We recently caught up with the lovely Amanda Webb, Managing Director at Ballara Receptions, to get the inside scoop on all things wedding venue related. Keep reading to find out why this picture-perfect venue is one of Melbourne’s top spots for elegant garden weddings.
Located in the leafy suburb of Eltham, Ballara Receptions is a beautiful Victorian estate and garden wedding venue nestled at the foothills of the Yarra Valley. The sprawling grounds at Ballara are home to whimsical lakeside gardens, a picturesque wedding chapel, a gorgeous outdoor pavilion, and a stunningly light-filled ballroom venue for elegant wedding receptions.
Easy Weddings: Hi Amanda! Can you tell us what couples love most about hosting their wedding at Ballara Receptions?
Our couples love Ballara’s stunning grounds, with so many wonderful photo opportunities, from the gardens to the chapel to our elegant interior. They also enjoy the convenience of having everything in one place for their wedding day, including the ceremony, photoshoot, and reception.
Our family-run business has been operating for more than 34 years, so couples notice the personal touches from our dedicated and friendly staff. Our menu is another highlight and has been carefully curated by our incredible chefs, who work hard to offer updated menus with an array of food options, ranging from classic favourites to newer, edgier dishes.
How far in advance do you recommend booking a wedding venue?
Our books are currently open til the end of 2024. However, you can book with as much time as you would like! Your venue should be one of the first things you book in, then consider how long your vendors may need for their product to be available (i.e. how long your dress needs to be made).
We can help pull weddings together in just four weeks, but we recommend booking at least twelve months ahead to allow yourself peace of mind and plan everything in a timely and enjoyable manner! We don’t want anyone stressing about how much they feel they need to have completed in a set amount of time.
What are some of the standout features of your venue?
Ballara’s standout features include our gorgeous on-site chapel, with silk floral decorations that look almost too good to be silk, stained glass windows, and dazzling chandeliers. The stunning gardens and lake form the perfect backdrop for your photos. And in the grand ballroom, you’ll fall in love with the elegant chandeliers and ambient pendant lighting.
Can you walk us through some of the amazing photo opportunities at Ballara Receptions?
Stunning manicured classic English gardens ensure endless photo opportunities at Ballara Receptions. Some of the most popular photography backdrops include:
- Gorgeous lakeside gazebo
- The private lakeside jetty that sits next to rustic stone decked areas enveloped by festoon lights for the perfect night photos
- Giant swing with garden, gazebo and lake backdrop for truly playful and romantic photos
- Gently cascading waterfalls amongst the shade of our stunning weeping willow trees
- Delicately vined arbour in front of a gorgeous arched mirror
- Giant rustic LOVE letters are perfect for your fun bridal party shots
- Fountains with our beautiful facade and chapel backdrop
- Courtyard gardens with green walls adorned with fairy lights
- Beautiful wedding chapel
- Comfortable and elegantly styled Bridal Suite, which doubles as a wonderful place to have a rest throughout the evening
- Sophisticated foyer with silk floral arrangements and functioning fireplace (perfect for winter weddings)
- Ballroom with three feature chandeliers, centralised parquetry dancefloor, and silk florals
How do your in-house wedding coordinators assist couples with their wedding planning?
Our in-house wedding coordinators are with you from the first day you enquire with us right through to the end of your reception. We have a team of professionals who will help answer any questions you may have, from how the day will work to what external vendors will work best at our venue.
We have a complete wedding planning portal for all couples to help fully immerse themselves in planning. On the wedding day, a dedicated function manager will run your wedding to ensure the day runs smoothly and everyone has the best day possible.
Do you work with specific suppliers, or can couples use their own wedding vendors?
We have an extensive list of recommended suppliers who have worked with our venue and have an incredibly high professional standard. However, you are more than welcome to use whatever suppliers you feel will make your day the most memorable. We will liaise with them to ensure they are comfortable and know all the information related to them and the venue.
What catering options do you offer for weddings?
At Ballara Receptions, we offer a multitude of incredible catering options for your big day. Menus include a decadent three-course sit-down option with a wide variety of options for your entrees, mains, and dessert. We also offer cocktail packages including hot and cold canapés, a selection of ‘fork dishes’ in place of the main course, and a dessert buffet with petite dessert selections served with your wedding cake.
We also offer a grazing package with savoury grazing stations, as well as high tea catering (our scones are delicious!) We can also work with other licensed caterers to allow for self-catered weddings.
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