Add to this the fact that event activities are wildly different between kids and adults – sometimes, it’s just not feasible to be able to include enrichment and engagement ideas for kids into your event planning. In fact, entertainment for guests of all ages does tend to be one of the top hidden wedding costs that couples forget to plan for.

Thankfully, we’re also seeing more event planners and vendors including kid-friendly services and options that help hosts better accommodate families attending with children. So if you’re considering making your next celebration a fete for the whole family to enjoy, then today’s guide is for you.

Read on for all our top tips for child-friendly event planning.

How to Best Manage Children at Events?

If you’re still in the early phases of your event planning timeline but have decided that you’re a ‘yes’ in the debate of ‘kids vs. no kids’, then be sure to tick off these essential steps for navigating preliminary planning conversations with parents, event planners, and vendors.

Disclose Early Whether Your Event will be Child-free

Parents need ample time to prepare, and you also need ample time to finalise your guest list – just in case a ‘no kids’ clause results in some parents not being able to attend. So be sure to specify on your invitations or save the dates as to whether your event will indeed be child-free or child-friendly.

Establish a Children’s Table in Seating Arrangements

This tip is especially useful for people that are in the midst of finalising their wedding seating chart. If you’ve already got parents with kids RSVP-ing yes to the whole family, then you can start to pop those kids into your event seating arrangements. In some cases, you may decide to seat kids with parents, but for older tweens and teens, it may be more comfortable (and less boring) for them to be seated with their peers rather than with their parents.

Curate a Children’s Menu for Formal Dinners

With a children’s table, you can also make quick work of ensuring that kid-friendly menu items are always readily available to your youngest attendees. Keeping some fun finger foods on-hand at your kid’s table can help keep them engaged and entertained, which in turn also reduces the risks of your children’s table getting rowdy due to restlessness. In fact, kids tables are amongst the top tried and tested wedding catering tricks for this reason. Caterers and wait staff also find it a lot easier serving kids when they’re all on one table.

Provide Child Minding Amenities for Parents

Just because your event is kid-friendly, it doesn’t mean that every single activity or space on the day needs to be child-inclusive. In much the same way that you can set up kid-friendly zones, you can also provide parents with the space to step away from their duties and just enjoy attending your event for a little bit too.

The best way to do this is by providing childcare or nanny services at your event. For instance, for many of our kid-friendly weddings here at Canvas House, we find ourselves working closely with the Wedding Nanny Co., who provides on-site childcare services specifically for weddings. All that’s needed is to set up a dedicated space at your wedding venue for your wedding nanny to work their magic. With their strategies for keeping kids of all ages entertained, don’t be surprised if your kids don’t want to go home at the end of the night!

Pro tip: if you are booking on-site childcare services for your event, be sure to factor this in when choosing your wedding venue. You’ll want to make sure your venue has a space for your nanny to set up.

How to Keep Children Entertained at Formal Events

Alongside childcare services for young kids, hosts can also include activities that are more kid-oriented in their event itinerary to keep young attendees engaged and less likely to cause disruptions.

Here are just a few different methods you can use to keep children entertained during formal events like weddings or anniversary celebrations.

Supply Colouring Books for Younger Children at Tables

This tip is great for weddings and gala dinners, where children are expected to sit for an extended period in and amongst speeches and videoworthy moments. With some quiet table activities like colouring books or word puzzles and other cerebral games, children can keep themselves occupied during wedding speeches and other instances that may demand their parents’ full attention.

Design Event Spaces and Activities Specifically for Children

For kids that may be too young to be entertained with tabletop activities, creating separate spaces and activity stations within your event can help your kids feel more settled and accommodated. Again, on-site childcare services can be a great investment in a dedicated kid space, as you can make sure your youngest attendees are being watched over by a committed childcare specialist, and that their parents can be rest assured while they’re enjoying your event.

Provide a Sensory Room for Children with Sensory Needs

Some kids may be in need of their own specialised environment to keep them comfortable at your event. For instance, children with ADD/ADHD or ASD may benefit greatly from the inclusion of a sensory room. This is essentially a small, quiet space with gentle lighting and a range of different activities designed to soothe.

Pro tip: be sure to inquire with parents to see if their children may benefit from the inclusion of a sensory space for your event, and to gain a little insight into what types of toys or activities are best to include in that space for their kids.

Include Playlists for All Ages with Your Event Band/DJ

We know we’re in the midst of the ‘kids vs. no kids’ debate, but let’s bring up ‘band vs. DJ’ while we’re at it. With a DJ playing from a pre-made playlist, you can make sure that there are tunes for all the kids, tweens, and teens in and amongst the oldies and classics. Even for live bands and entertainers, keeping setlists varied and eclectic can help ensure your younger attendees stay engaged and avidly jumping around on the dancefloor.

Child-friendly Event Planning Tips

To summarise, we’ve compiled some of our most practical child-friendly event planning tips for event planners below:

• Establish a preferred age range for child attendees
• Ask parents what they may need for their children in advance
• Encourage parents to bring their own personalised ‘emergency kits’ for children
• Arrange a sensory quiet room and/or nap room
• Design your event itinerary with child attendees in mind
• Provide a condensed itinerary for families with an earlier finish time
• Ensure kid-friendly foods are available and easily accessible at all times
• Book childcare or nanny services ahead of time

Celebrate Life’s Milestones with the Whole Family in Tow

Family celebrations are best enjoyed with the entire family. If you’d like to accommodate kids at your next big celebration, then be sure to heed the tips, tricks, and recommendations we’ve shared today.

And if you’re thinking our space at Canvas House is the perfect fit for your next big celebration, then don’t hesitate to contact our events team to make a formal inquiry into our space, or to even book your own private tour.

The post Managing Kids at Events: Top Tips for Celebrating with Children in Attendance appeared first on Canvas House.

On top of this, events like hybrid conferences that integrate participation across both local and global staff, help facilitate knowledge sharing across diverse teams. In a nutshell, hybrid conferences help globalised teams take full advantage of their diversity of cultures, professional backgrounds, and experiences.

Granted, hybrid conference models are still pretty new, so it’s fair to have some questions on how you can set your enterprise up for success with its first foray into hybrid conference events. So if you’re looking for the right corporate venue to accommodate both on-site and off-site (i.e. remote and/or global attendees), then let today’s guide be your jumping off point for corporate event planning.

Here’s our definitive how-to guide on hosting a hybrid conference and other types of hybrid meeting events for your organisation.

What is a Hybrid Event?

Hybrid events are conferences, seminars, and other types of events that combine both in-person and online or virtual attendance. The construct of hybrid events is popular amongst corporate event planners, as they accommodate professionals working remotely, whilst still ensuring organisations can cultivate and maintain a strong events calendar filled with enrichment and networking opportunities for their staff.

Why Host a Hybrid Conference?

We already touched on some of the major benefits of hybrid conferences above, but let’s collate them for you here:

• Supports communication and collaboration across on-site and remote teams
• Accommodates guest speakers based in other geographic locations
• Reduces travel demands for conference attendees
• Boosts event accessibility for attendees with disabilities, health concerns, family commitments, etc.
• Reduced event expenses (i.e. small venue sizes, reduced catering demands, simplified logistics, etc.)
• Dynamic engagement opportunities (through digital polls, Q&A seminars, live chats, etc.)
• Allows for data harvesting on event engagement, participation, feedback, etc. for improved ROI measurements

How to Host a Hybrid Conference: 10 Key Tips & Tricks

Below, our team of expert event planners at Canvas House have shared their top ten tips gathered from experience on hosting hybrid corporate events.

Here’s how you can make sure your hybrid conference is enriching and engaging for both in-person and remote attendees.

1. Define the Scope of Your Hybrid Conference

Start by first establishing what the purpose of your hybrid conference is. What key takeaways do you want your attendees to have at the end of the day? And what kinds of speakers and subject matter experts will you want to collaborate with?

This is also the perfect phase to finalise your event budget. With strong estimates for your spend, you can determine whether it may be worth ticketing your event (for profit or to cover costs, for example). Gauging attendees vs. cost is also essential for events like corporate dinners where you can anticipate a set cost per head.

2. Send out event invitations and track RSVPs

Once you’ve outlined the scope of your event and whether or not you’ll be offering invitations or paid tickets, you can finally prep your promotional materials, ticketing platforms, and RSVP systems. Establishing a method for tracking RSVPs across all attendees (both in-person and virtual) is essential for maintaining an accurate overview of your attendee list. That way, you can make sure you provide enough seating for in-person attendees, and enough moderator visibility and other support for virtual attendees.

