Information for brides, plus wedding venues, musicians and bands to hire for wedding receptions around Sydney
Venues for wedding receptions, corporate functions and parties in Sydney, the Rocks, Darling Harbour, the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin, Newcastle, Bowral and Wollongong.
Wedding venues around Sydney with links to their web sites, web pages and email contacts is at the bottom of the page.
Reviews about wedding venues where the Viva bands have provided wedding music click on: Sydney links page
Reviews and comments about a wedding venue in sydney
Oatlands House can cater for small wedding receptions (less than 50 persons) otherwise most reception venues usually cater from 50 persons to 300 persons
Harbourside weddings
For Harbourside weddings, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) manage many venues for wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions at Sydney Harbour, the Rocks and Darling harbour, their email contact is email SHFA
Weddings at Sydney's beaches
For beachside wedding receptions or venues that have access to Sydney's glorious beaches and parking, Surf clubs are relatively inexpensive to hire. You can spend a bit improving the decor and hiring a great caterer, keep in mind that many other types of wedding venues hire contract caterers.
Viva the duo can operate in remote locations such as beaches and parks using hi-tech battery amplification
Music at wedding receptions, parties and special functions
String quartets, harpists and string trios are nice for providing formality and elegance for wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions and special functions, an excellent alternative is to employ a duo performing the same function with strictly Instrumental background music with musette (French) accordion and Spanish guitar. they can also provide some dance music, Latin bossa's etc. if required
Viva is a classy duo that perform a mix of Jazz, romantic French and Spanish music, with some Latin, salsa, jazz, swing "hep" gypsy jazz and classic show tunes.
This particular combination is unique and very special in Sydney, normally a combination such as the duo performing such a diverse repertoire would only be found in France or elsewhere in Europe
Protocol and routine for a wedding reception
As the guests enter the wedding reception venue, the band should be performing background music and not intrude on greetings to be exchanged and general conversation
It is important that the MC, the band and the caterers have mapped out a plan and co-ordinate their activities for the evening
At a given time, prior to the arrival of the bridal party the MC will announce to the guests to proceed to their tables, the band continues with background music
The MC, being aware of the impending arrival of the bridal party, will announce to the guests the arrival of the bridal party and introduce the individual members of the bridal party as they enter the room, it is optional for the band to be involved in the introduction process, if so, the band should carefully choreograph pauses for announcements and applause
The traditional order of introduction of the wedding party:
- The bride's parents
- The groom's parents
- The bridesmaids and groomsmen in couples
- The maid of honour and best man
- The flower girl and ring bearer
- The bride and groom
After everybody is seated the band commences playing, the bride and groom could have their first dance now or wait until after the speeches, any body can join in on the dance floor, there are no firm rules about this, a casual approach can be helpful in maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, the universal appeal of connecting with music helps increase a relaxed party atmosphere.
Before eating, the best man makes a toast to the happy couple. If you have a MC or a notable personage invited, have them say grace before the meal, (grace is optional). The only person who is required to make a toast at the wedding is the best man, however there is no hard and fast rule about other toasts
Here is a list of potential speakers and who they traditionally toast, starting with a toast by the best man and completing with a toast by the bride and groom:
- Best man toasts the couple and the bridesmaids
- Grace before dinner (optional)
- Groom's parents toast the uniting of the two families
- Bride's parents toast the couple
- Maid of Honour toast the couple and the groomsmen
- Groom toasts his wife, his groomsmen and both sides of parents
- Bride toasts her husband, her bridesmaids and both sets of parents
If you're having more than 5 speakers try and fit a couple of speeches in between dinner courses. After eating a big meal, people usually get up and move around, have a cigarette or doze off in their chair.
After the meal, speeches and dinner are done, it's time for dancing which usually commences right after cutting the cake. The bride and groom take to the floor and after a minute or so the MC announces for the rest of the party to join in.
As the reception nears conclusion, it's time for the bride to toss her bouquet and the groom to toss the brides garter, after the tosses, sweets, coffee, tea or late-night buffet can be served.
The bride and groom change into their going away outfits have a last dance, say goodbyes and leave.
how bands perform at wedding receptions
- Play light background music at commencement. Jazz standards, bossa nova's etc
- Play light dance music before main course, if required. Jazz standards, bossa nova's plus tango's etc
- Play more upbeat music for dancing after dinner. Jazz, Swing, Latin, Salsa etc.
