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    Wedding Trends & Costs in Wollongong & Illawarra / South Coast NSW

    Planning your wedding in the glorious Illawarra or Wollongong? Keen to know our wedding venues, how much weddings cost, best packages and trends? Whether you’re a local or planning a Destination Wedding in South Coast of NSW, welcome to our Wedding Trends article. We’ve referenced the Easy Weddings – Wedding Industry Report for 2024. Plus interviewed the incredibly knowledgeable Wedding Events team at City Beach in Wollongong, our Premier Beachside Wedding & Functions Venue.

    Table of contents

    How much does a typical Wollongong Wedding cost? Wedding Venue Costs

    Easy Weddings reports that the average wedding cost in NSW is $36,678.

    City Beach, Wollongong’s Premier Wedding Venue overlooking the ocean, have noted couples enquiring for wedding packages are becoming more budget-conscious. Savvy brides and grooms are checking the wedding package inclusions carefully on enquiry. The wedding cost per head and the inclusions are critical to budgeting. ‘All inclusive’ varies between each venue!

    Reducing the guest list to help reduce wedding expenses. After all, the honeymoon needs some budget too!

    All Inclusive Wedding Packages – cost per head

    For couples wanting a stunning Wollongong wedding of their dreams, but within a reduced budget, City Beach’s all inclusive wedding packages start from just $104 per person. With a minimum of 80 people, couples get the full bells and whistles 5 hour, all-inclusive wedding package, plus a ceremony for $11,000.

    Explore the value and personalisation jam-packed into the City Beach budget-friendly, but premier wedding packages here.

    Wondering what spending the average wedding budget of $36K could get you at Wollongong’s premier beachside wedding venue, City Beach? Pretty much the stunning beachside, ocean view wedding of your dreams!! Including:

    • Your Beachside / Ocean view Wedding Ceremony (inside with views, or outside on grass or sand)
    • Pre-reception drinks
    • An award winning, all inclusive 5 hour drinks and food package for up to 150 guests
    • Canapes and a three course sit down meal / Kids special menu
    • A Saturday arvo / night wedding (they are more expensive cost per head generally)
    • Full wedding styling in your choice
    • DJ’s and an MC
    • Full organisational support of the events team, so your day is dreamy, flows and is not stressful
    • Estimated venue & ceremony cost $26,000, which leaves you $10,000 for:
    • Your wedding dress!
    • Flowers and table decorations
    • Photography
    • Invites
    • Transport – Kombi vans can be arranged via City Beach
    • Incidentals

    Micro Wedding & Elopement Wedding Package Costs

    Couples are looking at reducing wedding costs by reducing the guest list. City Beach weddings team report a rise in micro and elopement style wedding package enquiries.

    Check these stunning examples of personalised, micro and elopement weddings at City Beach.

    Elope to City Beach

    The all-inclusive Elopement Wedding Package is at $7,500.00. Based on 20 people.

    • Registered Celebrant
    • Intimate Ceremony with Personal Vows and Rings
    • Wedding Photographer 2h
    • Food Station or Canapes
    • 3-hour Beverage Package
    • Wedding Cake 7”
    • Selection of Florals
    • Beachfront Private Room Set-up 3h
    • Dedicated Wedding Coordinator

    * Terms and conditions apply.

    Destination Weddings – South Coast NSW

    Wedding Venue choice is generally the top consideration for couples. Most couples research online, narrow down the top 3 preferred venues, then enquire for their ideal dates and availability. And our stunning South Coast of NSW has some divine Destination Wedding Venues to offer!

    In Wollongong, City Beach Function Centre reports a mix of local couples, plus destination beach wedding seekers wanting with Ocean Views.

    Wollongong Beach Weddings

    For couples wanting a Wollongong Beach Wedding, beach ceremony, or ceremony by the ocean (no sand!), City Beach delivers a ceremony option that can be tailored to suit the couples style preference. From Coastal to BOHO. Each offers a stunning backdrop for your special day.

    Coastal Ceremony

    A beautiful wedding arbour dressed with a floral piece, with your choice of white, red, or woven carpet. The package includes a 1-hour council permit at locations like City Beach, Lighthouse, Cannons, Centre Circle, or Banyan Tree. It comes with 40 white padded ceremony chairs, a registration table with 2 chairs, full set-up and pack-down of all equipment, and a wet weather backup option.

    Boho Ceremony

    A raw wooden triangle wedding arbour dressed with a mix of dried and fresh florals, paired with your choice of white or red aisle carpet or a round woven rug. The package includes a 1-hour council permit at City Beach, Lighthouse, Centre Circle, or Cannons. It comes with 40 white padded ceremony chairs, a registration table with 2 chairs, full set-up and pack-down of all equipment, and wet weather backup.

    Top Stressors for Couples Getting Married

    Budgeting remains the most significant concern for couples, followed closely by the guest list management. Removing the wedding planning logistical stress AND any stress of managing the day itself, can be done effectively with the right wedding and functions team to support.

    Best Questions to ask Wedding Venues / Wedding Events teams

    City Beach encourage all couples to ask these questions to ensure your chosen venue delivers the wedding of your dreams:

    • What wedding packages do you offer, and can they be customised?

    City Beach have a range of packages but their current promotion is the ultimate wedding package for $104pp based on minimum numbers and has everything you need for a reception included in the package. 5 hours, 3 course, canapes on arrival, beverages, DJ & MC as well as styling and a wedding coordinator

    • How many guests can the venue comfortably accommodate?

    They have two rooms here and we can accommodate from 20 guests up to 250 guests

    • Can we have a site visit and walk-through before booking?

    City Beach have an Open Day here at the venue every Saturday from 10am where they are able to show you through the venue. Call and make an appointment to view

    • What are the backup plans for bad weather, especially for outdoor spaces?

    When they provide the ceremony package for you, a part of that package is that City Beach provide a wet weather back up option in the reception room. They make the decision with the couple on the day and do their best to anticipate what the Wollongong weather is going to do

    • Is there an in-house coordinator to assist with planning and execution?

    Yes, City Beach have a team of the 3 M’s, Michele, Marina and Melissa who are able to assist with your wedding planning and make your dreams come true for you.

    • How flexible is the timeline for the event on the day?

    The City Beach team want you to enjoy your wedding day and you shouldn’t have to be running and stressing about trying to fit everything in with a strict time schedule. They consider all options, including the requirements of the kitchen as well as the proceedings you want to cover throughout your reception to ensure we can fit everything in, as well as the crucial dancing time at the end of the night, where you get to switch off and just enjoy your wedding after the formalities.

    We wish you all the best planning the wedding of your dreams! We thank City Beach for sharing thier knowledge and sponsoring this article.

    To enquire with the exceptional Wedding & Functions team at City Beach Functions call them on (02) 4228 3188, email [email protected] or visit here

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