What Wedding Décor do You Need and What Areas of Your Wedding do You Need to Decorate?
Planning your wedding in Melbourne and not sure what décor you need or how to style your venue? This guide explains the key wedding styling areas for both ceremony and reception so you can design a wedding celebration that feels welcoming, memorable, and full of good energy.
Wedding planning is exciting, but once the venue is locked in, most Melbourne couples reach a similar crossroads and that is, what exactly needs decorating, and how much is enough? It’s easy to jump straight into centrepieces and colour palettes, but styling is more than choosing pretty décor items. It’s the plan for how your wedding will feel.
Wedding styling shapes the atmosphere, how guests move through the venue, how intimate or spacious it feels, and even how the energy builds across the night. In Melbourne’s mix of ballrooms, wineries, industrial warehouses, gardens, and private homes, the right wedding styling decisions can completely change the tone of your day.
Good styling doesn’t mean decorating everything. It means needs knowing where to focus your budget so your ceremony feels meaningful, your reception feels welcoming, and your dance floor actually gets used. The most memorable weddings are the ones where the styling, lighting, and layout work together to create a rhythm and mood from start to finish.
This wedding styling tips for Melbourne weddings guide breaks down the key styling areas for both your ceremony and reception and shows you what makes the biggest difference, so you can spend wisely and create the kind of wedding experience your guests actually talk about.
The Feel Good Formula: Our Wedding Styling Process
Our wedding styling process is based on how we want your guests to feel from the moment they walk in. Most Melbourne weddings look nice. The difference is how they feel.
Your guests arrive in a certain emotional state. Maybe they feel tired, reserved, or not sure what to expect. Our job is to design the space so they shift into the right mood, without even realising why. Here’s how we approach your wedding styling.
1. Create the “WOW” on Arrival
The entrance lighting and key focal point set the tone within the first 30 seconds. This is where we design for impact, something visually confident that tells guests, how ‘This is going to be good”.
2. Make the Room Feel Comfortable
Once the wow factor hits, the environment needs to feel warm and easy to be in. That comes from:
- Lighting that flatters the room and the people in it
- A layout that encourages mingling instead of hovering
- Décor that feels intentional, not cluttered
If guests feel relaxed, they stay longer, talk more, and enjoy themselves.
3. Build the Fun and Energy Over the Night
A wedding shouldn’t stay at one emotional level. As the night moves from dinner to dancing, the atmosphere needs to lift. We use music, lighting, movement, and styling transitions to shift the room from “beautiful dinner” to “best party of your life”.
This is the difference between decorating and styling. We’re not just placing items. We’re designing how your guests feel from the moment they walk in, all the way to the dance floor.
How We Work
Feel Good Events is a full-service wedding styling team, which means we don’t just hire out décor and leave you to figure it out.
- We design your wedding look and layout
- We provide the décor, lighting and furniture
- We deliver, set up, and pack down
You don’t have to coordinate wedding suppliers, lift décor, or involve family in setups.
You simply get to enjoy the day.
Melbourne Wedding Ceremony Décor & Where to Focus
Your wedding ceremony is where it all begins, and it’s often the most photographed part of the day. A lot of couples will go big when it comes to ceremony styling as your “I do moment” is what the whole day is about.
- Backdrop/Arbour: This is the main focal point. Whether you choose a floral arbour, draped arch, or plinths with arrangements, your backdrop frames the moment you say “I do” and is where everyone’s attention is.
- Aisle Styling: Options include florals, candles, petals, or a carpet runner or mirrored runway. Keep in mind Melbourne’s outdoor weather where petals and lightweight items can blow away.
- Seating Décor: Some couples add ribbons, bows, candles or small floral clusters at the end of rows. This is optional and often where couples cut back if budget is tight.
- Signage: A welcome sign not only guides guests but also adds a personal touch. It can often be reused in the reception space as well.