Bella Vista, a special cruising vessel for wedding receptions on Sydney Harbour
All Occasions cruises are introducing a special
purpose vessel the Bella Vista for Harbour cruise weddings and corporate events with seating and catering for up to 750 people . Their web site is
All occasion Cruises website. Their email contact is
email all occasion cruises
Link to wedding organizers in the Cayman Islands
Celebrations boasts the Cayman Islands' finest wedding professionals. From the flawless ceremony to the breathtaking reception, Celebrations weddings are trademarked by an elegance that is unmatched in the Caribbean. You can contact them via their website at destination wedding
Low cost beachfront or outdoor weddings
For low cost casual, outdoor or beachfront venues check out surf clubs, particularly on the Nortern Beaches, most have facilities to enable outside contractors to cater for wedding receptions, functions or parties.
For outdoor ceremonies in Council parks and/or reserves, it is important to know that in places like Mosman and Lane Cove, CD players, amplifiers for speeches or portable music devices are strictly prohibited.
Wedding Venues webs and email links
Venues for wedding receptions and functions, click on their web sites or email them for details, discounts for the Viva bands are available if hired by these venues
| Accor Hotels for functions and weddings | web | 8584 8777 | |
| Angelo's on the bay for wedding receptions | web | 9743 2225 | |
| Amora Jamison Hotel for wedding receptions | web | 9696 2500 | |
| Andrew Boy Charlton Pool Poolside Cafe Sydney Harbourside | web | 9282 0500 | |
| Araluen | web | 9876 3422 | |
| Argyle Courtyard at the Rocks | web | ||
| Aqua Blue Waters | web | 9981 4393 | |
| Aqua Dining at Milsons Point | 9964 9998 | ||
| Argyle Events and Catering | web | 9247 7782 | |
| Australian National Maritime Museum for functions | web | 9298 3649 | |
| Attitude Restaurant at Shangri La Hotel | web | 9250 6123 | |
| Avillion Hotel | web | 8268 1867 | |
| Balmoral Beach for weddings | web | 9904 4765 | |
| Balmoral House for weddings | web | 4782 2264 | |
| Belgenny Farm | web | 4655 9651 | |
| Bella Chara Boutique Hotel, Gerringong | web | 4234 1359 | |
| Bella Vista, Newcastle | web | 4968 8512 | |
| Bondi Icebergs, Bondi beach | web | 9130 3120 | |
| Campbells Cove at the Rocks | web | ||
| Circular Quay for weddings | web | ||
| Castle Grand, Castle Hill | web | 98430555 | |
| Castlereagh Boutique Hotel | web | 9284 1000 | |
| Centennial Parklands Restaurant and Functions | web | 9282 0500 | |
| Chatswood Club, Chatswood | web | 9419-5481 | |
| City Beach function centre, Wollongong | web | 4228 3188 | |
| City of Sydney Venues | web | 9265 9333 | |
| Clarence House | web | 9750 3555 | |
| Clontaf Reserve, Clontaf | web | 9976 1500 | |
| Colebee Weddings | web | 9839-6000 | |
| Chinese Gardens, Darling Harbour | web | 9281 6863 | |
| Chinese Gardens of Friendship forecourt | web | ||
| Cockle Bay Darling Harbour | web | ||
| Cromer Golf Club, Cromer | web | 9982 3088 | |
| Curzon Hall | web | 9887 1877 | |
| Darling Harbour wedding venues | web | 9240 8500 | |
| Dawes Point for weddings | web | ||
| Dee Why RSL | web | 9454 4030 | |
| Doltone House, Pyrmont | web | 8571 0622 | |
| Drummoyne Sailing Club | web | 9719 9394 | |
| Eat City, Sydney CBD | web | 9262 5900 | |
| Ecco Restaurant and function room, Drummoyne | web | 9719 9394 | |
| Emporium Function Centre | web | ||
| The Rocks, Sydney | web | 9240 8500 | |
| Epping RSL | web | 9876 4357 | |
| Essence Restaurant, King Street Wharf | web | 9290 3500 | |
| Enzo Cafe Restaurant, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley | web | 4998 7233 | |
| First Fleet Park for weddings | web | ||
| Freshwater Function Centre | web | 9938 7631 | |
| Garden Of Eden | web | 9651 1868 | |
| Grand Pittwater Function Centre | web | 9888 7588 | |
| Gunners Barracks, Mosman | web | 8962 5900 | |
| Harbour View function Centre, Newcastle | web | 4926 2999 | |
| Harbourside Ampitheatre weddings at Darling Harbour | web | ||
| Harold Park Paceway | web | 9660 3688 | |
| Hickson Road Reserve for weddings | web | ||
