Hi all,

I am looking for a reception venue in Brisbane, and so far I am having trouble finding one that suits us... I'll give you an idea of what we want and hopefully someone will have a suggestion for me...

1. We are willing to pay up to $120 a head, but anything over $80 a head must include drinks as well

2. We want a venue with no restrictions on entertainment, or at least no unreasonable restrictions. I want a live band (2 singers, sound guy, guitar & drums) and so many places have a decibel limit of 90 (which I have been told is pretty much just background music). It's not like a want a heavy metal band, I just want a decent level of sound for everyone to dance to!

3. A neutral room that can be decorated to suit our theme. So many places I have looked already have a specific decorating influence and I want more of a 'blank canvas'.

4. If possible, a nice view - preferably a river view, but I am willing to compromise on this if all the other criteria are filled.

I really didn't think I would have this much trouble selecting a venue, but obviously I am expecting too much!

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Do you think I am asking for too much?

have you tired the S#mmit at Mt Coo tha?

Im having mine there and as far as I know there is no decibel limit. In the paperwork i have, all it says is that they must be finished by 1130pm.

It has great views! You can do an all inclusive package for $100pp (canapes, 3 courses, drinks, table decos, chair covers) or pay $55 pp and have a bar tab and do your own table decos (im doing this as we are only having approx 50 people, so this works out cheaper).

And it has a fairly neutral colours... pm me if you want some more details.

We are having our reception at Bretts Wharf. There are lovely river views, not sure about noise, the room is fairly simple, I can only remember a couple of paintings on the wall. There are minimum spends in peak season, esp. on saturday night, that's why we decided to get married on a friday. Packages definitely start within the range you want.

Have you tried oxleys on the river, the only thing I'm not sure if they'll have a sound limit though as the have the restaurant adjoining - also make sure you check the fine print, the wedding co-ordinator told us that we would need to leave immediately at the end of our package and that guests would need to be gone in the next 15 mins or we would get charged extra. Costs for extending the package were a bit excessive in my view, but the basic package price was more than reasonable and definately within your budget.

We had our reception at the Brisbane Golf Club at Yeerongpilly.

Neautral room that you can decorate yourself (lights that dim too)
Nothing much in the way of views though, except the golf course when there is stilll light.
No sound limit as far as i know.
Well within your budget. You may even be able to upgrade to premium beers at the price you are willing to spend.
Only downside, is not sure if a small band would fit. But its worth checking out.

Just a quick thing.

Have you considered the amount of noice that a band would make, compared to a DJ ? If you are having a live band, I would think that you would need a decent sized reception venue, so as not to be so 'loud' for those guests that might prefer not to dance and just stand/sit around talking to one another. If the band is too loud it will prevent this and may become annoying for other guests.

Hi girls,

Thank you for your suggestions. I am waiting on replies from Summit and Bretts Wharf so perhaps one of those will be be a go-er!

I had a look at Oxley's but from memory I don't think we could have the band there.

I am also currently looking into a few other places that I have just recently found:

Novotel Brisbane
Riverside Receptions
Eve's on the River
Michael's Restaurant
Stamford Plaza
Hotel Watermark Brisbane
The Hilton

Has anyone been to a function or held a function at any of these places? If so, I would love to hear feedback on them.

From memory, Stamford plaza is about $140pp.. my friend is having her wedding there. But it is such a gorgeous venue!!

Eves on the river is about $110 i think

(i also looked into all of these places!)

Eve's definitely has noise restrictions as well as time restrictions as they are in a residential block. You MUST be out by 11pm - drinks stop at 10.45pm.
Food is sensational though...

There is also another place called giovannis, which looks very nice, but was too small for us - from memory its near the stamford plaza.

Giavani's is across the road from the Stamford. Its packages include a nights accomodation on the Wedding night. Start at $80pp (can you tell I did lots of research!)

Well, my hunt for the perfect venue still continues...!

I can't find Giavanni's anywhere on the net... if anyone has a link to their webpage that would be great.

I have checked out the Stamford and it sounds amazing - but at $150pp it is a little on the pricey side. I think I am going to have a look at it just to see, but I don't know whether I can justify spending that much...

Does anyone know of a venue on the river at/near New Farm Park? I was told about it but my friend couldn't remember the name!

I am hoping to go and see a few of these venues tomorrow, I just hope I haven't left it too late to make my appointments!

All your help/feedback so far has been great, thank you to everyone who has replied! And if there is anymore to add I am still searching so it would still be much appreciated!

I think Oxley's on the river is a beautiful venue - not too sure about all the conditions there but I went to a function at Oxleys and the view was breath taking!

Is the one at New Farm you are talking about called 'Riverside Receptions'?

Here is the link to the website:

Riverside Receptions

the web for gianni resaturant next to the samford is http://www.giannisrestaurant.com/

the powerhouse is also on the river at new farm, and their restaurant watt is devine!

also, i was at a wedding recently at victoria park in herston and the room was really neutral, with gorgeous lighting, you could really do anything with it.

cos im getting married in sydney i have no idea how much either costs, or if they have noise restrictions, but i thought id just mention both places anyway. i know how hard finding the perfect reception spot is- good luck!!

