Are you walking down the aisle and saying ‘I do’ in 2018? Congratulations! Getting married is such an exciting and special time (even more so now that Australia has recognised marriage equality – yippee!). However, many brides (and grooms) often feel a lot of pressure to make sure the wedding is absolutely perfect. At Wine & Dine’m Catering, we love all things weddings and know a thing or two about what makes one unforgettable. From non-traditional weddings, to traditional weddings with a contemporary spin, planning your big day should be a fun and happy occasion, not a stressful one. That’s why we’ve put together this blog to help you find a wedding venue and style to suit your taste and vision. So with that said, here are our top picks for 2018.
1. A MARQUEE OR TIPI WEDDING UNDER THE STARS
Picture this: a beautiful wedding under a starry-night sky. Dreamy, huh? Marquee and tipi weddings are quickly becoming a popular wedding style, and with good reasons. Not only because of the obvious (set amidst nature’s unmatched beauty), but because of practical reasons such as their contingency against the unpredictability of weather, which from our experience, can cause a significant amount of stress on the day (you don’t want that, right?).
Marquee weddings are ideal for the warmer months where you can let your imagination run wild with spring or summer styling themes (oversized greenery draped from the ceiling and neutral floral centre pieces, yes please!). You can also impress your guests with an incredible catering experience, like a feast and dessert station filled with delicately created delights.
Upper Brookfield Hall, Brookfield | Photographer: Luke Going Photography | Hire: Moreton Hire
Photographer: When Elephant Met Zebra | Florist: Willow Bud Flowers | Stylist & Planner: Jess Ward | Lighting & Marquee: Excel Hire
Or, if you fancy a winter wedding, why not host it in a tipi? Tipi weddings are perfect for the cooler months (think: open fire pits, cosy blankets for your guests and plenty of rustic and colourful decor). Tipi weddings offer a more relaxed and casual vibe and you can choose your own food station to match your personal theme.
Photographer: This Day Forward | Furniture: Hampton Event Hire | Marquee & Lighting: Gold Coast Tipis
Southeast Queensland has some incredible private properties where you can host a marquee or tipi wedding, such as the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Upper Brookfield, Sheldon, Samford and Mount Nebo. If this is a style you’re considering, contact us and we can help point you in the right direction. Alternatively, we can bring our catering services to you at your own property.
2. WATCH THE SUNRISE AS YOU SAY ‘I DO’
Is it your dream to say ‘I do’ as the sun rises majestically over the ocean, feeling the sand between your toes and listening to the soft sounds of the waves in the distance? If you’re looking for the perfect beach wedding venue on the Gold Coast, check out the Kirra Hill Community and Cultural Centre. Whether you want a formal, casual, tropical or beach-style wedding, Kirra Hill is the perfect wedding venue thanks to its unique location, beautifully restored heritage-listed building and stunning ocean views. After the vows have been exchanged, treat your guests to a sumptuous brunch food station, consisting of sweet corn fritter stacks, strawberry infused pancakes and a selection of sweet and savoury sourdough and spreads. Complete the morning with mimosas, espresso martinis and champagne spritzers – need we say more?
Kirra Hill Community and Cultural Centre, Gold Coast | Photographer: Heart and Colour | Hire: Neal’s Event Hire | Van: Gathering Events
3. GO RURAL AND RUSTIC
If you’re after a wedding venue that’s a bit more raw, rural and rustic, you can’t go past Samsonvale Hall or Upper Brookfield Hall. In beautiful and natural settings, both Samsonvale Hall and Upper Brookfield Hall offer a community hall style space with awe-inspiring landscaped gardens. These wedding venues would complement a vintage theme or be ideal for large groups as they can accommodate up to 150 people. Pair your rustic wedding experience with a delicious grazing station (cheese and antipasto, anyone?) or a feast fit for kings and queens complete with mouth-watering mains, heavenly sides and fresh seasonal salads.
Samsonvale Hall, Samsonvale | Photographer: Lucy Sheedy | Florist: KH Florals | Hire: Neal’s Event Hire
4. GET HITCHED ON THE BRISBANE RIVER
Ever thought about getting hitched on the Brisbane River? Well, we don’t mean actually floating down the river but perhaps at a wedding venue with gorgeous river views? Now that we’ve put the idea into your head, why not check out Newstead House, Toowong Rowing Club or Brisbane South Sailing Squadron if you’re looking for a wedding venue with to-die-for river views. These wedding venues also offer beautiful surrounding parkland, making them the perfect wedding ceremony location or outdoor reception venue. Can’t you just picture you and your guests gazing out onto the river, cocktail in hand, a refreshing seafood station, enjoying the serenity? We sure can!
Toowong Rowing Club, Toowong | Photographer: Whisper and Sing
5. A FORMAL WEDDING WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST
Perhaps you’re picturing a formal wedding venue and style but with a contemporary twist. If that’s the case, boy do we have the perfect wedding venue for you! Situated in Fortitude Valley, Lightspace was created from a converted warehouse and features ample open space in an industrial chic design. It’s both eclectic and modern and comes with a mixture of vintage and contemporary furniture onsite for you to choose from. This wedding venue matches perfectly with canapes to start, a three-course sit-down meal consisting of goat’s cheese panacotta, locally sourced lamb racks, creamy white chocolate mousse and to top it all off, a cheeky late-night whisky bar to boot.
Lightspace, Fortitude Valley | Photographer: Bonnie Jenkins | Florist: Wild Magnolia Florals | Lighting: AV Ideas
6. PROGRESSIVE AND PROUD
Wanting something a little more progressive? Why not get married in the State Library of Queensland. The library boasts a beautiful contemporary design, an array of galleries and stunning indoor and outdoor spaces that are perfect for progressive weddings. After exchanging vows, you can head to the River Decks for cocktails, gourmet canapes and striking city and river views. Then, head over to the Queensland Terrace for a memorable setting for your wedding reception. The venue takes advantage of Southeast Queensland’s beautiful climate, bringing the outside in and offering amazing views of the city and surrounding greenery. To finish the night off in style, treat yours guests to a delicious degustation food experience.
State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane
7. AN INTIMATE AFFAIR
Do you imagine your wedding smaller and more intimate? We have two perfect venues in mind. Vieille Branche and Newstead Studios are the ultimate wedding venues for those after an intimate affair. Vieille Branche is an eclectic warehouse venue in Brisbane that’s close to the city with gorgeous park views. There’s also Newstead Studios, which offers an architecturally designed space that’s ideal for special events and private dining. Speaking of private dining, why not give your guests a memorable food experience with a custom-made formal dining menu? For example, Vieille Branche is the perfect wedding venue for a French-inspired food menu thanks to its unique French ambience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world.
Feeling inspired and ready to start planning and booking your dream wedding in 2018? Wine & Dine’m is a full-service wedding and events catering company that has been serving in garden marquees to some of Queensland’s most prestigious venues for more than 18 years. We’re known for our creativity and stand-out service, with a variety of set and bespoke menus to suit all types of wedding venues, themes and styles. Combined with access to some of Brisbane’s best wedding suppliers, Wine & Dine’m make planning your special day easy. Whether you are looking for a unique venue, have a quirky idea or are interested in any of the packages in this blog, contact our Wedding Specialists today.
And, if you book any of the wedding catering packages mentioned in this blog between now and March 2018, receive a complimentary place at our feast or dining tasting for two people. Simply quote: My Wine & Dine’m Wedding at the time of booking.
Check out more wedding venues here.
