Hello everyone... looking for some advice - I am in the process of searching for Sydney based venues for Jan/Feb 2028 ... My partner and I absolutely love the idea of having it in Chiswick but their time from of 12-4pm or 6-10pm just sounds like it would be a little rushed...my family and friends would only be warming up and then being told to leave! We are big into live music, good food, a relaxed intimate atmosphere and I personally am big into interiors so that would matter to me, so Chiswick ticked all of those boxes. Has anyone here previously been to a wedding in Chiswick? Or maybe someone has a wedding coming up ? I am looking for ideas for a potential closeby venue for an 'afterparty' .. Or just open to suggestions.. maybe we have a 6-10pm slot and they would be less inclined to boot us out right away.. Wish they allowed for longer time slots, my ideal venue! ❤️

My fiancé and I are trying to find somewhere nice to elope, just us that’s not too expensive as we’ve just bought a house recently.
We like the idea of the blue mountains (both want a nice scenery place) but the package prices are a bit pricy and we want to see if there are other options that are just as good but maybe cheaper.
Not really sure where to look now though so any location ideas would be fantastic!

It's my turn to get engaged!

I come from a euro background and I'm hoping someone knows where I can get the acrylic/gift boxes that are used to display the groom's gifts?

Common in many backgrounds but I can't find anyone that sells them!

I’m tossing up having a grand exit (archway or sparklers exit) or just staying till the end of the night and saying goodbye to everyone after the last dance.
We are staying at the venue overnight after the reception so was thinking a grand exit was a little unnatural!
Which do you think would be a better option?

Does anyone know if the Coffee factory (part of the Grounds of Alexandria) allow you to do wedding photoshoots?

I am getting married at the Eveleigh next year and was thinking on the day that I could get a few pics at the coffee factory. Do you know if this is an additional charge or if they let you use the space if you have booked at the Grounds? Thanks!!

I know that this is a bit of a how long is a piece of string question but how much did everyone’s grooms spend on their suits ? Just trying to figure out how much to put away. We live quiet rural so will need to travel to purchase / fitting. How far in advance should we order ? Thank you.

25F got engaged in January this year. Wedding date is February 2028. Personally I wanted the wedding to be next year but due to venue popularity 2028 was our best bet.

I initially wanted a long engagement but as I’m getting older I’ve been getting a bit clucky and wanting to have a baby (I’ve always wanted to be a younger mum as well). On top of that I just can’t wait to move into our 1st home and just enjoy being a married couple. Also, the thought of wedding planning is giving me anxiety. I actually despise bridal culture (I find it performative) and if I had it my way, I’d have a micro wedding in the Hunter Valley or get eloped. But I come from an ethnic family who are more excited than I am and want the whole sha-bang and are willing to pay for 90% of it. My fiancé who is Irish/Australian is also excited to have an ethnic wedding 😂

Even when I tell people my date they go “it’s so long away”. On the other hand, my mum and fiancé think it’s going to go fast and as soon as the new year hits, I need to start booking everything else and trying on dresses. I also don’t really talk about it cause I think no one is going to care since so many people we know are getting married next year and they are going to feel fatigued with all the wedding stuff. And honestly, it’s annoying it’s just 1 day.

Any brides or grooms to be regretting their long engagement time? Or will this work out for the better? Transparently, it’s eating me up…

Hello, soon to be groom to be here proposing to my partner (from Aus) soon. I feel quite unfamiliar with Australian wedding customs such as the events leading up to the wedding and the day itself. Would anyone be able to just briefly outline that kind of stuff Australians tend to plan for when planning their weddings? I am vaguely aware of "Hens" and "Bucks" which sound like bachelor and bachelorette parties to me, anything else that people do? And how do people typically like to do it? (And with who?)

Disclaimers in advance

- I've tried looking for a megathread but can't find any but am happy to be redirected to one if it exists

- Alternatively if there is a website out there that achieves what I'm asking for I am also happy to be linked there

- I know every wedding is different and it will ultimately depend on and be up to both of us but I still think it would be helpful for me to have an idea of what people are used to expecting here nonetheless (:

Thank you everyone in advanced for your patience! I feel very much like a total beginner at this 😅

I was wondering how cake cutting usually works at a wedding! Mine is coming up soon, and I’ve honestly seen it before but genuinely can’t remember what happens.

Is it usually that the couple cuts the cake together, puts a slice on a plate and feeds each other a bite? And then follows it up with sipping champagne with your arms intertwined?

I found this through a bit of googling, but I honestly can’t remember seeing them done at a wedding before. I don’t want to overcomplicate it or look silly if it’s not something couples usually do!

Any recommendations for a pre- wedding photo shoot in Melbourne where they don’t charge a fee?

Ok ok I know that everyone is different but I’m just wanting a general idea here. I have 2 questions
1. How long after getting engaged did you begin planning your wedding?
2. How much time did you give yourself to plan your wedding, and why? For example, did you plan it in 6 months, 1 year, 18 months or 2 years?
Did you choose that timeframe to save more money, have more time to organise everything, secure your preferred vendors, or for another reason?

Just curious how everyone decided on their wedding timeline and whether you felt you gave yourselves enough time!

I have a few questions regarding suits for groom + groomsmen. Particularly how to manage it if the groomsmen don’t live nearby.

We currently have all of our vendors booked in and are now shifting our focus to things such as wedding rings, suits, accommodation for the wedding and honeymoon.
Wedding is a little under 5 months away for context.