3. Find In-person and Virtual Guest Speakers

The beauty of hybrid conferences is that the hybrid setup works both ways: you can have both virtual attendees to strengthen ticket sales, and also virtual guest speakers to build event interest. In other words, the geographic location of your hybrid conference doesn’t have to be a barrier for prospective guest speakers that may be a great fit for your event, despite the fact that they’re based overseas and are unable to travel.

So the next time you want to invite a TED talker to a business seminar, see if they may be open to being a virtual guest speaker! That way, you can add their image to your promotional materials and inspire greater interest in your upcoming hybrid event.

4. Finalise Your Conference Agenda in Advance

Knowing all that’s on the docket for the day is likely also going to encourage more prospective eventgoers to grab their tickets ahead of time. So work with your fellow corporate event planners and guest speakers to finetune and finalise your conference agenda in advance. That way, there are no surprises on the day of, and your conference speakers and other participants can know exactly what events and activities are running when.

5. Set up Teleconference Links for Each Activity

When you’re choosing a venue for team building activities, you try to make sure your space can be set up optimally for each of the fun things you’ve got planned for the day. The same goes for planning hybrid conferences: you want to make sure your physical event space is not only supportive of in-person attendees, but that your digital infrastructure for the day is also accommodating of virtual attendees as well.

A great way to achieve this is by simply making sure that all the different activity components planned for your day (i.e. different panels, workshops, etc.) all have their own clearly labelled event links. That way, your virtual guests can simply add those links and invites directly to their digital calendar, and click through to the next event/activity they’ve RSVP-ed to with minimal risk of finding themselves in the wrong virtual room by accident. Sorting these links out ahead of time will not only help reduce the stress of event planning for you and your fellow organisers, but it will also help ensure that your virtual attendees can get the very most out of your event experience, leading to stronger reviews and more positive feedback post-event.

6. Use Interactive Tools to Engage All Attendees

This next tip is in a similar vein to #5, but it’s well worth elaborating on. In much the same way that video conferences include interactive features like breakout rooms and digital whiteboards, you’ll also want to make sure that your conference events and panels include interactive tools that engage both in-person and virtual attendees. This can include things like digital polls, fun quizzes where attendees can answer using their phones (and QR codes), and other creative event ideas that can inspire cross-pollination and knowledge sharing across both in-person and virtual attendees.

7. Set up Roving Cameras to Support Video Feeds

Just because your virtual attendees may be watching at home or alone in their own office, it doesn’t mean that they can’t still feel like they’re in the crowd at your conference. This is why hybrid conference planners often set up multiple roving cameras and microphones to showcase not only different angles of event speakers but also to showcase the crowd/audience.

This footage won’t just make your event experience more engaging to your virtual attendees, however. It can also help promote any future events, by helping prospective speakers and event partners in the future verify the participant numbers of your previous successful events.

8. Provide Incentives for In-person and Virtual Attendees

It’s common for business conferences to offer catered lunches to event attendees, but sadly this isn’t really a perk you can offer to virtual guests – so should you still offer catering for hybrid events? Ultimately, the answer to this question is up to you and your fellow event planners, but given our commercial kitchen facilities here at Canvas House, we’ve personally seen plenty of hybrid event planners successfully offering catering to in-person attendees whilst simultaneously providing perks to remote eventgoers.

One option here is to provide satellite catering services by partnering with other local caterers and event planners. This is a great option for hybrid conferences where remote attendees are likely to all be based in the same location. Simply set up catering for your in-person guest list and satellite catering for your congregation of remote attendees that are all logging in together.

And if your remote guest list is more scattered, per se, you can still provide other perks in the form of gift cards, discount offers to master classes or industry equipment, and other financial or professional incentives.

9. Establish On-site and Virtual Event Moderators

Panel events typically have a moderator to help control conversation and the flow of Q&As for on-site events. Contrastingly, virtual events have chat moderators in place to make sure that digital communications stay on-topic.

For hybrid conference events, you’ll naturally need both on-site and virtual moderators, so it’s best to have these positions filled in anticipation of your event day. Here, it definitely pays to do some due diligence and hire experienced moderators, so be sure to ask virtual moderators if they’ve had experience facilitating digital conferences.

10. Provide Channels for Event Feedback

Finally, after any successful corporate event, you’ll naturally want to know what worked and what didn’t. So alongside setting up links to all your panels and activities, you should also share links for attendees (both on-site and virtual) to give their feedback. Whatever insights you can gain from your feedback systems can naturally help you improve your hybrid conference events with every iteration.

Host Your Next Hybrid Conference at Canvas House

At Canvas House, we’ve set up our space to be inclusive of both in-person and virtual eventgoers. Our full AV system with Bluetooth connectivity makes setting up computers and speaker equipment a dream, supporting in-person event planners in getting all their technical infrastructure in place with minimal turnaround times.

Check out all the picture-perfect in-person and virtual conference events we’ve curated in our space across our gallery, or simply get in touch with a member of our dedicated events team to start planning your next hybrid conference.

The post How to Host a Hybrid Conference in a Physical Venue appeared first on Canvas House.

That being said, creating your own drinks menu is indeed an art form in and of itself, so it definitely pays to have access to not only master mixologists, but also great commercial kitchen facilities so that these magicians can get right to work at prepping a full library of cocktail ingredients to accommodate even the most ambitious cocktail menus.

The only question left is what kind of cocktails can you expect to serve up across your events calendar in the new year? What’s new in the realm of mixology?

Today, our expert event planners here at Canvas House will be leaning on our expansive network of hospitality caterers including bartender extraordinaires to answer this question. Below, we’ll be outlining the top 5 cocktail trends that our mixology monsieurs et madames are expecting to shape 2026.

Top 5 Cocktail Trends to Impress Your Guests in 2026

One of the strongest event planning tips we give to all of our clients looking to host a gala dinner or other type of culinary event, is to get your food and drink menus finalised as promptly as possible to leave more time for sourcing quality caterers, and even gathering ingredients if needed.

So as you read through these cocktail trends for Melbourne events in 2026, think about how you may be able to incorporate these ideas into your own food and drink planning for your next event.

1. Day-Drinking is the New Pink

In Resy’s 2025 retrospective report, they noticed that more of their app users made restaurant bookings between 5pm to 6pm than across the entire three hours spanning from 8pm to 11pm. There were also more bookings at 4pm than at 9pm all throughout the year, which points to post-pandemic early dining habits that seem to be sticking around for the long haul.

Here in Australia, we’re noticing similar trends, with Gen Z partygoers consistently swapping out boozy weekend nights for Sunday afternoon drag brunches or at most, 6pm drinks on a rooftop bar so they can still wake up early enough to make it to pilates in the morning.

As a result of this cultural shift to having a tipple under the afternoon sun, we’re seeing more party ideas come our way that seek to take advantage of daytime venue bookings. We’re also seeing more cocktail menus feature daytime-friendly drinks like light spritzes, mojitos, G&Ts, and even some alcoholic iced teas. So the next time you set out to plan a corporate dinner event, ask yourself if lunch or brunch may actually end up being a better vibe!

2. Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Experimentations with Adaptogens

Gen Zs aren’t just drinking earlier – they’re also drinking less?! As one of the most famously health-conscious generations, we’re seeing more Gen Z partygoers swap out beer cans for some more purposefully non-alcoholic beverages. This makes mocktails a must-add for any cocktail menu in 2026.

The shift towards mocktails also demands innovation from mixologists. Instead of relying on the naturally strong flavours of spirits to add edge to signature cocktails, mixologists are now experimenting with botanical syrups (like elderflower cordials, for instance), spices, and other gastronomical elements to create dynamic cocktail experiences – that are low-alcoholic or even totally alcohol-free.

Alongside the rise of the artisanal mocktail, we can also expect to see more cocktails in 2026 that naturally include adaptogens (aka, ingredients rich in antioxidants and other cortisol-controlling substances) like ashwagandha, ginseng, chamomile, and licorice root – just to name a few. As botanical flavours are also on the rise, 2026 is the perfect time to experiment with organic-inspired cocktails and mocktails that actually nourish the body.

