in Melbourne allows you to create a celebration that truly reflects your love story. By focusing on the details that matter most and embracing the unique opportunities that come with a smaller guest list, you can craft a wedding that is personal, memorable, and perfectly you. Enjoy the process and cherish every moment of your special day.