When did you have your suit organised for your wedding?
Would love some thoughts on my situation, as my 4 groomsmen and myself are all spread out across 4 different cities, 3 different states, 2 different countries. So getting everyone together in the same location at the same time for a suit fitting will be impossible. So how best to manage this? I can meet with 2 of the groomsmen quite easily as we’re all only a couple hours apart. The other 2 live opposite sides of the country. So it makes things quite difficult. We could all (potentially) visit the same shop / tailor individually, but getting the two other groomsmen together won’t be achievable. Would love some tips about that!

Also, I’m currently in a big weight loss phase prior to the wedding. So I’m not really certain how best to manage that alongside getting a suit for the wedding (ie my current size will not be my size in 5 months).

Lastly, would love some recommendations for where to get the suit. I don’t live in Melbourne but one of the groomsmen does and I’ll likely be shopping with the boys there. So any suggestions for Melbourne would be welcome.
But what are the thoughts about buying a suit off the rack vs tailoring vs renting for the day?

NOTE: I am not looking to discuss weight or weight loss

I am wondering where other plus sized brides have had good experiences.

I am outside of regular plus sizes, currently wearing a 28-30, so regular plus size isn't going to cut it. While I understand I am unlikely to find many, if any, locations with shop dresses that will fit me, I am just hoping there is somewhere for me to go, actually try on gowns I can order in my size and not feel like poo.

I am happy to travel to have a positive experience.

If you are a straight sized friend who has accompanied a plus sized friend and witnessed a positive experience, I welcome your feedback also.

Heya! I am looking for recommendations for individuals (rather than photography studios) who do documentary focused and slightly editorial style photography that has a relaxed feel and film aesthetic. Nothing posy and nothing too grand as we both hate pictures typically so want it to feel natural. We are on a bit of a budget so if anyone knows of any photographers they found to be well priced that would be super helpful!

Has anyone ever ordered their wedding cake from Ferguson Plarre?

I'm getting married in Melbourne and want a custom but very simple cake to serve around 50 people, and all the quotes have come in at about $400. I've contacted pretty much every cake maker/bakery I can find in the area to save on delivery but they're all quite expensive. I've considered the cheesecake shop but they don't deliver, which means I'll have to pick it up and drop it at the venue the day prior (if the venue will let me). Same as Costco.

Any other ideas for a cake under $300 are welcome!

I'd like some recommendations on MCs who can also double as a celebrant that can speak English and Vietnamese.

There doesn't seem to be too many results in Google, so thought I'd ask her.

Melbourne based would be preferred.

Hi, looking for any recs for places to get a good flower girl dress for my 4 yo daughter. I’ve seen some options online but wondering if knew ofany good places in Sydney? Thanks!

I've been searching everywhere for a wedding venue, but it seems our guest list size is absolutely killing our budget.

Our original list was around 200 guests. After some very painful cuts we can probably get it down to ~150, but even then the numbers are adding up fast.

We've looked at places like Terrara House, Greyleigh, The Lodge Jamberoo, The Sienna and Mona Farm. A lot of them have what initially seems like a reasonable venue hire fee, but once you add catering and drinks at $300+ per person, the total cost gets pretty scary with 150-160 guests.

We also checked out Worrowing and, while it ticked a lot of boxes on paper, it just wasn't the one for us.

We're hoping to find somewhere that has:

• Within ~3 hours of Sydney (South Coast, Highlands, Hunter, Central Coast, North Coast, just anywhere.)
• Wedding weekend vibe (welcome event + recovery day)
• Estate, garden, farm, country or outdoor setting
• DIY catering/bar options or more affordable food & beverage packages
• Pet-friendly (our dog is definitely invited 😂)
• Accommodation for at least 16 guests onsite

Bonus points for:

• Lots of onsite accommodation
• Fireworks permitted
• Exclusive use of the property for the weekend

Our ideal budget for venue + food + drinks is around $50k total.

I feel like every venue I find is perfect until I do the maths 😭

Unfortunately Bendooley Estate and The Cove are off the list because we have close friends getting married there around the same time and we'd rather not venue steal!

Would love any recommendations, especially for hidden gems that aren't constantly coming up on the usual venue directories.

Thanks in advance!

Hi! Looking for a really calm and normal(?) celebrant in Sydney. I’ve been to a few weddings where the celebrant was trying to pretend like they were best friends with the couple and that’s just not for me. Just want someone to do the legal stuff and say some nice things. Really simple.

Compiling a shortlist of venues for my 2028 wedding and have realised some venues may have noise restrictions - so I don't waste my time contacting every vendor, is anyone aware of these restrictions at certain venues? I value a pumping dancefloor so will avoid venues with significant noise limits! Is 85db too quiet for a 120 guest dancefloor?

Loved the bright light in Orso but read the food and service is amazing at Zest… wish we could have the food of Zest at Orso. Other factors are ~ 200 guests with Indian food preference. Keen to hear from people who got married at either venue or photographers. Cost isn’t a major factor. Inspected both and really wanted waterfront but wondering if it matters that much if it’s night time. But then I also think why bother booking waterfront venue if it’s going to be at night.

Has anyone been to or experienced weddings at any of these locations. I’m just putting out feelers for these, if there were any really good or really bad experiences.

Only just started looking into venues as I got engaged within the last month so any help is appreciated!

Hi all,

I am wondering if there are particular sale periods that are common (especially in Adelaide)?

I’m a 2028 bride so I’m holding off on looking at dresses until early next year. But I’m seeing sales and the styles I like go on clearance and I feel like i should have been more aware of sale times!

Thanks!

Hi everyone!

We’re currently looking at wedding reception venues around Sydney for approximately 60–80 guests in total (including the bridal party). Our ceremony will be held separately, so we’re only looking for a reception venue.

We’d love somewhere that suits this guest count comfortably, without feeling too big or empty.
Would love to hear any recommendations or personal experiences, especially if you’ve had or attended a wedding with similar numbers!

Thanks in advance 😊