3. Local Liquid Experiences

This isn’t to say that beers are totally off the menu in 2026. In fact, we can expect more Aussies drinking beer in the new year, except instead of drinking your standard Coronas and Heinekens, we’re likely to see more Pirate Life, Moon Dog, and other local brews from local breweries.

This is great news for event planners like us who love to partner with other local hospitality businesses to create showstopping events. And for hosts who are looking to book some food trucks for their event catering, you can all but guarantee that those local flavours will pair perfectly with Melbourne brewed beers and ciders.

4. Maximalism Meets Mixology

The 2010s were definitely an era of stripped back cocktail menus, with cocktail fans looking for drinks that activated the natural flavours in their spirits. Following the pandemic, however, it seems as though bartenders have had their cup of minimalist mixology courses that involved just doing whatever you could with whatever they had. Today, it’s all about experimenting with bold new flavours, and finding combinations that titillate the taste buds.

This transition from minimalism to maximalism in mixology may even be credited to the resurgence of 1920s opulence and the revival of Great Gatsby-themed parties now a century onwards from the original era. If you’re looking to host business events with bold design schemes, chances are that a cocktail bar with all the workings from some opulent, maximalist, and dare we say Gatsby-inspired beverages, is sure to thrill and delight.

5. The Age of Crafted Ice & Functional Garnishes

Finally, in 2026 we’re definitely waving goodbye to watered down cocktails. This means no more ice cubes taking up half the glass. In fact, instead of standard ice cubes or even fancy ice spheres, we can expect to see more cocktails using crafted ice.

Craft ice includes a few different variations on traditional ice cubes. For example, your craft ice may simply be clearer ice that melts slower so it doesn’t naturally dilute drinks as fast as regular ice cubes. Or craft ice can be pre-made ice cubes that include specific flavours – think frozen blueberries, grapes, or watermelon so that when your ice cubes melt, they actually add to the flavours of your drink.

In this regard, we’re seeing more craft ice mimic the same fun qualities of cocktail accessories like functional garnishes. In much the same way that an olive dipped in a martini enhances the taste of that drink, so too do garnishes like candied orange peels, maraschino cherries, and even chillis or peppers in spicy margaritas. So if you’ve got some ideas for fun ice cubes or garnishes, write them all down to try out at your next event in 2026.

Use these Cocktail Trends to Elevate your Events in 2026

Want to create cocktail menus that will leave your guests in awe? Then be sure to follow these top 5 cocktail trends for 2026 that we’ve outlined above the next time you partner with some master mixologists. And if you enjoyed this guide, then be sure to check out our blog for even more tips and tricks to help elevate your events in the new year.

Keen to book Canvas House for your events in 2026? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to get the ball rolling on all your party planning must-dos. Our event planners are here to help curate the perfect evening for you and your guests, and can offer our expert support at every phase of your planning and hosting process, from connecting you up with caterers, bartenders and other event staff, to prepping the perfect itinerary for the day.

The post Top 5 Cocktail Trends to Impress Your Guests in 2026 appeared first on Canvas House.

With our versatile event space here at Canvas House, we take full advantage of our adaptable backdrop, curating corporate events that are tailored to their organisations. If you’re currently brainstorming how to elevate your next end of year party for your business, then use our top 10 end of year party ideas for Melbourne teams below to help get the ball rolling on your own party planning process.

Top 10 End of Year Party Ideas That Go Beyond the Office Bash

From boogying down to photo ops galore, here are our top 10 inventive and innovative end of year party ideas to help you make the most of your party venue hire.

1. Themed Cocktail Soiree

With our full bar kitchen as well as our commercial kitchen facilities, you can easily transform the Canvas House space into a chic cocktail party atmosphere to see in the holidays. Our timeless vaulted ceiling and exposed brick walls, provides a sophisticated setting for themed cocktail parties.

Pro tip: collaborate with our in-house team to curate a signature drink menu that aligns with your chosen EOFY party theme.

2. Interactive Cooking Class

Want to get people in the Christmas spirit through the art of holiday cuisine? Then why not host a hands-on cooking class where teams can collaborate to prepare festive dishes?

For this end of year party idea, be sure to utilise our modern kitchen facilities here at Canvas House to facilitate this interactive experience. Fostering teamwork and culinary creativity has never been easier.

3. Outdoor Garden Party

Christmas in Australia means outdoor entertaining. So why not take full advantage of the warmer weather by leveraging our private courtyard space at Canvas House for an elegant garden party?

Transforming our courtyard into a fantastic end of year party space can be as simple as stringing up some fairy lights, setting up comfortable seating, and establishing gourmet food stations or even food trucks to create a relaxed yet festive atmosphere, perfect for mingling and celebrating.

4. Awards Night Gala

Celebrate the year’s achievements with a formal awards night for your team at Canvas House. Our Gallery space can be transformed into a glamorous setting with red carpet entrances, elegant décor, and a stage for presentations, ensuring your night of employee recognition and celebration comes with all the fanfare and photo ops.

5. Murder Mystery Dinner

Want to host an end of year party that’ll definitely be one for the ages, and put a fresh new spin on a corporate dinner event? Then try engaging your guests with a thrilling murder mystery dinner element.

The versatile layout of Canvas House allows for immersive dining setups, where guests can be seated in a spacious environment that also perfectly allows for exploration, interaction and setting up and solving clues. Trust us, a murder mystery dinner element always makes for an entertaining and interactive evening.

6. Live Entertainment Showcase

See out the year with a good boogie down by hosting a night of live entertainment featuring local artists or bands. Our state-of-the-art sound system and spacious layout at Canvas House is perfect for accommodating performances that will keep guests entertained throughout the evening. The age-old debate of band vs. DJ firmly ends here!

7. DIY Craft Station

Another great way to get your team in the holiday spirit is to set up a DIY craft station where guests can create their own personalised holiday ornaments or gifts. This interactive activity can add a creative touch to your end of year celebration, alongside providing guests with memorable keepsakes and mementos that they can take home and treasure for years to come.

Pro tip: this can also be a great activity for kid-friendly events like christenings, where parents can benefit from keeping their little ones entertained.

8. Photobooth Fun

Alongside being a staple of wedding photography at wedding venues, photobooths with fun props and backdrops that align with your party theme can also be a great way to capture warm snaps from your event. Our stylish interiors here at Canvas House also provide a perfect setting for photo opportunities, ensuring guests capture fun moments whether they’re in a traditional booth setup or a red carpet-style press wall.

9. Silent Disco

For a unique twist for your end of year party, why not organise a silent disco where guests wear wireless headphones and dance to music of their choice? This innovative concept allows for a lively atmosphere with minimal risks of disturbance. And speaking personally, this is one of our favourite unique party ideas because of how versatile the setting of a silent disco is in terms of decor, music, etc. Trust us, don’t knock it till you try it.

10. Charity Fundraiser

Finally, the holiday season is the perfect time for giving. So why not combine celebration with a cause by hosting a charity fundraiser for your end of year office party?

Here, you can utilise our venue’s flexible space to set up different areas like donation stations, silent auctions, or raffles, encouraging guests to contribute in their own unique ways to your meaningful cause.

Throw an End of Year Party that Sees the Year Off with a Bang

Ready to host an end of year party that sees the year off in style? Canvas House offers a blank canvas for your end-of-year celebrations, providing a stylish and versatile venue that can be tailored to any theme or concept. Working with our dedicated team experienced in event planning, hosting your end of year party at Canvas House will always be sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

For more party planning inspiration and tips, check out our blog. And if you need assistance in planning your end-of-year celebration, then don’t hesitate to contact our team at Canvas House to share your vision and event requirements.

The post Top 10 End of Year Party Ideas That Go Beyond the Office Bash appeared first on Canvas House.

Below, we’ve listed our primary supply partners and provided a little information about their creative force behind their service and offerings, helping you find the perfect match for your event.

Food & Drink Caterers

Melbourne is spoilt for choice when it comes to exceptional catering, and Canvas House has been lucky enough to partner with some of the city’s best. From award-winning chefs to creative food concepts, here are our catering partners:

Fourside Events

Fourside Events brings together the finest local produce with a creative, considered approach to food and dining. From brand activations and not-so-corporate work events to weddings, wild parties and intimate dinners, with Fourside, every menu is tailored to suit the moment, delivering a customised catering experience that feels anything but off-the-shelf.