Pro tip: Prioritise the ceremony backdrop. If you need to trim costs, scale back on aisle or seating décor before cutting back on the ceremony backdrop.
Wedding Reception Entrance
The entrance sets the mood for the rest of the night.
- Seating Chart & Welcome Sign: These are usually placed in the foyer or entrance.
- Lighting & Florals: Simple candles or soft mood lighting can enhance the space without a huge spend.
Wedding Reception Styling Ideas
Guest Tables
The tables are the heart of your wedding reception and where guests spend most of their time.
- Centrepieces: Larger centrepieces suit bigger rooms for more impact.
- Tableware & Linens: Napkins, crockery, and glassware can add layers of style.
- Candles & Signage: Place cards, menus, and table numbers tie the look together.
- Chairs: Swapping out standard venue chairs for something stylish can transform the look.
Bridal Table
The bridal table is another focal point. It’s where all the guests will look and where many photos are taken.
- Florals & Candles: A cascading floral runner or a mix of candles creates impact.
- Backdrop or Overheard Styling: Stylish draping, fairy light curtains, chandeliers, or floral installations add excitement.
- Lighting: If the venue has beautiful features, like a window, enhance it with soft lighting.
Dance Floor
Guests will remember this area, and photos will capture it all night.
- Décor options include personalised decals, acrylic, or light-up dance floors, floral borders, or hanging features.
- Mirror balls, greenery, and fun party lighting can turn the space into a party focal point.
Cake Table, Grazing or Dessert Stations
- Cake tables may just need a small floral touch or candles.
- If you’re having a grazing or dessert station, it can become a feature in itself with styled florals, signage, or even structural elements.
Bar Area
- If guests will gather at the bar (especially cocktail style weddings), styling here makes sense.
- Options: cascading florals, candles, or a full overhead floral installation depending on the bar’s prominence.
Lounge/Chill Out Areas
Not all venues have these or the space to set one up, but if they do, it’s a great spot for mismatched lounges, rugs, and lamps to create a relaxed feel.
Photo Booth or Photo Wall
Whether it’s a 360 booth, dramatic draped backdrop or a floral wall, make sure the backdrop matches your theme. You can also personalise with signage or styling props.
Small but Impactful Spaces
- Bathrooms: A scented candle, or small floral touch adds a thoughtful detail.
- Outdoor/Smoking Areas: Minimal décor here, just enough to tie in the space, without encouraging guests to stay outside unless that’s where you want them to be.
Wedding Lighting Tips: The Secret Ingredient
Lighting is one of the most powerful styling tools and often overlooked.
- Mood Lighting: Warm whites or soft colour up lights that match your wedding colour palette.
- Party Lighting: Essential for dancing as no one wants to dance under harsh bright lights. Moving lights are the best for this as they can be programmed to cover the right area and match your colour scheme.
- Accent Lighting: Spotlights for centrepieces, the bridal table, or signage.
Pro Tip: Lighting doesn’t have to blow your budget but can make a dramatic impact. Always include it in your styling plan and budget.
Wedding Styling Essentials vs. Nice to Haves
If your wedding styling budget is limited, focus on these areas first:
- Guest Tables
- Bridal Tables
- Room Lighting
From there, add extras like entrance areas, hanging installations, photo walls, or styled bars as your wedding budget allows.
Wedding Styling Mistakes to Avoid
- Over decorating (cluttered spaces can feel messy).
- Under decorating – No wedding décor can feel lifeless and boring.
- Forgetting to check venue restrictions (especially for ceiling installs).
- Leaving lighting as an afterthought.
- Spending too much on small areas while ignoring big focal points.
