Best Gala Dinner Venues Melbourne for Hire

Do you plan on having a gala dinner or ball for a special event? A gala dinner is one giant project, and you'll need all the assistance you can find to make it a night to remember. One way to ensure your gala dinner will be a night to remember is to have it in the most beautiful venue you can find. To do that, you need to know where to look.

To help you out, check out our Melbourne gala dinner venue guide featuring some of the city's most stunning and versatile locations.

Best Types of Venues for Gala Dinners in Melbourne

There are quite a few kinds of gala dinner venues that have become popular in Melbourne. These are some of our favourites:

Ballrooms and Hotels

Nothing compares to the sophistication and grandeur of ballrooms and hotels. Luckily, Melbourne is full of luxury hotels and ballrooms perfect for a gala dinner, each with unique facilities, like chandeliers, intricate architecture, and top-tier service. These venues often come with dedicated event staff, in-house catering, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.

Waterfront Venues

Waterfront venues are a highly appealing option for gala dinners because they present incredible water views to raise the bar of an event. Melbourne, known for its stunning coastline and vibrant riverbanks, offers a selection of exquisite waterfront venues that can make your event truly special.

Warehouse Venues and Blank Canvas Venues

For a more industrial chic or contemporary vibe, warehouse and blank canvas venues offer a unique setting for your gala. At these venues, you are free to let your creativity out. These spaces typically offer large, open areas that can be customised to fit the theme and style of your event.

Your Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Gala Dinner

Typical Budget for Hosting a Melbourne Gala Dinner

Here's a rough breakdown of what to anticipate when budgeting a gala dinner.

Venue Hire Costs

Expect to allocate a significant portion of your budget to venue hire costs. The price can vary widely depending on the location, size, and prestige of the venue. Typically, venue hire costs in Melbourne for a gala dinner can range from $90 per person for smaller venues to upwards of $130 per person or more for prestigious, high-capacity venues. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on the season and demand, so planning ahead and booking early can often secure better rates.

Food and Drinks Costs

Food and drinks are important to any gala dinner experience, often serving as the centerpiece of the event. So when budgeting, check if the venue offers in-house catering or if you'll need to hire an external caterer.

You'll likely pay between $60 and $150 per person, on average, for a full menu that can consist of a multi-course meal, hors d'oeuvres, and an open bar or choices of limited alcohol. The choice between plated service, buffet, or cocktail-style dining can also influence costs.

Entertainment Costs

Entertainment can set the tone and elevate the overall atmosphere of the event. The cost of entertainment can vary greatly depending on the type of performance or activity you wish to incorporate into your gala dinner. If you're considering live music, such as a band or a DJ, pricing can start from around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the popularity and size of the ensemble.

8 Cost-Cutting Hacks to Host an Amazing Event

Gala Dinner Catering 101

Consider the following aspects when planning your gala dinner catering:

Choosing the Right Menu

Selecting the perfect menu for your gala dinner is an important step to any gala dinner event. To create an exceptional menu for your gathering, ask yourself the following questions:

• Who is your guest? What are the demographics and preferences of your guests? Are your guests young professionals, families, or business executives? Will they likely to enjoy a traditional three-course meal, or would an international theme be more appreciated?
• Are there dietary restrictions? Be sure to accommodate various dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies to make all guests feel welcome and attended to.
• What is your budget? Your budget will significantly impact the menu choices. Set clear boundaries with your caterer or venue on what you can spend per head, and ensure there's a balance between cost and quality.

Choosing the Serving Style

Different styles offer varied levels of formality and interaction. Here are some serving style options to consider:

• Plated Service: A plated service is the most formal dining option, usually featuring a set menu where each guest is served an individual plate for each course. This style is ideal for sit-down galas where a structured program or speeches are involved.
• Buffet Service: A buffet service provides a more casual and interactive dining experience. Guests have the freedom to select from a variety of dishes, encouraging them to mingle and interact with each other as they move through the serving stations.
• Family-Style Service: A family-style service fosters a sense of togetherness and camaraderie among attendees. Large platters of food are placed at each table, encouraging guests to serve themselves and each other, much like a shared meal at home.

Beverages and Bar Service

Offer a selection of wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options that complement your menu. Consider signature cocktails that tie in with the theme of the event for an added personalised touch. Additionally, decide whether you will have an open bar or a paid bar, ensuring that there are options for every guest's preference.

Testing and Finalising the Menu

Once you've curated a menu that aligns with your event goals and logistics, it's vital to conduct a tasting session. This is your opportunity to tweak dishes and choose the best pairings. Invite key stakeholders to participate in the tasting session to gather diverse opinions and ensure the menu meets everyone's expectations.

Elevate Your Event with the Right Catering Options

Discover the best gala dinner venue Melbourne has to offer

Looking for a gala dinner venue for your next event in Melbourne? You've come to the right place! With VenueNow, you are spoilt with event space options. You can find and book the perfect gala dinner venue in just minutes. Spend less time looking for venues and focus on making your gala dinner the most talked-about event of the year! Speak to our team of event booking experts today.

How much do Melbourne gala dinner venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Melbourne gala dinner venues cost between 100 per person and 150 per person. For example, a 200 person gala dinner would cost approximately 20000-30000. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top Melbourne gala dinner venues?

Here are some of our favourite Melbourne gala dinner venues:

1. San Remo Ballroom
2. Marvel Stadium
3. Arts Centre Melbourne
4. Eureka 89
5. Citadines on Bourke Street
6. SEA LIFE Melbourne
7. Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
8. Melbourne Cricket Ground
9. Aerial South Wharf
10. Forum Melbourne
11. Grand Hyatt Melbourne
12. Crown Melbourne

How do I find and book Melbourne gala dinner venues?

Finding and booking a Melbourne gala dinner venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Melbourne as your location and gala dinner as your event type into VenueNow's search engine.2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a Melbourne gala dinner venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Melbourne venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a Melbourne gala dinner venue?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.