Muse Events & Catering:

Socials:

• IG: @museeventscatering
• FB: Muse Events & Catering
• Website

Clover Catering

Clover Catering is a full-service catering company known for bringing beautiful food, seamless service and a touch of sparkle to events across Melbourne, the Peninsulas and beyond. With deep roots in the culinary and events space, Clover specialises in everything from luxe brand activations to intimate celebrations, creating tailored, restaurant-quality menus that reflect the occasion. Canvas House is pleased to offer the delight of Clover to our guests – no matter if it’s a wedding, birthday, christening or corporate event, Clover delivers flavour, style and unforgettable experiences at every scale.

Ian Curley

Renowned executive chef Ian Curley brings decades of culinary expertise – and a deep love for family-style cooking – to every plate. Best known for leading some of Melbourne’s top restaurants, bars and venues, Ian blends professional precision with a relaxed, approachable style. Canvas House has the privilege of bringing his family-style, bespoke dining experience to large-scale events in Melbourne for fine dining or a feast shared around the table.

Tommy Collins

With nearly two decades of experience, Tommy Collins has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s leading names in food and beverage, known for their bold creativity, impeccable service and simply outstanding food and drinks. From high-end events to curated culinary experiences, their portfolio spans off-site catering, baking, cafés, bars, and restaurant operations. Canvas House is proud to partner with Tommy Collins to bring their signature energy, innovation and their “unrelenting in the pursuit of excellence” attitude to our events.

Cookes Food

Cookes Food is a premium catering and events company driven by authenticity, creativity and warm hospitality you and your guests will notice in every interaction. Known for their refined approach and professional service, Cookes creates memorable experiences using the highest quality ingredients and innovative techniques suitable for intimate gatherings or grand celebrations alike.

Luckman Catering

Luckman Catering delivers real food made from the finest produce. You can expect classic dishes with a modern flair, all creatively presented and cooked by experts. With experience across events of all sizes, from intimate cocktail parties to large-scale dinners for all of your guests, their flexible menus are tailored to suit your vision, taste and budget. Canvas House is proud to partner with Luckman Catering to offer delicious, beautifully presented food for every kind of celebration.

Atlantic Group

Atlantic Group is known for crafting unforgettable, one-of-a-kind event experiences – the perfect companion for going wherever your vision takes you. They deliver on everything from an intimate sit-down wedding, a cocktail party celebration or a bold brand launch; their team brings creativity, elegance and premium catering to every occasion. Canvas House is pleased to bring Atlantic Group to your plate, with bespoke menus and a flair for the extraordinary, high-end catering that elevates events of every scale and style.

Edge Hospitality

Edge Hospitality brings flavour, creativity and personality to events at Canvas House. Known and loved for their full-service approach and vibrant energy, Edge specialises in tailored menus that reflect your taste, range, style and vision and cater for a range of events, from elegant weddings to lively corporate functions and private dinners. With a focus on fresh ingredients and visually stunning dishes, Edge Hospitality makes every event feel effortlessly special.

Crystal Palace Catering

Canvas House is proud to partner with Crystal Palace Catering to offer expertly crafted dining experiences that exceed expectations every time. With over a whopping 40 years of experience, Crystal Palace Catering is renowned for delivering exceptional banquets paired with warm, attentive service. As more than caterers, they’re dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences – blending tradition, professionalism and a deep passion for hospitality.

Silks Catering

Since 1998, Silks Catering has been delivering unforgettable dining experiences built on precision, passion and a deep respect for every occasion. With strong roots in the food industry and a team of over 200 dedicated professionals, Silks combines exceptional service with thoughtfully tailored menus to create seamless, memorable events. The whole team is grounded in family values and a commitment to quality; their approach is as personal as it is professional, which perfectly suits intimate, friendly events at Canvas House.

Kosher Classique

Kosher Classique adds that special touch of finesse for your next kosher celebration. Founded by Lazer and Shoshi, their dedicated multicultural team brings creativity and passion to every dish and event. Kosher Classique provide outstanding service and exquisite menus, and they take pride in making every simcha unforgettable. Proudly serving Canvas House, they are honoured to support community organisations and bring heartfelt care to every event.

To Catch a Chef

To Catch a Chef promises unforgettable events through delicious, authentic kosher cuisine that brings people together and celebrates tradition. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, their dedicated team serves every meal with care, quality and a commitment to creating lasting memories. Canvas House is proud to collaborate with To Catch a Chef to deliver heartfelt kosher dining experiences for your special occasions.

Treat Catering

With over 20 years of experience, Treat Catering specialises in bespoke catering for weddings, corporate events, and private functions at Canvas House. Treat Catering is synonymous with attention to detail, style and precision, and their dedicated team crafts thoughtfully curated events that reflect your unique vision.

Food Trucks & Treat Stands

Looking to keep things casual and fun, or add more tasty dishes into the mix?

Our food trucks are a fantastic addition to the Canvas House event directory, offering fun, flexible catering options that guests love. These mobile food pros make it easy to bring big flavour with minimal fuss—perfect for relaxed celebrations or as a unique twist on traditional catering.

Round the Way Bagels

Round the Way bridges traditional catering with the fun, flavour and flexibility of food trucks. With over 12 years of experience, their team delivers high-quality, creative menus from stylish mobile kitchens – blending energy, innovation and flawless service for an unforgettable addition to your event at Canvas House.

Cannoleria

Cannoleria brings Sicilian tradition to life with handcrafted cannoli made from fresh, local ingredients and That’s Amore Cheese ricotta. Their adorable Cannoli Cart slots perfectly into every event, offering a taste of la dolce vita to Canvas House – one crunchy bite at a time.

Kai Dining Sushi

Kai Dining serves up authentic Japanese flavours with favourites like sushi rolls, sashimi bento boxes and miso soup. Popular for cocktail parties or dancefloor delights and praised for its freshness, it’s the go-to addition for those wanting delicious, no-fuss catering throughout their event.

Here or There Van Bar

Here or There is a mobile bar and catering experience created by two hospitality pros with a passion for unforgettable celebrations. Their vintage-style caravan brings charm, coffee, cocktails and charcuterie to weddings, parties and events at Canvas House, with heart, care and a whole lot of laughs.

DJs & Live Music

At Canvas House, we’re lucky to collaborate with some of Melbourne’s best musicians, DJs, and event curators. Whether you’re after an acoustic set, a high-energy band, or a DJ to keep the dancefloor buzzing, we can connect you with trusted professionals who know how to set the perfect tone for your event.

Andrew Loadsman

As a soulful vocalist and skilled guitarist, Andrew Loadsman brings passion, polish and versatility that pulls at the heartstrings in every event. With live looping and rich guitar FX, he creates everything from smooth background vibes to high-energy atmospheres, tailored perfectly to your celebration.

Stu Fayman (DJ Stuey Faymous)

With an international resume including Coachella and New York Fashion Week, DJ Stuey Faymous brings electric energy and party-starting beats. Known for his bold style and showmanship, he turns every set into a one-of-a-kind celebration within your themes.

Gaz Kempster

Gaz Kempster fuses DJing with live percussion, didgeridoo and vocals for an unforgettable entertainment experience. With residencies from Ibiza to Melbourne and performances at major events like the Australian Open and Grand Prix, Gaz knows how to captivate a crowd.

Josh – Married to the Groove

Josh of Married to the Groove brings over 12 years of experience and a refreshingly personal approach to wedding DJing. With a passion for creative mixes and non-cliché dance floors, he delivers tailored sets that reflect your unique style and your guests.

Rutherford Entertainment

Founded in 2011, Rutherford Entertainment is a premium music agency delivering custom-fit entertainment experiences for weddings, brands and events worldwide. Still boutique at heart, their remarkable roster of top-tier talent reflects their commitment to tailored, unforgettable moments.

6th Wave Creative

6th Wave Creative specialises in high-impact entertainment experiences, from bespoke stage shows to immersive live performances. Known for pushing boundaries, they bring imagination and wow-factor to events of all kinds.

Circa Trax

Circa Trax is a boutique DJ agency known for curating exceptional mixes for events of all sizes – from intimate gatherings to major festivals. With a trusted presence at top venues and iconic events like the Australian Open and Beyond The Valley, Circa is no stranger to making a crowd move and making a lasting impact.

Florists & Styling

No matter the occasion, the right florals and styling can transform any space.

At Canvas House, we’re proud to work with some of Melbourne’s most talented wedding and event stylists—the creative forces behind many of our most stunning celebrations. From lush floral installations to refined tablescapes, these are our incredible floral partners who help bring your vision to life:

The Green Room Flowers

The Green Room Flowers is all about lush, bespoke arrangements that bring joy to every moment. The Green Room specialise in curating a fresh, feel-good style, and their team creates florals that elevate events with texture, colour and creativity.