Are you wanting to have it in Brisbane or are you willing to move it to Logan City?
We are currently looking at a few places.

Snug Harbour at Kangaroo Point (However there are noise restrictions)
Boulevard Gardens at Indroopilly (Nothing Mentioned as of yet)
and
Logan Diggers at Logan Central.

At this stage Logan Diggers is looking the best for us. It has a beautiful room that will fit up to 300 people with a dance floor and set bar area. It also has a stage and a sound booth which may come in handy for a band. They have no problems with bands as this room is sound proof. It's fairly deciently priced also.

We are still looking also, and I honestly can't see why people pay so much per head! It's really shocking actually!

Good luck, keep us posted!

We had our reception at Wanganui River Gardens at Yerrongpilly. Only 10 minutes from the city and it was beautiful. I couldnt fault anything on the night. From memory, I think we paid about $95pp (a winter wedding) and that included drinks.

Cant recommend this place highly enough.

http://www.wanganuigardens.com.au/

Hi,

I had my wedding at Riverside Receptions.

I loved it, we had our ceremony on the grass in front of my reception room on the river. It was so pretty. The owners for Riverside are so professional, they set the room up beautiful and the lighting was lovely. Food was great, I think we paid $50 per head and had a bar tab of $2,000 and that lasted us to 11.00pm. If you have any questions PM me. I would recommend this place as it is such a beautiful location and I had a few out of state guest and they loved being on the Brissy river.

Good luck.

Kerri

Hi girls!

Firstly I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who has replied with suggestions and information, your help is very much appreciated!

I didn't get a chance to visit any venues last weekend, but I am definitely going to do it this weekend!

On my shortlist right now are:
Stamford Plaza (yes it is expensive, but the room sounds beautiful and there are no noise restrictions!)
Riverside Receptions
Hillstone St Lucia
Victoria Park Golf Complex

I am not sure about how the band would go with the last three. Victoria Park and Hillstone both told me that a band would be fine, but then they mentioned the dreaded decibel limit of 90 which I have been told is no good. But I figure I should have a look and talk to them in person and find out whether this is negotiable or how strict they are with it!

Another couple of places I am considering are Morgans Sunset Blue (in Redcliffe) and Maleny Manor (Sunshine Coast hinterland). They both look like great venues, and have a unique setting... I'm just not decided whether I want to take the wedding out of Brisbane yet. Ideally I think I would prefer the city as it is just so much easier for everyone.

b.elliott - I have been to a show in the room at Logan Diggers before, and it is gorgeous! No good for us though, because if we get married in Brisbane our chapel is at Woolloongabba and it's a bit far away.

Oooh, I am also waiting on the package details from Watt (thanks for the tip coco_rose!) so that may be added to the short list if it looks suitable!

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know where I'm up to!

Fingers crossed I will have some good news to report soon!

For your info.

I went to a wedding at Hillstone St Lucia, food and drinks were great. The only thing I didn't like was that the wedding was in a small room (70 guest) and after speachs etc you had to move down stairs to another room for the bridal waltz and dancing etc. I felt once I was down stairs that we had no where to sit.

good luck with the reception hunting this weekend crystal lea! make sure you report back next week

Yay, so far I have booked my appointments with Stamford, Riverside Receptions and Vic Park!

I also found another possible venue - Brisbane Riverview Hotel. Has anyone heard of this? Any feedback?

It is spelt Gianni's. Though it will depend on your numbers as to whether it is suitable.

I am having mine at The Tattersall's Club and we are allowed to have a band.

What about the Mariott?

Ok, unfortunately I am still stressing over the decision of our Reception Venue...

I just can't seem to find somewhere that is exactly right.

I had a look at Riverside Receptions on the weekend, and while the view was gorgeous and the room had potential, the presentation of most of the venue was a bit disappointing. Also while they said a band would be fine, there are two function rooms right next to each other, and they both back out onto the same bit of grass... I think that the entertainment from each room may end up 'competing' with each other, and would probably result in our band having to turn down, which is not what I want.

I had a look at Vic Park Function Centre on Monday, and the rooms were lovely, but they have a decibel limit of 90 which is monitored throughout the night. They assured me that they have had bands before with no problems, but I just don't see how a five piece band with drums and guitar is going to stay under that level... it's just not gonna happen!

I feel like I've ruled out pretty much every venue in Brisbane!

There are a few venues left which have told me a band would be fine, and have not stated their 'decibel limit'... but that doesn't mean they don't have one. I am just worried that if we book at one of those places that they are going to turn around on the night and decide that it's too loud and get the band to turn down anyway... which would pretty much ruin the night for us, because all we want it a great party with live music! Do you think I am being paranoid?