Wedding Styling Budget Guide
Not sure where to start with your wedding styling budget? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide what to prioritise.
| Budget Level | What to Focus On | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Small Budget | Ceremony backdrop (arbour or arch), candles, simple guest table centrepieces, lighting | These areas are the most visible in photos and set the overall mood. A few well-chosen pieces go further than trying to style every corner. |
| Medium Budget | Bridal table styling (florals and candles), mood lighting, photo wall or backdrop | These extras add atmosphere and create more focal points for photos. Guests spend most of the night at the reception, so styling here makes a big impact. |
| Large Budget | Ceiling installations (florals, greenery, draping), lounge or chill-out areas, statement dance floor, lighting | These features create a “wow” factor and transform your venue into something unforgettable. They’re less essential but make a huge impression. |
Pro Tip: Start with the small budget essentials, then layer on the extras that best suit your venue and style.
Not sure how much wedding styling actually costs in Melbourne? Check out this blog post for pricing guides and helpful wedding styling tips.
How Melbourne Venues Influence Styling
Not all venues need the same level of décor. Melbourne has a wide mix of wedding locations, and the type of space you choose will affect what décor and styling is practical (and what’s not).
- Heritage Venues (e.g., Rippon Lea, Werribee Mansion): These spaces often have ornate architecture and built in charm, so you don’t need to over style them. Focus on enhancing what’s already there with lighting, elegant table décor, and a refined bridal table. Keep in mind many heritage venues have restrictions on rigging, wall fixings, or ceiling installs.
- Blank Canvas Venues (e.g., warehouses like The Timber Yard or industrial spaces): These are a dream for creativity but require more styling to bring them to life. Large centrepieces, ceiling installations, statement lighting, and custom lounge areas work well here. With these venues, you’re building atmosphere from scratch, so budget a lot more for wedding décor.
- Garden & Outdoor Venues (e.g., Botanic Gardens, private estates, wineries): Nature provides a stunning backdrop, so keep it simple. An arbour, aisle styling, and thoughtful lighting go a long way. Always plan for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather and remember that florals, candles, and lightweight décor need to be secured. Draping is often wanted for outdoor ceremonies and receptions but in a lot of cases just isn’t practical outside. Backup décor for wet weather is a must.
- Ballroom & Hotel Venues (e.g., Plaza Ballroom, Crown, Sofitel): These spaces are often elegant but can feel large and formal. Styling should soften and personalise them. Think bold centrepieces, mood lighting, roof and wall draping and a feature bridal table. Because ballrooms usually have higher ceilings, larger installations can make the space feel more intimate.
Pro Tip: Always ask your venue about styling restrictions early. Many have rules on hanging décor, open flames, or rigging and bump in time frames, which can change what’s possible. The key thing to ask is how long do you have to style your wedding venue as this will determine what level you can take your styling to.
Final Thoughts
Wedding styling in Melbourne doesn’t need to be complicated. By focusing on key areas and understanding which spaces have the most impact, you’ll get the best value for your wedding budget while creating a beautiful experience for your guests.
At Feel Good Events, we specialise in helping Melbourne couples style their weddings with the right décor in the right places. From tables and lighting to dance floors and lounge areas, we can guide you through what’s essential, what’s optional, and how to bring your wedding vision to life.
Ready to start planning your dream look? Book a consult with our wedding stylists today.
Author – Marcus Prentice – Partyologist, Wedding & Event Planner and Decorator
Why Choose Feel Good Events for Your Wedding Styling
Styling your wedding can feel overwhelming, especially with so many areas to decorate and countless options to choose from. That’s where Feel Good Events can make the process easier, more enjoyable, and stress free.
Here’s how we can help:
- Local Melbourne Expertise: We’ve styled hundreds of weddings across Melbourne, from heritage venues and grand ballrooms to modern warehouses and garden ceremonies. We know what works in each type of space, and we understand the quirks and restrictions of many popular Melbourne venues.
- Full-Service Wedding Styling & Hire: Unlike DIY hire companies, we provide a complete service. This means delivery, setup, and pack down are all included, so you don’t need to worry about who will set up candles, hang draping, or move chairs on your wedding day.