Ivy & Eve

Romantic and whimsical, Ivy & Eve is a boutique Melbourne floral studio designing unforgettable experiences. From weddings to large-scale events, their flower-obsessed team brings beauty, elegance and emotion to every bloom and backdrop.

Everbloom

Bold and fashion-forward, Everbloom pushes creative boundaries through statement florals that command attention. You can expect dramatic colour palettes and elevated styling; they’re the go-to for modern events that dare to stand out.

The Palmier

The Palmier specialises in modern dried and preserved floral art – real flowers, beautifully designed to last. From wedding installations to corporate events, their luxe aesthetic blends permanence with high-end botanical creativity.

Fleur Fetti

Fleur Fetti delivers playful, stress-free florals through pre-designed, high-quality packages. Their curated approach makes wedding styling simple, with vibrant arrangements full of personality, colour and thoughtful design (and no guesswork).

Decor, AV & Furniture Hire

Finally, Canvas House has the partners to make your event pop.

From eye-catching statement pieces to tailored lighting and AV support, we work with some of Melbourne’s best in the business. Whether you’re creating a bold visual moment or setting the mood with ambient lighting and sound, our trusted suppliers help bring it all together seamlessly.

Bangin Hangins

Bangin Hangins creates and installs bold, colourful ceiling installations that transform event spaces into works of art, full of joy and love. With a zero-waste policy, custom colours and options to DIY the install, these fan-favourite decorations bring a serious wow-factor to any celebration. Bangin Hangins is a vibrant, zero‑waste decorations business crafting joyful streamer installations for every type of event—corporate functions, personal celebrations, weddings, birthdays, bar mitzvahs—you name it, they’ve done it. Think colourful streamers in abundance: aerials, backdrops, arches and flags—all handmade in Melbourne and available Australia‑wide to turn any space (like Canvas House) into a riot of colour without generating single‑use waste.

The Big Letter Co.

Add a little sparkle with The Big Letter Co.’s light-up letters, neon signs, carts, backdrops and more. Since 2015, they’ve helped our events shine with their iconic décor, styling pieces and special effects that make a big impression.

Dann Event Hire

Dann Event Hire delivers luxe, design-led furniture and tableware with an edge. Loved for pushing creative boundaries, their certified carbon-neutral collection blends sustainability with innovation to bring bold, beautiful experiences to life.

Valiant

With over 60 years of experience, Valiant offers modern, sustainable furniture solutions for stylish events. Proudly carbon neutral, their circular approach to hiring transforms spaces while minimising environmental impact, without compromising on design.

Harry the Hirer

A true one-stop shop, Harry the Hirer brings everything from cutting-edge AV to tents, furniture and signage. With over 45 years of experience and nationwide service, they offer everything needed to make any event at Canvas House, big or small, extraordinary.

Complete Function Hire

With 25+ years of experience, Complete Function Hire combines expert advice, top-quality furniture and personal service to make events seamless and stylish. From weddings to corporate functions, they bring the vision, with all the right details, to life.

SelectAV

SelectAV specialises in professional audio-visual solutions and event tech support. From lighting and sound to screens and staging, their team ensures your event runs smoothly and looks (and sounds) flawless from start to finish.

Entourage Events

Entourage Events is a creative event agency known for modern styling, custom signage, builds and full-scale activations. With a focus on design-led experiences, they bring concepts to life with polish, personality and bold visual impact.

When ordinary just won’t do, Canvas House is here for you

As a boutique venue hosting one-of-a-kind, bespoke events week after week, we know that unforgettable experiences are built on collaboration—where exceptional spaces meet extraordinary suppliers. With our handpicked network of Melbourne’s leading catering and event professionals, including some of the city’s finest florists, stylists, entertainers, and creatives, your vision is supported by the very best in the business.

Whatever you’re planning, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and deliver something truly remarkable.

The post Canvas House: Meet the Suppliers That Make it Happen appeared first on Canvas House.

But beyond the overdone ‘ugly Christmas sweater’ and ‘Secret Santa’ tropes, how else can you celebrate Christmas in July, whether you’re looking for a party theme to put on over the winter holidays, or you’re planning a corporate event?

Once again, you can seek help from the experts at Canvas House for some more event inspiration, as we delve into unique mid-winter Christmas party themes in Australia.

Here are our top 7 festive Christmas in July party ideas.

1. A Christmas Feast For The Senses
2. Christmas In A Shoebox
3. Traditional Christmas Roast Dinner
4. Winter Wonderland Transformation
5. Christmas Movie Night
6. Who Sleighed Santa? Murder Mystery
7. European Christmas Markets

1. A Christmas Feast For The Senses

Winter here rarely resembles the imagery we see in Christmas films and visuals. So while we might not be surrounded by snowflakes and coniferous Christmas trees, we can indulge our other senses to get into the Christmas spirit.

Fill your space with scented candles and wax melts with red berry, pine forest or cinnamon tones. Make mulled wine to warm your stomachs and scent the room with a delectable, rich aroma of clove and stewed fruit. Hang tinsel in your Christmas party venue for a tactile decoration, and serve Christmas themed cocktails, from eggnog to chocolate dusted espresso martinis. Soundtrack with a crackling fire or traditional Christmas folk songs in the background.

The sights, smells, sounds and flavours of the festive season will make you feel like it’s Christmas in no time.

2. Christmas In A Shoebox

A slightly different way to celebrate the colder weather in July is to host Christmas ‘in a shoebox.’ Since you’ll likely be saving most of your gift-giving for *actual* Christmas in December, why not donate a small amount to a local charity this time instead? The idea is simple: fill an empty shoebox with essentials and small items that a child or person in need could benefit from.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but your contribution can still be significant. Pack your shoebox with sanitary items, school essentials, a small tech gadget such as headphones or a mobile charger, and one or two ‘wow’ items that can act as a small gift. Ask each of your guests to come with their own shoebox, and you’ll have a Christmas party that gathers friends or colleagues while helping the community at the same time.

3. Traditional Christmas Roast Dinner

Christmas Day on the 25th of December in Australia is not the ideal time to be slaving over an oven when it’s normally as hot as one outside. Besides, we’d all much rather be having a barbecue and enjoying the late sunsets! If you’re planning to host a more intimate, cosy Christmas in July party as an excuse to gather close friends and family, now is a great time to test your cooking skills and attempt a traditional Christmas roast dinner with all the trimmings.

We’re talking Brussel sprouts, stuffing, bread pudding, and mince pies. Of course, you don’t have to get your own hands dirty. Reach out to a local Melbourne venue with a commercial-scale kitchen, and hire caterers to do the job for you (then take all the credit).

4. Winter Wonderland Transformation

Most mid-winter parties in Australia nod to Christmas, but how many go the full hog and truly commit to the idea? This year, why not transform your venue into the Arctic Tundra or the North Pole itself, and go all out in creating a winter wonderland that’s decorated carpet to ceiling, from hanging icicles to fake snow scattered over the floor.

Tell your guests to prepare for a night with Father Christmas and the elves busy preparing all the presents. If you love a traditional party game, incorporate this theme through ‘pass the parcel’ and similar ‘icebreakers’. Working with experienced event planners for your party like you’ll find here at Canvas House will widen your imagination even more, with extra ideas and inspiration from the team.

5. Christmas Movie Night

On those rainy winter days, what’s more perfect than curling up in front of the TV or in bed and switching off from the world for a night of feelgood films? Invite your nearest and dearest for a sleepover-style party with pizza and pyjamas, and catch up over the soundtrack to your favourite shows, films and Christmas musicals.

If you’re the type who can’t host a party sitting down, host guests for a Christmas movie-themed party, with the dress code inviting people to don their best ‘Elf’ costume, or channel their inner Kevin McCallister.

6. Who Sleighed Santa? Murder Mystery

Let off some steam at your EOFY party or gather your most theatrical friends and host a Christmas-themed murder mystery. When festive themes generally focus on wholesome fun and child-friendly decor, a Christmas in July gathering is the perfect occasion to flip another tradition on its head.

You can be as minimal or maximalist with this festive party idea as you want, from asking your guests to dress as their characters to practicing short sequences that develop the storyline of the game. The most creative may choose to curate their own company or household-specific murder mystery, however, you can find plenty of structured game packages online, complete with props and printable clues.