| Historic Houses trust NSW | web | 8239 2288 | |
| HMAS Vampire, Darling Harbour | web | 8239 2288 | |
| Hopewood Estate, Bowral | web | 4861 1053 | |
| Horizons Resort, Jindabyne | web | 6456 2562 | |
| Italian Village | web | 9247 6111 | |
| Jonahs Restaurant, Palm Beach | web | 9974 5599 | |
| Kendall Art Museum, Gosford | web | 4325 2270 | |
| Lachlans Old Government House | web | 9687 2662 | |
| Lauriston House Function Centre | web | 9858 3335 | |
| Le Montage wedding and corporate function Centre | web | 9858 3335 | |
| Lindemans Winery, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley | web | 1300 651 650 | |
| L'Aqua, Darling Harbour | web | 8267 0300 | |
| Macquarie Function Centre | web | 9821 3005 | |
| Mandalay Receptions | web | 9427 3696 | |
| Manly Golf Club | web | 9948 0256 | |
| Manly Pacific Hotel | web | 9977 7666 | |
| Manly Yacht Club | web | 9977 8065 | |
| Master Builders Club, Wollongong | web | 4228 0300 | |
| Mercure Hotel, Sydney Airport | web | 9518 2023 | |
| Millers Point House | web | 9241 7899 | |
| Mona Weddings and Function Centre, Braidwood | web | 4842 1288 | |
| Monash Country Club, Ingleside | web | 9913 8282 | |
| Newport Mirage Weddings and Functions, Pittwater | web | 9997 7011 | |
| Oatlands House Wedding and Function Centre | web | 9683 3355 | |
| Palm Beach Restaurant | web | 9974 5599 | |
| Palm Grove at Darling Harbour weddings | web | ||
| Parramatta park Event Centre | web | 9282 0500 | |
| Parramatta Waldorf Apartments | web | 8837 8000 | |
| Pasadena at church point | web | 9979 6633 | |
| Peppers Retreats and Resorts, Pokolbin | web | 8374 8866 | |
| Pyremont Bridge for events | web | ||
| Pilu Restaurant at Freshwater | web | 9938 3331 | |
| Pruniers Restaurant at Woollahra | web | 9363 1974 | |
| Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney | web | 9904 4765 | |
| Royal Motor Yacht Club, Pittwater | web | 9997 5511 | |
| Rydges Hotels | web | 9261 4929 | |
| Rythmboat Cruises | web | 9879 3942 | |
| Sebel Kirkton Park, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley | web | 4998 7680 | |
| Settlers Arms Inn Historic Hotel, St. Albans | web | 4568 2111 | |
| Stamford at Circular Quay | web | 9252 4600 | |
| Stamford at Double Bay | web | 9302 4100 | |
| Stamford Plaza at Double Bay | web | 9362 4455 | |
| Stamford Plaza at Sydney Airport | web | 9317 2200 | |
| Stamford Grand North Ryde | web | 9888 1077 | |
| Strathfield Golf Club | web | 9642 0326 | |
| Summit Restaurant, Sydney CBD | web | 9256 4503 | |
| Swiss Grand Resort, Bondi | web | 9365 9707 | |
| Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) Wedding venues at The Rocks and Darling Harbour | web | ||
| Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour | web | 9282 5000 | |
| Sydney Convention Centre for weddings and events | web | ||
| Sydney Opera House. Bennalong Point, Sydney | web | 9904 4765 | |
| Terroirs Restaurant, Hungerford Hill, Hunter Valley | web | 4990 0711 | |
| Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club | web | 9450 0155 | |
| The Beachcomber Hotel and Resorts,Toukley | web | 4397 1300 | |
| The Chrysanthum | web | 9759 0388 | |
| The Green Rooms Function Centre | web | 9498 3577 | |
| The Pontoon | web | 9719 1338 | |
| The Tea Room QVB, Sydney CBD | web | 9283 7279 | |
| The Truffle Group | web | 8274 0111 | |
| The Hills Lodge Boutique Hotel | web | 9680 3800 | |
| The Retreat, Wisemans Ferry | web | 1300 650 321 | |
| The Rocks, Sydney | web | 9240 8500 | |
| Toongabbie RSL | web | 9622 2800 | |
| Tumbalong Ballroom, Darling Harbour | web | 9282 5000 | |
| Tumbalong Park Darling Harbour, weddings | web | ||
| Vaucluse House, Vaucluse | web | 9388 7922 | |
| Villa Provence, Hunter Valley | web | 4998 7404 | |
| Wakehurst Golf Club | web | 9949 3188 |
our links page also has some wedding and function venues we can recommend through personal experience.
To see more of this site.. click on these links..
home
venues
history
music
headlines
wedding venues
links
references
family friendly venues
pricing
the french connection
wedding musicians
jazz bands
covers and rock bands
wedding services