Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, or eating dinner with your loved ones blessed with the laidback vibes of a beach wedding at Balmoral. A Sydney wedding can be anything you want it to be. With the city's lush gardens, stunning beaches, world-class venues and expert suppliers, planning a wedding in Sydney means endless possibilities to create a truly magical and unforgettable day. So where do you start? In this article, we help those people who are planning a Sydney wedding, offering them some great advice for the beginning phase of their wedding planning journey.
Planning a wedding in Sydney
Congratulations! You're planning a wedding in Sydney and you're on a journey to creating your dream event. Whether it's on the beach, in a 5-star hotel or in the rustic countryside outside of the city, we want your Sydney wedding to shine bright with your personality and match up to your wedding dreams.
That is why in this article we offer some of our best advice when it comes to planning a wedding in Sydney. Our beautiful city offers endless possibilities to create a truly magical and unforgettable wedding day, and yours should be nothing less than perfect.
When to start planning your Sydney wedding
You'll make your dream Sydney wedding come to life no matter how early or late you choose to start planning. However there are a few guidelines when planning a wedding in Sydney that you might want to take into account.
In general, wedding planners recommend aiming to begin the process at least 12-18 months in advance to secure preferred venues and suppliers. If you have a dream cake maker or a selected venue (for example), their dates are likely fill up the closer you get. In many ways, early planning can be highly advantageous.
What's more, some aspects, like ordering a custom-made dress, require significant lead time. Starting early allows for budgeting, researching costs, and allocating funds. But don't panic, if your wedding date is sooner, adjust the timeline accordingly. It's never too late!
Learn about when to send out your save the dates and wedding invitations here.
Choosing the style of your Sydney wedding
Before you start selecting a wedding location in Sydney, the initial task you'll be faced with is to start dreaming. What type of wedding resonates with you and your partner? If you were to imagine your dream wedding, what would it look like?
Perhaps you've always dreamed of a charming countryside celebration amidst the rustic allure of rural NSW, adorned with eucalyptus and with rustic views of the Hunter Valley or the dramatic Blue Mountains? Alternatively, it might be an enchanting coastal gathering in Coogee or Bondi, where breathtaking seaside vistas offer the perfect opportunity for stunning beachside photographs.
Setting your budget
Once you've come up with a vision, it's time to start thinking about your budget for your Sydney wedding. There are a few ways to do this, but the following steps might help you on your way.
First, work towards setting your total budget by identifying your priorities as a couple. Your priorities might cross over in some places and might differ in others. This is fine, as long as you understand each other's values and expectations as you're setting out.
Next, research average costs of venues and suppliers in order to get a good idea of how realistic your budget is. You might like to speak to friends who are already married in order to get a better idea of the cost of Sydney-based suppliers.
Finally, allocate your funds to certain categories. For example, according to your priorities, you might like to allocate $3,000 to a dress but leave only $200 for a cake. Then, consider and factor in any additional costs that might arise.
You might need to regularly review and update your budget, but as long as you have a good idea of what you're working with, you won't go too far astray.
Finding your Sydney venue
The exciting part - finding your dream venue in Sydney! Sydney boasts countless breathtaking wedding venues that encompass a variety of styles and cater to a range of budgets. Whether you desire a luxurious hotel venue with boutique accommodations or a renovated warehouse with industrial charm, there's something for you.
Previously we mentioned that the first step to planning a Sydney wedding was to come up with a vision and style that fits your preferences. And if you've done this, locating a venue becomes much simpler. Not sure where to start? Here are a few things you can do in order to kickstart the process:
Research online: Using wedding venue directories, websites, and search engines to find a variety of venues in Sydney.
Attend wedding expos: Meet with different venues and gather information about their offerings.
Seek recommendations: Ask friends, family, or wedding planners for recommendations on venues in Sydney.
Consult wedding planners: Consider hiring a wedding planner who can assist in finding the perfect venue based on your preferences.
Visit venues in person: Once you have a shortlist of potential venues, schedule site visits to see the spaces firsthand.
Remember to consider factors such as capacity and amenities when selecting a wedding venue in Sydney.