Here are some of the replies I have received after asking about the decibel limit at venues:

"The band would have to be extremely loud for your guests to encounter any sound problems in the restaurant." - this is at a venue with a private function room and a restaurant (we would be in the function room). I don't know whether to risk it at this place, because I fear that their definition of 'extremely loud' could be very different to ours!

"It is fine for you to have live music until 11pm - then it must be just our regular sound system." Does this mean there is no restrictions on the live music?

I just don't know... what do you guys think?

Sorry for the ramble. It's just that the entertainment is so important to us and we really just want to find a place we can party without worrying about being told to 'turn the music down'! (Which is what happened at our engagement party!)

I've read somewhere that The Tivoli holds receptions - whilst there is no view there you shouldn't have any problem with the band. The website is HERE

I am having my reception at the Brisbane Polo Club. Packages start from $130pp (or $140 - I can't remember) and they have a smaller room that holds 50-80 and then the big formal dining room. The room I am using has a veranda that comes off it and overlooks the story bridge - it is stunning. One thing you should be aware of though is that the room is not neutral. It is very stately, classic and old (it has been completely reburbished though) with rich velvet curtains etc. It suits my vintage/English theme perfectly so I am very happy with it.

I know for a fact there are no noise restrictions. Good luck!!

Hi

We recently had our reception at Victoria Park Golf Complex.

We had a 4 piece band which included drums, trumpet/trombone, double base etc. They were definitely loud (could hear them from the carpark) and at no point during the night were they asked to turn it down.

There is a rather stunning view of the city from the room we hired - the Ballroom. We decorated the room ourselves (actually spent the whole day before in there decorating it with a team of about 20 relatives). I dont have photos yet (of the reception) but I'm seeing our photographer tomorrow and I may have some proofs as early as tomorrow night. I can report however that the room looked stunning. And the band was nothing short of amazing.

Why not pop in on a Saturday night and walk past - you'll definitely get a feel of how loud the entertainment are...

Chloe XOXOXO

hey girls

I've jumped in towards the end of this discussion but I'll add my two cents.

the tivoli does do private events but they charge between $2000 and $3000 just for the hire alone (well thats the price they quoted me for a swing dance ball at their venue)

and yes a lot of venues are funny about the decibels thing because most of them have other venues or homes nearby.

we used Annabelles of Albion and they allow a band there - they even have staging set up and a huge dance floor in the middle of the room - they set up the tables around the dance floor. Although it has brightly painted walls so its not really the "blank canvas" that you are after - but it cost us around $50 a head for a buffet setup and there was food galore!!

Riverside receptions is a cute venue - yes it does look a bit shabby but you have to keep in mind that that venue has been there since World War II - that venue was used for dances with the US military and our civilians and I believe not much has changed over the years - so you really book that venue for the history of it - it makes a fabulous 30s/40s themed venue and the view along the river is gorgeous

If they book another wedding on the same day as yours they might be reluctant to let you have a band though because it will definately interfere with the other function rooms there.

If you are still really stuck please PM me though because I'm working on a project with just about all of the reception venues in brisbane and I have all of their details including db limits so I can go through all of my folders here if you are still stumped.

Best of luck!

Just wanted to let you know (if you are still considering the Brisbane Powerhouse at New Farm - Watt) that we were about to book our reception at the Powerhouse only to be advised that they are planning rennovations for this time next year.

We were going to book a function room though (the rooftop terrace) not actually the restaurant (Watt).

The Powerhouse is owned by BCC and we were told that the Council were wanting to renovate parts of the property which would mean they would close the whole venue down for Dec 06, Jan 07 and Feb 07 reopening in Mar 07. Though they weren't 100% sure yet on those dates and were to ring me when they did know for sure. That was months ago and I still haven't heard anything and knowing Council's you just can't trust they will even stick to a deadline when they give it.

I'm a bit lost now as we had our heart set on this venue, anyway, just thought you should know in case it will affect you. Perhaps double check re this if you decide to look into the venue more seriously.

Good luck with your hunting!

I'm getting in a bit late here so not sure if you've booked anything yet, but have you looked at Rydges Southbank yet?

I was BM for a good friend of mine who had hers there on the rooftop. Great view of the city lights across the river. And very much a blank canvas.

The only downside that I think you may come across which you mentioned about another venue, is that the room is set up on one side, and the dancefloor on the other. This worried my friend aswell, however on the night, the guests danced in the hallway bit which was plenty of room. She had about 100 guests off memory.

I am not sure if the issue was ever attended to, but my girlfriend got married at the Stamford, and had presents and money stolen between the moving of the gifts from the function to the room. (this wasnt done by family..).

Also, food was very sub par, which was a surprise as I have stayed there on numerous occassions and the food is always fantastic.

The staff were rude, and it really proved to be unpleasant at the end. But hey, this could just be one of many weddings... Just one experience to be aware of. Even if it doesnt detract from the venue, just a thing to keep in mind with the gifts, to make sure a family member takes care of them.

I never looked into Brisbane City venues, so I cant really be of much more help, but I thought i would let you know the above.

Cheers.