We asked our instagram friends what was the most overwhelming part of planning a wedding, and a lot of you said not knowing where to start. We totally get it! But, there’s actually one place that you need to start, and then you can get the ball rolling on the rest of your plans. Are you ready?
Where to start with your wedding planning:
Book your venue.
Yep! That’s it! Once you have your venue, you have a date and location you can take to other vendors and then start locking things in. Having a venue can also give you some cues as to the style and vibe of your wedding, which might help you narrow down who else you ask to be on your dream team. We have been in the wedding game a long time, so we thought we could pass along some wisdom!
Things that make a wedding a logistical dream:
1. There’s space for the ceremony and reception to happen in one spot
That means no transport required for your guests, everyone can kick back and relax for the duration of the event
2. You and your partner can both get ready on site, or very very close to the venue
That means less time spent travelling on the wedding day – more time with your guests, more time together, less time stressing in the back of a car!
3. Bonus points for generous noise restrictions and party-friendly curfews
Loud music makes people dance. Fact!
With all that being said, let’s look at a few wedding venues we regularly shoot weddings at that tick all the boxes for having great wedding parties and being a logistical breeze. Today we’re looking at venues in Brisbane. Yep! It’s possible to achieve this all-in-one-ness and get ready close by at these super rad Brissie venues.
Lightspace – Fortitude Valley
Where to get ready:
There’s a heap of hotels and airbnb apartments around the neighbourhood which are an easy walk or a short uber away.
Where to have photos:
We can head off to different spots nearby (New Farm Park, James Street) but the easiest and quickest thing is to take you guys on a photo walk of the surrounding streets and find different light and texture to play with, and get you back to the party ASAP.
Lightspace pairs well with:
Kate Dawes Floral Design / AV Ideas / Paul Voge Marriage Celebrant / Cut a Rug DJ / Food Trucks / Someone doing the worm on the d-floor
Howard Smith Wharves – Brisbane City
With so many different options for ceremonies and receptions, in such a glorious inner city riverside location, there is a style of space to match every vibe. We’ve shot everything from intimate cocktail style to massive sit down events, and keeping everyone in one spot for the whole event means everyone can kick back, relax, and be well taken care of!
Where to get ready:
The Fantauzzo is right there at HSW and, being an Art Series hotel, its rooms are beautiful for photos! There’s lots of other hotels and airbnb apartments close by, too.
Where to have photos:
There’s lots of spots for photos within easy walking distance of the venue – it can be a busy place but we get creative with how we shoot to minimise the random humans in your photos! There’s lots of cool spots around Brisbane city depending on the vibe you’re after.
Check out: Allanah and Nick’s Howard Smith Wharves Wedding
Howard Smith Wharves pairs well with:
Alana Salm Wedding Celebrant / Hamilton Band / Impact Lighting Co / Isabella Longgingou Bridal Couture / The Beauty Case / Felons Beer on Tap!
The Refinery – Newstead
If you’re a Brissie local you might be familiar with the legendary Rogue Bistro. Well, this is Rogue’s sister and she’s a party gal! The Refinery is the beautiful dark grey event space next door to the bistro. This industrial beauty just behind the Valley is the most glorious blank canvas, but so beautifully appointed you could go as big or as minimal with your styling. The back courtyard area serves as a beautiful spot for your ceremony and your guests can chill out there in the sun with a G&T while we take some portraits.
Where to get ready:
The valley hotels are just a short uber ride away, and there’s even some super nice AirBnB apartments in the same street as the venue.
Where to get photos:
A photo walk around the local area will find us heaps of interesting textures and light to play with, or a few of our favourite valley spots are minutes away.
The Refinery Pairs Well With:
Bloodwood Botanica / Fancy Schmancy Balloon Co / Event Letters Neons / Karen Willis Holmes Gowns / Hansel and Gretel Cakes / Pretty plates of food / a Gin and Tonic Bar
Check out: Jess and Darcy’s Refinery Wedding
Did we help? Did you find your wedding venue?
Yassss! Hit us up if you need a totally awesome photographer (we know a studio you might like)
If you’re still looking, fear not! We have more options coming up real soon. In the mean time, check out some full weddings on the blog for even more inspo.