Picking a date for your Sydney wedding
If you recently got engaged, the first question you'll be asked is 'when is the wedding?'. Enjoying engagement bliss for now? Then let people know you haven't started planning your wedding as of yet. However, if you're excited to get started, selecting a date should be one of your initial priorities.
For many couples, the date is somewhat unimportant, as long as your dream day comes together. Whether it's in eight months or two years doesn't necessarily make a difference to you, as long as it's at your dream venue. In such cases, your task becomes relatively easier – and you can reach out to venues and inquire about their availability in the coming months or even years. When one sounds about right, you'll be able to snap it up!
Conversely, many couples embrace the sentimentality of marrying their soulmate by selecting a date that holds personal significance. It could be the anniversary of your first date or a date tied to a pivotal event in your relationship.
You might also be totally set on marrying during a certain month or season due to the chances that the weather is perfect, or the mood is right. In Sydney, you might like to take into account the following times of year outside of summer when choosing a date for your wedding:
Spring (September - November): Enjoy mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours.
Autumn (March - May): Bask in pleasant weather with mild temperatures, beautiful foliage, and a romantic atmosphere.
Looking for Sydney suppliers
Time to find your Sydney suppliers! Pull together the details of your wedding and it will make all the difference. To find wedding suppliers in Sydney, you should begin by searching through online wedding directories and simply doing some google searches for the things you're interested in.
But on top of this, attend wedding expos, check social media platforms for supplier profiles, and join wedding forums for recommendations. Don't forget to also seek word-of-mouth referrals from friends or family members who had their weddings in Sydney.
Wedding stationery
Your wedding stationery is the perfect finishing touch to your beautiful wedding day. Adorn your venue with carefully crafted seating charts, ceremony books, menus, table numbers and more, and you'll see your venue go from a blank canvas to a warm and personalised wedding. At Peppermint Press, we work closely with you to ensure that your stationery represents you as a couple, and is seamless; from invitations to welcome signs.
Speak with us today and find out how we can make your wedding shine.
Flowers and decorations
Flowers really are the cherry on top of your wedding. From roses to peonies, hydrangeas and dahlias, orchids and lilies, tulips or native Australian proteas, if you've got a vision for your Sydney wedding there's a way to make it come true with flowers!
When planning the floral aspects of your wedding, pay attention to details such as your personal preferences, the season, your venue and the overall wedding theme. Your florist will be able to advise on popular options and which flowers will match your particular wedding. Looking for something special? Try The Hunted Yard. Their extraordinary vision when it comes to flowers will blow you away. Otherwise check out the sustainable and award-winning Melly B.
The rings
Wedding rings come in a wide range of styles, metals, and designs, offering great variation to suit individual tastes. From classic solitaire diamond rings to intricate vintage-inspired bands, there are options to match every couple's unique style and personality. We love Hardy Brothers for their beautiful designs and Natalie Marie Jewellery's understated approach.
Photographers
You'll look back at your wedding photographs for years to come. Accordingly, for some couples, a photographer is one of the most important aspects of the wedding and something they allow a large budget for. There are a number of great photographers in Sydney, many of which also offer a videography service. Some of our favourite includes Salt Atelier and Lightheart Wedding.
Cake
What a task it is to have a beautiful, huge cake made for yourselves. Although it may just seem like a simple task to begin with, wedding cakes actually come with a whole lot of different options and come in a range of styles and flavours.
Typically, a traditional wedding cake features multiple tiers adorned with intricate designs and frosting. However over the years, more modern designs have appeared, including more minimalist cakes with sleek lines and a contemporary aesthetic.
Then there's flavour. For those seeking something unique, there are options like chocolate, red velvet, or fruit-infused cakes. Traditional alternatives to a single cake include cupcake towers, dessert bars, or even donut walls. Admire the timeless cakes at Bisou Cakes, or the gorgeous contemporary designs by By Gigi.
Celebrant
When planning a wedding in Sydney, the celebrant you choose can make all the difference. Start by asking for recommendations and read reviews until you find the person you think might match your expectations. It's the important to meet with potential celebrants to discuss your vision, services offered, and to ensure compatibility. Looking for a celebrant to help your day stand out? Reach out to Oliver Thomson or Happily ever Arthur.
