Choosing the perfect venue for your event.

When it comes to venues there are a few things I like to consider. First of all I like to think outside the box yet remain within the budget and what is achievable with the resources that venue provides. Then I like to think about what kind of atmosphere do I want to create. How many people will attend? What food will we serve and do we self cater or hire a caterer? What will we do at our celebration? Do I need to hire equipment? Who will set up and pack down? What will make my event special and memorable? There are so many things to consider when organizing even the smallest affair. Mmmm…sorry I hope I haven’t lost you yet…don’t give up, hang in there, sometimes it’s a matter of working through your priorities, your budget and resources (including man power) to come up with how and where you will proceed and hold your celebration.

Private venues are great and often overlooked because of the limited resources, but private homes or properties can offer something totally unique in comparison to public venues. The use of a private property requires a bit more planning but can certainly pay off in the long run.

With this in mind I would like to recommend a couple of places that make great venues that I have had the pleasure of using and am available to co-ordinate or style at this location.

Ashbrook Cottage, Toowoomba: A gorgeous little 3 bedroom home for overnight and short term accommodation that sleeps 6 and suitable for small gatherings or functions. It provides a small but neat backyard and has played host to several casual weddings. Perfect for those with an intimate gathering in mind.

Contact the owner Sharon for pricing and availability on 07 46254277

Mobile: 0428762360

Email: saundies@msn.com

Rocky Bluff, Flagstone Creek: This gorgeous private residence provides a number of options. We held my daughters wedding here and we debated over which spot to do what for quite some time because it provides quite a few areas with a very different feel. There is a open grassy area down the front of the property perfect for a marquee or the house gardens provide an intimate garden party atmosphere which is gorgeous at night with festoon lighting. As there are no kitchen facilities a mobile caterer is required for this venue.

Photos taken at this venue by Matt & Katie of my daughters wedding are hopefully going to be featured in Cosmopolitan Bride in the first issue 2012. (Yah very exciting)

Citilife, Toowoomba: For those who wish to be married in a modern church that provides the option of hosting an afternoon tea or your reception, this is a great choice. The stage is a blank canvas for decorating with it’s dark colour scheme and particularly works well with a light colour palette. Providing modern black chairs and seating for 350+ comfortably, a covered front foyer, cafe facilities and air conditioning there are a lot of pluses to this venue. I have decorated for several weddings and functions and this venue . There is a reasonably well equipped kitchen, but hire of some items could be required such as glasses and possibly crockery depending on your number of guests.

Facilities

• Citilife Auditorium: Is our main arena that seats 800 people, is air-conditioned, has a big screen projector, parents room and kitchen facilities.   Our Sunday Services are held in this auditorium.
• Meeting Rooms: Training & teaching rooms for up to 50 located on the western side of our building.
• Citilife Café: is our function centre fitted out with a coffee machine and servery to cater for church functions, parties & Sunday meetings. The Café area at the rear of our auditorium can seat up to 120 & hosts many church programs.

Please note this is a alcohol free venue.

Please contact the venue directly where details are given or contact me if you are interested in any of the previous venues or require more information.