7. European Christmas Markets

Rekindle memories (or Pinterest boards) of European Christmas markets, and put a pretzel twist on your festive theme. You could work with local vendors to supply your event with homemade crafts and traditional gifts; an especially great idea if you’re a local business yourself. Alternatively, host a craft seminar or gingerbread-house-making workshop so your guests or colleagues can delve into their creative side and learn how to make something new.

Set up stalls for pretzels, bratwurst, spiced wine and cider, with roasting marshmallows and fairy lights strung up to add to the warm ambience. Put on your best indistinguishable ‘European’ accent, and you’ll feel as though you were strolling through a German or Swiss or Austrian or Polish Christmas Market in no time.

Recap On Christmas In July Party Ideas

Which was your favourite of our Christmas in July party ideas? Whether you’re a low-key host seeking a refined cocktail party or you want all the jingle bells and whistles at your event, we hope you’re feeling icy and inspired.

If you’re looking for a venue to host your Christmas corporate party, or a well-kitted out space to gather your loved ones, Canvas House is the perfect pick. Featuring stylish vaulted ceilings, a cosy, intimate fireplace, and a full bar to stock all your festive tipples, our function venue is a stonesthrow from the Melbourne CBD and a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from the North Pole – in spirit.

Send us an enquiry or your desired date and party size, and we’ll get to work on putting together a memorable Christmas party in July, or August… or September.

The post 7 Festive Christmas In July Party Ideas appeared first on Canvas House.

In this blog, we’ll go through strategies for event planning that reduce stress and make the process easier, and, dare we say it, perhaps even a bit more fun.

So without further ado, here are our tips for successful event planning, from the wisdom of the professional event planners at Canvas House.

Here are our expert strategies for event planning to reduce stress:

• 1. Choose The Right Venue & Suppliers
  2. Delegate Tasks
  3. Create (& Stick To) A Budget
  4. Work Through A Checklist (& Deadline List)
  5. Spread Out Your Itinerary
  6. Have A Back Up Plan

1. Choose The Right Venue & Suppliers

Your venue will set the tone for your event, whether you’re organising a high-end sophisticated cocktail party or a rambunctious 40th birthday party for you and your besties. It’s about more than picking somewhere that looks good, however, and there are plenty of questions to ask when choosing a venue that we’ve covered in detail in another blog.

Managing event logistics effectively will be much easier if you’re working with a competent, flexible, and experienced team of event planners. Make sure they’ve hosted similar events to your style in the past, and find out if they can put you in touch with local, trusted vendors and suppliers. Often, established local event venues such as Canvas House here in Melbourne will have long-lasting partnerships with catering companies, florists and furniture suppliers, so make the most of their connections to guarantee a seamless event set-up.

2. Delegate Tasks

Even if you’re the designated event planner in your company, household or friendship group by default or by design, you shouldn’t feel responsible for perfecting every last detail of the event. Lean on the expertise of the venue and suppliers you’re working with, and don’t be afraid to ask for second opinions.

If you’re hosting a birthday party or planning a wedding, ask your bridal party or close friends (the reliable ones!) to each take on one small, manageable task either in the lead-up or during the event. For example, it could be having one person responsible for greeting guests with a welcome drink, and another for collecting and putting away coats and jackets. You don’t want your guests to feel like servants, but most will be happy to help and take one thing off your to-do list.

3. Create (& Stick To) A Budget

Successful event planning for beginners starts with knowing your budget. If you’re setting your own, do some research on average venue prices, peak demand seasons, and entertainment costs before deciding. If a budget is allocated to you, for example by your company or boss for your EOFY work party, find out where they want no expenses spared, and where they’re open to saving money.

If you’re planning an event on behalf of someone else, it’s wise to confirm the largest spends, such as the venue hire, catering costs, and live entertainment before you commit to them, so everyone is kept in the loop, and there’s no surprise bill shock! Don’t spend your entire budget either – save an amount for last-minute cancellations or necessary replacements. This is one of the secrets to stress-free event planning, trust us.

4. Work Through A Checklist (& Deadline List)

Once the puzzle pieces are beginning to fall into place and you have the outline of your event, create an event planning checklist, which should be informed by deadlines. How far back you need to plan each component will depend on the nature and scale of the event. 

Wedding booking timelines can go back to two years before the event, whereas you should be able to comfortably arrange a smaller corporate dinner or seminar a month or two in advance. Time management in event planning is everything, so keep your checklist clearly visible and tick off each detail as it’s confirmed, as well as track deposits and payment plans.

5. Spread Out Your Itinerary

You’ve told everyone the speeches should be no longer than five minutes. You’ve got five speakers – that means you won’t need to allocate longer than half an hour for the whole thing, right? But what about the toasts in between, the microphone that switches off halfway through, or the speaker that has to keep pausing for the audience to finish laughing?

Almost everything that’s scheduled during an event takes longer than you might initially plan for. When hosting any event that involves a certain number of people and a certain amount of collaboration, there will always be disruption, delay and distraction. A surefire way to add stress and create a tense environment for your guests is to pack the activities of your event too close together. You’ll end up rushing through the day and constantly checking the time. Instead, allow a window of at least half an hour between activities, so you can factor in this wiggle room without it disturbing the flow.

6. Have A Back Up Plan

One of our crucial event planning tips is to identify potential risks and have a back-up plan. Whether it’s potential ‘problem’ guests, unpredictable weather, or forgotten dietary preferences, map out the alternatives. That means having a marquee or indoor space available if the weather turns for your outside event, arranging for extra catering, and informing your event staff of anything on your mind that they could keep an eye out for and handle, should it escalate.

No matter how many event planning strategies you implement, you can’t control everything. Arrange back-up plans for feasible situations, but for those totally unexpected moments, roll with the punches and do so with a smile. You may end up with one of the most memorable parts of the event, and at the very least, your guests will stay more calm and relaxed if they see the host maintaining composure.

How To Reduce Stress When Planning An Event

So, now you know how to plan an event without causing an undue amount of stress. You’re bound to still run into a couple of headaches and hurdles along the way, but with our expert event planning advice under your arm, you can do all in your power to reduce their likelihood or know how to handle them.

Of course, there’s always the option to leave it to the experts. Our tips for organising events without stress have been forged through fire, after two decades of planning and hosting our own. Save yourself the learning curve, and choose Canvas House and its dynamic, experienced team, as the venue for your next function.

Send us an inquiry today or reach us directly at 0478 056 390, and tell us what it is you want. Together, we’ll develop an event that runs smoothly and successfully.

The post Expert Strategies For Event Planning To Reduce Stress appeared first on Canvas House.

In this guide, we’ll cover the order of events for a wedding reception​ in an Australian marriage celebration, giving you all the mental preparation you need before attending the big day.

So, what does the standard wedding day routine at a reception look like?

• 1. Wedding Couple Entrance
  2. Dinner or Lunch Service
  3. Speeches & Toasts
  4. Cake Cutting
  5. First Dance
  6. Live Music Or Entertainment
  7. Bouquet & Garter Toss
  8. Carriages

1. Wedding Couple Entrance

Typically, guests will enter the wedding reception venue first, whilst the couple take photos or share a private moment as newlyweds having just signed their marriage certificate. Canapes and drinks may be provided. Alternatively, there may be a formal seating arrangement with a wedding seating chart directing guests to specific tables and seats.

When everyone is settled, the best man or celebrant will announce the wedding couple with a toast or uptempo music. It is traditional for the couple to be met with rapturous applause at their entrance into the venue – stepping in front of friends and family as married partners for the first time. This is also a good time to formally Acknowledge Country by paying respect to the Indigenous guardians of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands.

2. Dinner or Lunch Service

Generally, the longest part of the wedding reception, providing guests with a high-quality lunch or dinner service, is one of the classic Australian wedding customs. There are many ways to serve food, whether a seated three-course meal, a buffet spread, or a food truck arrangement. Guests, if in allocated seats, will be expected to spend this time with their table, while the bridal party makes their way around the room greeting guests and receiving congratulations. Other receptions favour a more relaxed approach, with guests moving freely around the venue.

Most often, menus and meals are pre-arranged. Depending on the venue arrangement and the couple’s wishes, there may be a bar available to purchase drinks from, or table service. Some couples may enforce specific catering styles or dietary preferences, such as an alcohol or meat-free service, so respect their choices and make sure you communicate any allergens or intolerances well in advance of the wedding day.

