Planning Your Event Budget Just Got Easier
At Harbour Kitchen, we want to make event planning as smooth and transparent as possible. One of the most common questions we hear is: “What does minimum spend mean?” In this post, we’ll explain what minimum spend is, what it includes, and how to estimate your total party cost with confidence.
What Is Minimum Spend?
💡 Quick summary: You pay a base amount (minimum spend) that goes toward food and drinks. The more guests you have, the higher your food and beverage cost will be. Venue hire and extras are separate.
Minimum spend is the minimum amount you need to spend on food and beverages to host your event at our venue. This model gives you the flexibility to allocate your budget across catering and drinks in a way that suits your style and guest list.
- Our minimum spend starts from $4,000
- It includes all food and beverage selections for your event
- It varies depending on the event date, time, and space selected
You can choose beverages from our per-person beverage packages, or allocate part of your budget toward a bar tab.
Please note: The cost of food and beverages depends on the number of guests attending your event.
Is There a Venue Hire Fee?
Yes — in addition to the minimum spend, there is a venue hire fee, which covers exclusive access to the function space, furniture, staffing, and standard cleaning. This fee varies depending on the space and event duration.
Example: Total Cost Breakdown
Here’s a simple example of how a party budget could look:
- Minimum spend: $4,000
- Food cost: $2,000
- Beverage: $2,000 (e.g. bar tab or per-person package)
- Venue hire: Additional charge applies
- Optional extras: Additional charges apply for DJ, decoration, live performances, and cakes (if sourced through our vendor partners)
Estimated total event cost = minimum spend + venue hire + optional extras
Of course, this will vary based on your selections — our team will guide you through the process with a custom quote.
Why Use Minimum Spend?
This pricing model offers flexibility and value:
- You’re not paying for space alone — your budget goes directly into food and drinks for your guests
- It allows you to prioritise what matters most: drinks, food, styling, or entertainment
- It helps you maximise value within a clear budget
Tips for Planning Your Budget
- Have a rough guest count in mind
- Decide on a catering style: canapés, grazing, or seated
- Choose between bar tab or per-person drink packages
- Ask about optional extras like DJs, cakes, or styling
Let Us Help You Plan With Clarity
We’re here to help you build a package that works for your vision and budget. Whether it’s a 21st birthday, bridal shower, or corporate celebration, our goal is to keep your planning experience enjoyable and stress-free.
Contact our events team for a tailored quote: 📞 (03) 9670 6612
