Your Guide to Hiring Engagement Party Venues in Melbourne
Melbourne is a picturesque city that covers much of the coastline of Port Philip Bay and stretches towards the Macedon mountain range and Yarra Valley. The Yarra River flows through the city and houses many lovely riverside venues that could serve as a place for your engagement party. There are endless options in Melbourne for any type of engagement party you wish to host. The Eastern side of the city has a young professional demographic and its venues cater to just that - making it a great area to find a fun, more casual venue.
What to consider before choosing a venue for your engagement party in Melbourne?
- Timing – Engagement parties should be thrown within a few months of the proposal. You’ll want to give yourself enough time to plan the party and invite your guests, while not getting its planning in the way of your actual wedding planning.
- Budget – You’ll want to be aware of the cost of each venue from the start. It’s easy to get excited about a great venue that you find and commit to spending more than you should. Set a budget and stick to it! After all, you do have a wedding coming up soon and there’s no doubt you’ll be spending a lot of money in the coming months.
- Location - Once you decide on the date of your party and how much money you have to spend, it’s time to look for a venue. Look for a spot that will be big enough for all of your guests. Check whether it has enough parking spaces for those travelling by car, or whether it’s easily accessible via public transportation. If you’re planning for some extra activities, like dancing, make sure the venue has all the facilities that you will need for that. Read on to find some of our top picks for engagement party venues in Melbourne!
- Sweets and Treats – Engagement parties are all about celebrating your love! What better way to do that than to serve up fun and elegant pastries and treats at your engagement party!? You can even use your engagement party as a time to taste test different cake types and flavours for your wedding!
- Decor – Engagement party is a fun time when you can decorate however you want! We all know that when it comes to weddings, everyone and their mother has an opinion on what you should do and how you should do it - so making everything look just the way you want for your wedding can be difficult because you end up compromising. But typically you’re on your own for planning the engagement party, so have fun with it and choose a theme and decor that you really enjoy!
- Relax – Your wedding day is going to come and go fast. The most common reflection from couples after a wedding is that it goes by so fast. There are so many people to see and so much celebrating to do that the day is done before you can blink. Your engagement party will be a more intimate and casual event than your wedding. So enjoy it and soak in the time with your closest friends.
Here are some great tips for planning your party!
Want to book the best venue for your engagement party? Here are our top picks:
- The Grace Darling Hotel - Melbourne's second oldest hotel has the charm of a historic venue with all the necessary amenities you may need for a modern celebration. Many rooms available for rent offer a range of atmospheres to match the vibe of your party. The convenient location in Collingwood makes this venue a great location for guests arriving from different parts of the city.
- La Di Da - This centrally located modern venue will satisfy anyone looking for a stylish venue to host their engagement party. Offering both indoor and outdoor spaces, La Di Da can host parties all year long. Book this venue if you want an unforgettable experience!
- Secret Garden Bar - If you're looking for a unique venue to host your engagement celebrations, look no further than this stunning St Kilda space. Located on the rooftop of the venue, the Garden offers stunning views of the city, adding a wow factor to your party.
- Revolver Lane - One of the most unique venues in the city of Melbourne will make for a great location for an unforgettable party! Versatile and flexible spaces can be used for any sort of celebration you’re planning - from a sit-down dinner to a creative bash! Wow your guests and make your engagement party one to remember in Revolver Lane!
- Banzai Bar - This is the venue to go to if you’re looking for something more than just drinks and good food. With arcade games, karaoke rooms, and other entertainment available, Banzai Bar will help you and your guests have fun all night long.
FAQs about Engagement Party Venues in Melbourne
How much does it cost to hire a venue for an engagement party in Melbourne?
There is a very large price range for venues in Melbourne. Most them charge a minimum spend or venue hire fee. The cost for these span from $1,000-$7,000 for minimum spend. And $450-$40,000/day for a whole day venue hire. The average cost will run you right around $5,000 for a venue hire fee and $3,000 for a minimum spend fee.
What are the most popular locations for hosting an engagement party in Melbourne?
- CBD – Also known simply as the City Centre, is Melbourne’s hub for all things fun and entertaining. Here you will find venues and restaurants galore. The streets are pleasantly sprinkled with art and statues throughout. No matter what kind of venue you’re searching for, chances are, you’ll find it here.
- South Melbourne District – The best neighbourhood to find a venue for your engagement in south-east Melbourne!
- Kensington – Known for its village feel, this hilly relaxed district is a popular location for hosting low-key engagement parties.
- Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs – Just a short drive north of the city lies Kinglake National Park - where you’ll find beauty and adventure around every corner! There is a multitude of unique venues for your engagement party between the park and the city. In this Northern suburb area, you will find some of the best and cheap venues in Melbourne.
How do you throw an engagement party on a budget?
There are many things you can do to throw a memorable party without breaking the bank. Firstly, look for off-peak dates for your party. While weekends are usually most convenient for a party, they might also be expensive, so plan your party for a workday. Avoid organising your party around popular holidays, like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. When searching for venues, look for ones that operate on a minimum spend basis. This way, you don’t pay for the venue itself but agree to spend the minimum agreed sum on food and drinks.
What is expected at an engagement party?
At an engagement party, you'll often find speeches, toasts, love stories and dancing. It's a chance for families and friends of the bride- and groom-to-be to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. One thing to remember though is that this is your party, so if anything is expected it is for you to enjoy it as much as possible!