3. Speeches & Toasts

With guests sitting comfortably, stomachs full of good wine and good food, now is the perfect opportunity for speeches to take place. Some couples disregard the speeches altogether as they can disrupt the flow of the day, although traditionally, this is the moment for the bridal party to express their gratitude and celebrate the happy couple. 

Typically, the father of a bride will speak about the bride and thank the guests. A groom will talk about a bride and toast the bridesmaids, and a best man will talk about a groom and toast the newlyweds. A maid of honour speech is becoming more common, to talk about a bride and toast the couple, as well as speeches from bride and a parent of the groom. Speeches are normally a mixture of heartfelt and comedic anecdotes about the couple, their relationship and their loved ones, and last no more than around 5 minutes each.

4. Cake Cutting

Cake cutting is a fun moment in the day that makes for a great photo opportunity. It symbolises the couple’s first task together and marks the end of the formalities – and the beginning of the party! The couple will stand and slice their wedding cake together, sometimes with a family heirloom, and potentially feed each other the first bite.

The best man or another member of the bridal party will likely toast the couple before the cake is shared among guests. In keeping with strict tradition (borrowed from the English), the wedding cake will be a tiered fruitcake, with the first tier kept by the couple for their first anniversary. However, modern Australians tend to favour serving their guests with the classic lamington instead of a larger tiered cake.

5. First Dance

Now the festivities begin! The first dance is exactly what it sounds like, performed by the couple alone on the dancefloor as guests gather round to watch. During the song or perhaps immediately after it, the couple’s parents are invited to dance with their children, before the bridal party and the rest of the guests are welcomed onto the dance floor.

Song choices for a first dance vary greatly. Many opt for a slow love song, while others prefer a more upbeat style, sometimes with pre-rehearsed choreography. In general, the song chosen normally has a special meaning or emotional connection for the couple.

6. Live Music Or Entertainment

Whether the couple opt for a DJ or live band for their wedding entertainment, this is the part of the evening when celebrations start to look more like an elevated party. At this point in the evening, the bridal party are feeling more relaxed, all the ‘jobs’ have been completed, and guests are invited to let loose, have fun and celebrate!

Some couples will arrange special entertainment like live music, a dance performance, a magic act, a family tradition or something completely out of the box. This part of the reception can last for a couple of hours and is often one of the most expensive parts of a wedding. Couples might arrange for late-night sweet treats or snacks to be brought out to fuel the celebrations.

7. Bouquet & Garter Toss

Many brides choose to engage in a light-hearted bouquet toss. Their flowers are thrown up to a group of women attending the wedding, and whoever catches it is said to be the next person to marry. However, a new ritual of brides giving their bouquet to their mother as a token of acknowledgement and gratitude is growing, since traditionally there is no ‘role’ played by a mother at the wedding.

A cheekier tradition is the garter toss. Worn just above the knee by a bride, their spouse will remove it with their hands (or teeth!) and throw it to be caught by one of the single men in attendance, holding the same symbolism as the bouquet toss. This tradition is becoming more outdated, but it can be a playful moment if carried out by a tight-knit group of guests.

8. Carriages

After a big old disco, the night must draw to a close. Typically, the married couple will retire earlier in the evening, often enthusiastically cheered on and waved off by their guests. Some mark this moment with sparklers, a classic car, or a stream of confetti.

It is traditional for wedding celebrations to continue after the couple have left, however, some invitations will clearly state what time marks the end of the event, whether for licensing restrictions, equipment hire or venue rental agreements. Wait for an announcement from the best man or wedding venue staff to signify that the night is ending. Of course – if you’re the ones getting married and don’t want to miss a thing, stay til the clock strikes twelve! 

Australian Wedding Customs For A Traditional Reception

We’ve covered the typical order of events for a wedding reception, so you have some idea of what to expect if you’re attending an Australian wedding for the first time, or inspiration on how to structure your big day – if you want to follow a traditional wedding day routine. 

But remember, your wedding day is your wedding day. Don’t feel restricted by Australian wedding customs, nor family expectations or cultural traditions. It’s completely ok to scrap every single one and make it up as you go along, or to meticulously arrange a celebration that looks totally different to the order of events we’ve listed. 

If you’re looking for a venue to help you do your wedding your way, you’re looking in the right place. Check out our space here at Canvas House, the perfect ‘blank canvas’ to turn into your dream wedding reception.

Reach out to the team on 0478 056 390, or send us a direct inquiry today.

The post Typical Order Of Events For A Wedding Reception In Australia appeared first on Canvas House.

Of course, you don’t want to upstage the bride or groom, but you also definitely don’t want to be the only person not in a suit, or the only person in a short dress sticking out in photos for all the wrong reasons.

In this blog, we’re taking you through wedding dress codes, and how to ace them. We’ll share the popular choices for Australian weddings, and tips on how you can effortlessly crack them.

We’ll cover these wedding dress codes:

• • Cocktail
  • Formal / Black Tie Optional
  • Black Tie
  • Dressy Casual / Beach Formal
  • White Tie / Full Dress

And the essential do’s and don’ts for standard wedding dress codes:

• • Do: Err on the side of caution
  • Don’t: Forget about the shoes
  • Do: Bring appropriate accessories
  • Don’t: Upstage the couple

A Brief Summary Of Popular Wedding Dress Codes

Take another look at your wedding invitation. What dress code is indicated, and what on earth does it mean? Below, we’ll cover an introduction to each of the most popular wedding dress codes in Australia.

Cocktail Dress Code

Born from cocktail party celebrations, cocktail wedding dress codes are among the most popular and commonly chosen, because they strike a balance between formality and flair. Men can wear a matching suit, with a tie or pocket scarf in a complimentary colour. Women can choose a midi or ankle-length option, allowing for playful design or colour, or a jumpsuit or suit accessorised with appropriate jewellery. If there is no dress code specified on your invitation, err on the conservative side of these cocktail dress guidelines.

Formal (Black-Tie Optional) Dress Code

Formal or black-tie optional dress codes are a step-up and require a little more consideration. Tuxedos are optional, though most men will opt for a conservative suit in dark colours, with a matching tie and crisp white shirt. For women, strike a balance between the elegance of a cocktail dress, and the formality of a black-tie ballgown. A well-tailored jumpsuit, statement jewellery piece, or classy up-do is a great way to achieve this look without feeling creatively restricted.

Black Tie Dress Code

Black tie dress codes are another popular choice for weddings, though they indicate a marked step-up in formality, with less room for interpretation. Women will be expected to wear a floor length dress (not showing the ankle), likely in a relatively simple design and made from quality fabric. Men are required to wear tuxedos with black bow ties and patent leather shoes, as well as cufflinks. Matching suit pieces are a must. The focus here should be on minimal luxury, meaning – don’t look to the Met Gala for inspiration.

Dressy Casual (Beach Formal) Dress Code

We’re a casual nation at heart, and more couples are leaning towards relaxed approaches to their wedding. Dressy casual or beach formal dress codes indicate a modern take on formality. For example, a woman could wear a patterned dress just above or below the knee, with a greater focus on brighter colours and less structured fabrics. A man could wear a collared shirt paired with smart trousers (rather than suit pants), and a blazer. Don’t be mistaken though – bermuda shirts, shorts, or anything for a casual day at the beach is not appropriate, unless specifically mentioned on the invitation. 

White Tie (Full Dress) Dress Code

The most formal of them all, a white dress code is quite rare to see on an Australian wedding invitation, but it’s an important (and difficult) one to get right. Often reserved for military, royal or similar high-status weddings and events, this traditionally aristocratic dress code requires utmost formality. Men must wear tuxedos with a formal white shirt and bow tie as well as a hat or gloves, and formal footwear. Women are expected to wear an elegant full-length evening gown, accessorised with jewellery, heels, and a small purse or clutch bag.

Do’s & Don’ts Of A Wedding Dress Code

So, we’ve explored the requirements for each specific dress code – but what about the general tips on preparing an outfit for a wedding? These do’s and don’ts apply for every wedding, no matter the style or genre.

Do: Err On The Side Of Caution

It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. There – we said it. So if you have two dresses you can’t decide on in terms of how well they match the dress code, choose the longer option. If you have two suits in your wardrobe and you’re not sure which is most appropriate, wear the darker one. The couple who’ve invited you to their wedding will be much more grateful if you’ve put in a little more effort than was expected than a little less.

