It’s Finally Time to Say I Do!
For some of our couples, its been a very long wait, looking forward to a date that’s been postponed since early 2020. For others is a shot gun wedding of a different kind, jumping in quick whilst there are a few dates remaining.
There’s no denying that the Weddings will be just that little bit different as we map our way through a pandemic recovery, and embrace new trends for the big day.
KEEPING YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES SAFE
Our Wedding Coordinator Elizabeth has become the expert in dealing with the elephant in room when working with each of our couples over the last 18 months…
“I hit the DHHS site with my morning coffee each day – just to check the latest.”
Elizabeth, Wedding Coordinator
“It’s definitely been the hot topic for quite some time. What if we enter a lockdown . . . again! Luckily, the conversations have steered away from postponing and more towards managing the risks on the day. We’ve been able to confidently keep couples’ minds at ease by ensuring that we take care of all the gritty particulars. Check Ins, vax checks, and adhering to the ever-changing government guidelines. Whilst some might be scanning their social media feeds when they wake up each morning, I hit the DHHS site with my morning coffee each day – just to check the latest.”
BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR SPACES
Whilst density restrictions have placed a large impact on the industry, Peter Rowland Group venues have been largely unaffected since the latest easing of restrictions. Almost all of our venues have beautiful, large outdoor spaces to include in the total venue use – allowing more guests to participate in such important occasions.
“The draw card of our incredible venues is the ability to activate the outdoor spaces. Butler Lane has one of the most stunning – and mostly undiscovered – courtyards in Melbourne. At Abbotsford Convent, in addition to the expansive grounds and gardens, the Rosina Function Space also has its own private courtyard.”
RAVISHING REGIONAL SPACES
Peter Rowland Group also look after Belgenny Farm in Camden South, NSW, a former working dairy farm that hosts almost 100 weddings each year.
Belgenny Farm Wedding Coordinator Emma is finally seeing couples celebrate their day.
With a focus on growth and expansion into new markets, PRG has added a series of new venues to its wedding portfolio. In the last 12 months The Centre Ivanhoe has been a welcome addition and provided a space that caters for larger weddings, and those seeking the glamour and nostalgia of the roaring 20’s – the 1920’s that is!
“Just this weekend, we had a couple host their reception who had postponed four times. They reminded me on the night that their first site visit of the venue was actually in August 2018, over three years ago! In the end, it all became possible with a beautiful outdoor / indoor reception making the most of the grounds.”
Centre Ivanhoe Venue Manager Sam has seen some wild dance floors.
“They love to step back into that era when parties were at a different level.”
Sam, Centre Ivanhoe Venue Manager
“People who marry here choose the venue because they love to dance. The large stage craves a big band, and a big band demands a full dance floor. We also see a lot of people capturing The Great Gatsby theme. They love to step back into that era when parties were at an entirely different level.”
PRG also expanded to Ballarat, becoming the exclusive caterer to Sovereign Hill and Narmbool Estate, as well as providing catering to Willow & Stone.
WE CAN CATER TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE
With over a dozen wedding venues, and the ability to literally cater for any occasion, anywhere, PRG have continued to meet the demand of all wonderful couples when it comes to what goes on the plate – ensuring flexibility to customize menus as required.
Executive Chef Blake has seen a growing trend for selecting beyond the standard chicken and beef.
“It used to be you’d have one or two vegos. Then it was a few gluten free. Today, we write menus and design our offering to cater for up to 50% of the guest list who may have specific dietary requirements. We reassure each couple that they don’t need to worry – just ask what the dietaries are, and we’ll take care of the rest. It’s what we do best. Our latest release of menus has moved toward more share style dining and providing guests with more options. They want to graze, try a few things, and make their own choices. I enjoy facilitating that with the quality food we serve.”
“It used to be you’d have one or two vegos. Then it was a few gluten free. Today we write menus and design our offering to cater for up to 50% of the guest list ”
Blake, Executive Chef
Each PRG venue offers a range of wedding options for couples. There’s no one package – instead a series of different options to select from, all of which include the ability to customise dishes, beverages, and additions.
SMALL SCALE, BIG LOVE
Wedding Coordinator Alex has noticed a trend for smaller scale weddings, as more couples choose destination weddings over multiple days for fewer guests who they lavish with love and care throughout proceedings.
The current generation seem a lot less interested in slipping away for a honey moon the next day, and more willing to rock up to a Bloody Mary brunch with family and friends.”
Alex, Wedding Coordinator
“The recent travel restrictions have made couples think less about large weddings with guests from all over the globe, and more about intimate gatherings with those they cherish most. But the spend has been similar – just spread out. At the Marriott Docklands we have packages that include rooms for guests, breakfast each day, pre wedding pool side parties, and recovery brunch – all in addition to the main reception. The current generation seem a lot less interested in slipping away for a honey moon the next day, and more willing to rock up to a Bloody Mary brunch with family and friends.”
LET’S PARTY!
Over the years PRG have met and set trends in wedding events. Including activating and establishing new venues, pioneering food and menu options, and collaborating with some of the industry’s most innovative suppliers. Whilst COVID set us back, it won’t knock us down. So set the date, the time is now to celebrate what we’ve missed and the future of fabulous moments to come!
