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So one of your mates has asked you to MC their wedding? You’re honoured… but it’s such a blessing and a curse at the same time, innit. Well you’ve made it to reading this blog, so that’s a good start! We’ve seen a wedding or two (hundred) in our time and here’s our 2 cents on how to nail your role as the MC, at The Refinery (specifically!).
Don’t stress — you are not here to coordinate the the entire wedding. That’s our job! You are the vibe-bringer and the face to the people, keeping them up to date with what’s happening throughout the evening. We have an event coordinator keeping time and running the show who will tap you on the shoulder when it’s time to get up for the next item on the agenda. And that’s a golden rule — don’t hop up and start chatting until we give you the go ahead!
Remember, just ‘cause you’re allowed to hold the mic doesn’t mean we need to ramble. Keep things short and sharp, there’s no need to tell a 5-min story in between every speech or try to kill time / gap-fill. You’re here to keep the vibes high (and the ball rolling!) — often less is more, ya know?
It’s ultimately up to the couple, but we personally don’t feel like going through any housekeeping is necessary (yawn). The bathrooms in our venue are super accessible with most people already finding their way there during cocktail hour. And of course, any smokers would’ve definitely found their home base across the road by this point too. Instead, make the first time you hit the mic all about the couple and get the crowd hyped for the newlyweds!
Don’t forget to stay on your toes and pay attention to what’s happening. Be ready to jump up and grab the mic as soon as someone finishes their speech so there’s no awkward in-between moments! If the Bride’s dad is holding is mic too far away and no one can hear him, help him prop up the mic to the right height! Has everyone stopped clapping while the couple are still making their way to the lectern for their speech? Get the crowd cheering with another round of applause!
The best thing you can do is chat with us throughout the night as we’re here to help. Keep us in the loop so if something comes up or if anything needs to change, just holla so we have a heads up — we can be fluid! We will always catch up and run through everything on the day (usually during cocktail hour), but if you feel like you’d like to touch base sooner you can reach out to Amelia & Rach at hello@refinery-events.com.
Find answers to common questions and gain confidence in your venue choice.
As we only host one event per day, unfortunately we only offer on-site ceremonies in conjunction with one of our reception packages.
Absolutely! Whether it’s a seated or cocktail-style, our reception packages include 5 hours venue hire.
Unfortunately we don’t offer specific packages for elopements as we only host one event per day at The Refinery. For our space, we recommend a minimum of 30 guests and upwards for a seated reception, and a minimum of 70 guests and upwards for a cocktail-style reception.
All food and drink is catered by our amazing in-house team! We do not allow external catering with the exception of wedding cakes, take-home guest favours and gelato carts.
We typically do not offer BYO alcohol, however, do contact us to discuss corkage charges if you would like to bring in something special for your day.
Ceremony & Reception Packages may be booked from 1pm onwards between March-October and from 4pm onwards between November-February.
Standalone Reception Packages may be booked from 12pm onwards between March-October and from 4pm onwards between November-February.
Friday-Saturday events must end by 11pm.
Sunday-Thursday events must end by 10pm.
At the agreed end time the bar will close, music concludes, lights are turned on and bump out commences. We allow a 30 minute grace period for guests to wrap up and head off premises.
Reception Package — from 11am on the day.
Ceremony & Reception Package — from 9am on the day.
We will liaise with all of your vendors in the lead up to the day to confirm a bump in/bump out time.
Any hired furniture, hired table settings, large styling pieces, aerial/floral installations and lighting must be bumped out upon the conclusion of the event.
While it is preferred that all belongings and gifts are collected at the end of the night, overnight storage can be arranged if required for pick up the next business day.
You can view our full inventory of the furniture and stationery/signage included, here.
Check out our resources to find some of the fun portrait locations nearby!
We get it — every couple needs that confetti moment! We allow a maximum of 25x cones of confetti for the end of the ceremony, which incurs a $200 clean up fee. Confetti cannons are not permitted.
Absolutely, we love all kinds of furry friends! We just ask that you have someone dedicated to looking after your pet so that they are taken care of at all times. Check out our recommended pet assistants!
We've collated some amazing resources for you here. If you can't find what you're looking for, please reach out as we'd love to help!
From intimate dining settings to lavish celebrations. Together with our tight-knit team, we hustle tirelessly to host your event as though it were our own.