Don’t: Forget About The Shoes

Your shoes are still part of your outfit, and therefore must still meet dress code expectations. While the more formal end of the spectrum will require specific footwear, you shouldn’t neglect your footwear either way. Aside from making a quality suit look sloppy or an elegant dress look unpolished, you’ll be sending the signal that you haven’t fully committed to showing up for the couple on an important occasion. Unless explicitly stated – no flip-flops!

Do: Bring Appropriate Accessories

The specifics will depend on the location, season and time that the wedding takes place, but think about what else you might need apart from the main garments. Make sure these accessories are wedding–appropriate. For example, if you’re taking an umbrella, choose one in a simple, muted design. If you’re likely to need a warmer jacket or coat, don’t wear a casual puffer or hoodie. Whilst smart shoes are important, bring comfortable flats too if you need to get from A to B or walk over uneven terrain, such as if the wedding reception venue is hosted in a forest or vineyard setting.

Don’t: Upstage The Couple

As much as you want to be the best dressed guest – there are two people you shouldn’t be trying to outdo. If you’re wondering whether your planned outfit is at risk of overdoing it, just send a photo to a few friends before you end up creating an awkward situation. This follows the general rule of avoiding wearing white or cream to a traditional Australian wedding – typically a bride will wear a white dress. Generally, it’s best to avoid all-black looks as well. 

Some dress codes may specify all-black, or black and white, but assume these colours are written off unless otherwise stated. If you’re attending a wedding in a foreign country or that’s following different traditions, check the customs and culture to make sure you don’t accidentally cause offence – as some colours are considered unsuitable or unlucky to wear at a wedding.

Cracked It: The Wedding Dress Code

We’ve told you how you can be the best dressed guest by following whichever wedding dress code you’re presented with to a ‘T’. With this manual, you’ll ace every wedding you attend, no matter if you’re in coattails or smart casual.

But what if you’re learning about wedding dress codes to choose one for your own Big Day, and you need somewhere to host it? Look no further than Canvas House, our stunning Melbourne venue for hire. 

Combining visually arresting vaulted-ceiling architecture with state-of-the-art amenities, you’ll get the best of modern luxury alongside timeless elegance. Located just outside the CBD, we’re a flexible venue who will run with any dress code from black tie to Black Sabbath.

Contact the team today with your enquiry. Whether you’re planning your own wedding or helping a loved one out, we’re happy to lend more of our event expertise so you can pull off the occasion of the decade.

The post Be The Best Dressed Guest: Effortlessly Cracking The Wedding Dress Code appeared first on Canvas House.

Before you can get into it though, you need to decide how you want your wedding venue layout to look. Wedding seating charts might make us groan in frustration or downright agony when it comes to planning them. All the family politics, tricky relationships and decades of interpersonal history to navigate can have you putting off table arrangements to the last minute.

And how are you even supposed to organise a wedding seating chart anyway?

In this blog, we’ll give you the answers. Our dedicated team of party, event and wedding planners have seen it all, and we’re here to help provide the tips you need to make your wedding table arrangements easy and…dare we say it… fun? Read on for our wedding seating chart and table arrangement tips. 

The All-Important Bridal Table – Is It Really That Important?

The concept of the bridal table in a traditional Western wedding seating layout is where the bridal party sit in a straight line with specific individual placements, all facing the guests. This provides a focal point and can make it easier to direct speeches. However, there’s an increasing shift towards a more relaxed approach to bridal table seating arrangements. 

Instead, consider a circular table in the middle of your venue, where guests can easily approach and see you. Or, do away with a bridal table altogether. Place your bridal party as you would any other guest, and save a couple of seats at each table, so you and your partner can meander between them as you please.

You can also look at seating arrangements in other cultures for inspiration. For example, at traditional Chinese weddings, the bride sits with the groom’s family, while the bride’s family sits separately, incorporating principles of feng shui into the arrangement. In Japanese culture, the bride and groom’s family often sit furthest away from the centre of the room to demonstrate humility by offering the ‘best seats’ to other guests.

Consider Traffic Flow & Access Points

An often overlooked seating arrangement factor to consider is the flow of human traffic in your space. Your wedding reception should feel like a relaxed affair, not a squeezed-in bunch of people struggling to move between tables. Try to avoid having guests boxed in a corner or shoved against the wall, needing to say ‘excuse me’ to fifteen people before they can leave their seats and access other areas such as the toilet or bar.

Also consider how your wait staff will be able to serve your guests, especially if you’re planning a sit down meal. If you’re planning a buffet, make sure you leave enough floor space around the food so your guests can easily access all the tasty dishes prepared, whilst avoiding lengthy queues and congestion.

Ensure clear pathways for entrances and exits, the bar and toilets, and clearly signed (and easily accessible) emergency exits. Whilst it might be tempting to skip this detail as ‘it’s only for one day’, you’re better safe than sorry.

Make Space For Dancing!

Whatever seating arrangement you opt for, you’ll want to have enough room in your venue for entertainment! Whether you’ve got live music or a DJ, make space for a stage for music equipment, and a dancefloor for your guests to celebrate you tying the knot! If you’re not choosing to have a traditional bridal table layout, this dance area can double up as the centrepoint for your guests to gather for speeches. 

Choose somewhere with ample space for speakers, lighting and other props you might want to bring onto your dancefloor. Equally, don’t make your dancing space too large and overbearing that your guests feel intimidated to fill it!

Wedding Seating Charts

If you’re wondering how to do a wedding seating chart for your ceremony, there’s no tried and true technique, but there are a couple of methods you can follow. 

If you want to keep certain individuals apart, such as separated parents or very different friendship groups, start with them. Place them on different tables or sides of the room and arrange your seating plan from there. Alternatively, assign people to tables, but not specific seats. This gives your guests the freedom to choose who they want to sit next to, but saves the larger hassle of a complete free-for-all.

It’s also a nice idea to mix up different groups to give your guests a chance to interact with each other. For example, you don’t need to contain your families to designated tables or have friendship groups clearly segregated. On the other hand, avoid peppering individuals into well-defined groups. Consider splitting your tables into 50/50 bride and groom-invited guests, and for those friends or colleagues who don’t know the majority of guests, try to seat them with people you know are more outgoing and likely to help them feel welcome.

Avoid mixing clashing personalities, such as those with strong opposing political views, introverts and extroverts, or those you just simply don’t see gelling. It’s not worth risking it on your special day, so if in doubt, opt for a different seating arrangement.

Singles & Kid’s Tables

The concept of a ‘single’s table’ has become pretty outdated, and can have your single guests feeling shoved into an identity with people they might have nothing in common with. Seat your single brother with other family members, your single childhood friend with some people from work who might also not know too many guests. There are creative ways to place those who come alone without making them feel isolated.

On the other hand, some couples opt for a kid’s table to keep the smaller guests ‘rounded up’ and occupied. If you plan to have many children at your wedding, a table lower off the ground with activities such as drawing or even a magician can be a nice touch to keep them entertained (and allow parents an opportunity to relax as well!)

Speak To Friends & Family

Whilst you and your partner know your wedding guests the best, lean on your bridal party and family for help and inspiration too. Those who know the complex dynamics between your guests might be able to offer suggestions to avoid awkward placements . Even if it’s just for a second opinion, speaking with trusted loved ones can ease some of the pressure.

Keep in mind that your first seating plan will almost definitely not end up being your last, so don’t get disheartened if you feel like you just can’t work it out. Like a jigsaw puzzle, it will come together in the end!

The Perfect Wedding Seating Arrangement: What You Want It To Be

We’ve explored the different tips and methods for planning and arranging your wedding seating chart, but ultimately how you plan your ceremony floor layout is up to you. Whilst you want to please everyone, remember that as long as your guests can see you enjoying yourself, they should be happy with their placement.

The best starting point is to choose a venue that doesn’t lock you into rigid arrangements.

At Canvas House, our furniture and amenities are all flexible and adaptable, meaning we can move them round to suit your needs with ease. Just speak to the team and we’ll be happy to offer advice, or work out how to facilitate your seating plan.

For enquiries about renting our beautiful wedding venue space, or just to get more insight on doling out your wedding seating placement, speak to Nash or Aaron on 0478 056 390. Alternatively send us a quick enquiry online, and we’ll get right back to you.

The post How To Design The Perfect Wedding Seating Charts appeared first on Canvas House.