2018 Wedding Review
A big New Year’s greeting from the Bungaree Events Team! As we prepare to welcome in 2019, we have taken a moment to look back at all the weddings we have had the pleasure of hosting here at Bungaree in 2018. We have had such variety, with each wedding so unique and wonderful in its own way. We have hosted everything from intimate chic to glamorous showstopper weddings – the beauty of our venue is the adaptability, come rain, shine, wind or frost.
To help those bridal couples planning their upcoming nuptials, here are some of the trends and tips that have stood out for us this year:
- Foliage. This timeless element makes any wedding instantly Instagram-able with guests and photographers alike. Eucalyptus and Pepper tree in particular have been favourites in 2018 and work beautifully being part of our station surrounds… they also bring an incredible aroma. Foliage has not only been used as wall or ceiling decorations, but also as table runners – a brilliant way to add colour and texture to the tables without blocking the view of guests.
- Ceremonial Arbours and Head Table Crowns. Framing those special moments is really important not just from an aesthetic perspective, but also for event flow and structure. By having signature pieces that frame the bride and groom, whether that’s an arbour at the ceremony and/or a crown above them at the reception, will tie everything together. Immediately guests know where the focus is, as it guides their eyeline to where the bride and groom are. Arbours and crowns come in all shapes and sizes and this year we have had a few we were pining after….
- Catering. What a year for variety: formal seated functions, food trucks, cocktail soirees and dégustation dinners. Bridal couples have really maximised the flexibility of utilising their preferred caterers to tailor the menu and style of their celebrations. We have a wonderful selection of local and national caterers that pump out amazing food whichever style is chosen… having sampled many of their offerings ourselves, we can make suggestions to help you in the right direction.
- Into your coffee? This year we have found that the most popular guest at the post-wedding BBQ breakfast/brunch is the Red Hot Shot Coffee van. Alternatively, guests can pop into our recently renovated Station Store where fresh coffee and a range of leaf tea is also available to kick-start their day!
- Music. Our Woolshed dancefloor has seen some memorable Travolta to Timberlake moves this year. We have had indie to hip hop to countryto rock’n’roll. My personal favourite for not only singing abilities (incredible voice – think Adele meets Vera Blue) but also for supreme DJing skills would have to be Sofie Bozzetti. The Lady is talented.
- Speeches. One of our favourite parts of the day has to be the speeches. Chortles, cheers and crying, from the guests… and staff alike at the cracking speeches we’ve heard this year. So much love, entertainment, shame and heckling. Our favourite memorable line: “It’s been an emotional day, even the cake is in tiers!”
- This year, several bridal couples chose to have their speeches before their main reception, opting for a more casual approach in the Homestead Gardens, following the ceremony and bridal photos. Canapes were circulated, along with champagne, ahead of the speeches. Stools and vintage sofas were an ingenious addition as some guests could rest their legs whilst listening to the speeches. Best of all, those who were nervous about public speaking could relax and enjoy the celebrations once their speech was done. Brilliant.
- Seasons. Spring. Summer. Autumn. Winter. We have been busy all year round with weddings. Spring and Summer have been mostly floral and colourful with stunning summer cocktail dresses. Autumn and Winter brought wood fires for cosy evenings, followed by beautiful crisp mornings and guests donning velvet and lace attire surrounded by autumnal shades and big winter blue skies. So whenever time of year bridal couples are considering, we have an option for all seasons.
- Extended celebrations. Many of our couples this year have chosen to extend their celebrations by booking our accommodation from Thursday to Monday for their stay. This ensured lots of time for setup as well as more time to catch-up with loved ones, particularly those that had come from further away. It also meant that the bridal party and other guests had more time to get to know eachother, sometimes through ice-breaker games (see some great suggestions from the Bride Box) and often just over a relaxed BBQ the night prior. For guests that were staying longer, this also meant they could explore the Clare Valley and its attractions, with some bridal couples organising a wine-tasting tour around the region.
What. A. Year.
Well, that about wraps it up from us. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the weddings this year from guests, staff, caterers and entertainers to our little Pepper dog, who sometimes makes an unintended appearance to entertain children and snuffle stray canapes! We couldn’t have done it without you…So, we ask you to raise your glass, and cheers to the next one!
Charlie and the rest of the Bungaree Events team xx
Photo Credits: Bungaree team and Nadinne Grace Photography
For information about celebrating your wedding at Bungaree, or to book an appointment to see our venues and discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact us.