- Massive Range of Wedding Décor: From arbours and backdrops to lighting, dance floors, lounge furniture, and ceiling installations, our extensive wedding hire collection gives you endless options to create your ideal look.
- The Feel Good Formula: Our unique approach focuses on creating the ultimate guest experience. It’s not just about how your wedding looks, it’s about how it feels for you and your guests. By designing with all five senses in mind, we make sure the atmosphere matches the wedding celebration you’ve imagined.
- Guidance to Maximise Your Wedding Budget: We’ll help you prioritise the key areas that give the most impact such as guest tables, bridal table, and lighting, so you don’t waste money on things that won’t be noticed.
The End Result: You get a stylish, well coordinated wedding that reflects your personality while you enjoy your day stress free.
Wedding Styling in Melbourne FAQs
Do I need to decorate both my ceremony and reception?
Not always. If your budget is tight, focus on the ceremony backdrop, reception guest tables, bridal table, and lighting. These are the most photographed and noticed areas. Other spaces like the bar or lounge are optional.
What's the average cost of wedding styling in Melbourne?
Costs vary depending on your venue size, guest numbers, and the look you want. Simple styling can start from a few thousand dollars, while larger weddings with ceiling installations, custom furniture, and florals can be much higher. At Feel Good Events, most of our clients spend between $5,000–$30,000 on styling and décor on average.
Which areas give the most impact for my money?
Guest tables, the bridal table, and room lighting. These three areas instantly change the feel of your wedding and feature heavily in photos.
Do Melbourne venues have restrictions on styling?
Yes, many do. Heritage venues often don’t allow ceiling installations or wall fixings, while modern venues may have weight limits or rigging rules. This is where working with an experienced wedding styling team who knows local venues can save you time and stress.
Can I reuse my décor from the ceremony and reception?
Definitely. Welcome signs, floral arrangements, or plinths can often be repurposed. This is a smart way to get more value from your styling budget. You do need to allow plenty of time though for décor to be moved from ceremony to reception.
What if my venue already looks beautiful, do I still need styling?
Even a stunning venue benefits from personal touches. Lighting, table décor, or a styled bridal table can help tie your theme together and make the space feel uniquely yours.
Do I need to hire everything separately?
Not with us. At Feel Good Events, we provide full service wedding styling and hire, which means delivery, setup, and pack down are all included. You don’t have to juggle multiple suppliers or stress about logistics.
What happens if it rains on my outdoor ceremony?
Weather is a big factor in Melbourne. Always have a backup plan. Certain décor items (like petals, draping or candles) aren’t practical outside in strong wind or rain, so we’ll guide you toward styling choices that work no matter what the weather does.
What décor is trending in Melbourne weddings right now?
Ceiling installations with roof draping, florals or greenery, modern lounge areas, statement lighting, and personalised dance floors are very popular. Minimalist ceremony backdrops and bold bridal table designs are also trending.
How early should I book a wedding stylist in Melbourne?
It’s best to book your stylist as soon as you’ve locked in your venue, ideally 9-12 months before your wedding. Popular dates book out quickly in Melbourne, and booking early gives you more choice and time to plan. If your wedding is sooner, it’s still worth reaching out as we can often create a beautiful look even with shorter lead times.
Can you match my décor to my wedding theme or colours?
Absolutely. Whether you’re planning a romantic garden wedding, a modern luxe wedding style, or something bold and colourful, we can tailor décor to match your theme and palette. Our hire range includes furniture, lighting, draping, florals, and props in a wide variety of styles, so we can customise the look to fit your wedding style perfectly.
Do you work with fresh and artificial flowers?
Yes, we do both. Many couples choose a mix from fresh flowers for bouquets and key focal points, and artificial arrangements for ceiling installs, backdrops, or lounge areas. Using both gives you flexibility with budget, setup times, and venue restrictions. Our team will guide you on what works best for your style, space, and budget.
