Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a wedding comes with plenty of questions, and our team is here to help make the process feel as relaxed and seamless as possible. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about weddings at Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens, including wedding packages, ceremony options, reception details, BYO beverages, suppliers, styling, guest transport, accommodation, venue access and more.
As one of Brisbane’s leading rainforest and garden wedding venues, we regularly assist local, interstate and overseas couples planning outdoor weddings, garden ceremonies and elegant wedding receptions in Brisbane.
Whether you are searching for information about wedding planning appointments, wet weather ceremony options, wedding styling, catering, parking, guest numbers or venue policies, our FAQ section is designed to help you better understand how weddings at Bundaleer work.
If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, we warmly invite you to contact the Bundaleer team directly. We are always happy to assist with any questions.
Planning & Booking
When should I book my wedding?
We recommend booking your wedding as early as possible, particularly for peak dates and seasons. Popular Friday and Saturday dates are often secured well in advance, with many couples booking around 12 to 18 months prior to their wedding date. Please note that bookings can be made up to 18 months in advance.
If you have a specific season, month or day of the week in mind, we encourage enquiring early to avoid missing your preferred date.
Do you offer weekday wedding packages?
Yes, we offer weekday wedding packages at lower rates than our peak wedding days. Please see our wedding packages for full pricing and inclusions.
Do you offer ceremony-only or elopement packages?
Ceremony-only and elopement packages are available Monday to Thursday, subject to availability.
Further information, inclusions and pricing can be viewed on our website.
Are there minimum guest numbers for weddings?
Minimum guest numbers apply depending on the day of the week and package selected.
Saturday weddings: minimum 70 guests
Friday and Sunday weddings: minimum 50 guests
Monday to Thursday weddings: minimum 40 guests
If your final guest numbers fall below the applicable minimum, your wedding can still proceed, however charges will be based on the minimum guest numbers for that day.
Do you offer payment plans?
Bundaleer offers payment arrangements, allowing couples to spread payments toward their wedding balance in the lead-up to their wedding day.
Many couples choose to make progressive payments over time to assist with budgeting and planning.
As Bundaleer reserves and holds your wedding date exclusively for your event, all payments made are non-refundable. All payment due dates are outlined within your booking documentation, with final payment required no later than 21 days prior to the wedding date.
Should we consider wedding insurance?
While not mandatory, we encourage couples to consider wedding insurance for additional peace of mind when planning their wedding day.
Planning Support
Will Bundaleer assist us during the planning process?
Absolutely. The Bundaleer team is here to assist and support you throughout the planning process from the time of booking through to your wedding day.
If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, please feel free to contact our team by phone, email or Zoom and we will be happy to help where possible.
What is a Wedding Checklist Appointment and when is it usually held?
Your Wedding Checklist Appointment is designed to help bring everything together in the lead-up to your wedding day. During the appointment, we will go through your wedding details, timings, supplier arrangements, beverage planning and other important information to help ensure everything feels organised, relaxed and ready for your special day.
Bundaleer offers both in-person and Zoom Wedding Details Appointments, which are usually held approximately 3 months prior to your wedding date and can be booked through the Contact Us section of our website.
I’m overseas trying to organise a wedding in Brisbane — will you still be able to help?
Absolutely. Bundaleer regularly works with interstate and overseas couples and we are happy to assist throughout the planning process from afar.
We offer Zoom appointments, phone consultations and email support to help make planning your wedding as easy and stress-free as possible, no matter where you are located.
Are you available for appointments, drop-offs, setups or pickups after hours or on public holidays?
Appointments, drop-offs, setups and pickups are available during Bundaleer’s operating hours by appointment only.
You can request an appointment through our Contact Us page, where our appointment times are listed for both weekdays and weekends up to 3 months in advance.
Due to the nature of weddings and events, our operating days and availability can vary, with some days closed to allow our team time to rest between events.
Please note that access to the property is not permitted while weddings or private events are in progress or about to begin.
Venue Access & Property
Do we have exclusive use of the venue?
Yes, you will have exclusive use of your venue space on the day of your wedding.
Can we visit the venue without an appointment?
As Bundaleer is private property and a exclusive wedding venue, visits are by appointment only. This helps us preserve the privacy of our couples and maintain the presentation of the venue and gardens for upcoming weddings and events.
What time can guests arrive?
Guests may arrive from 20 minutes prior to your ceremony or event start time. If guests arrive earlier, we kindly ask that they wait outside the venue, as our team will still be busy setting up and preparing for your special day.
Is there parking onsite?
Yes, there is ample onsite parking available for you and your guests.
Can guests leave cars at the venue overnight?
Limited overnight parking is available by prior arrangement. Any vehicles left at the venue overnight are done so at the owner’s risk and we kindly ask that they are collected by 12pm the following day.
While reasonable care is taken, Bundaleer cannot accept responsibility for vehicles left onsite.
Is there a wet weather backup for our ceremony?
Yes, each venue has an undercover ceremony backup option available in wet weather.
Does the venue have accessible bathroom facilities?
While Bundaleer currently does not have a fully wheelchair-accessible bathroom facility onsite, many areas of the venue feature even pathways and accessible spaces for guests. Some areas of the property do include stairs, and one bathroom cubicle includes a support handrail for additional assistance.
Is there a getting-ready room or accommodation onsite?
Bundaleer does not offer onsite accommodation or a dedicated getting-ready suite. However, we do have a room available for touch-ups or outfit changes during the evening if needed.
As Bundaleer is conveniently located within Brisbane’s western suburbs, many couples choose to stay at accommodation of their choice either nearby or within Brisbane CBD, South Bank or surrounding areas prior to their wedding day.
What accommodation options are close to Bundaleer for our guests to stay?
There are a range of accommodation options located within close driving distance of Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens, including boutique hotels, apartments, Airbnb stays and Brisbane CBD accommodation.
Some popular nearby options include Essence Suites Taringa, Jephson Hotel Toowong, and a variety of Airbnb accommodation throughout Brookfield, Kenmore, Chapel Hill and the surrounding western suburbs.
Many guests also choose to stay within Brisbane CBD, South Bank or Fortitude Valley and travel to Bundaleer via Uber, taxi or private transport.
Ceremony & Reception
What time can the reception finish?
Our standard wedding package includes 6 hours of event time from your ceremony start time.
Couples may choose to extend their reception, subject to Bundaleer’s latest finish times and applicable extension fees.
Our latest finish times are:
Friday & Saturday: 11:00pm
Monday to Thursday: 10:00pm
Sunday: 9:00pm
Extension options and pricing can be discussed during the booking and planning process.
Can we extend our finish time on the night?
No, any extension to your finish time must be arranged prior to your wedding day.
What table layout is best for maximising dance floor and reception space?
Long banquet-style tables are generally the best option for maximising dance floor and reception space when compared to round tables, as they create a more open and spacious reception layout.
When is the best time to cut the wedding cake?
While the timing is completely up to you, we often recommend cutting your wedding cake shortly after your reception entrance. At this point, your guests are already gathered, standing, cheering and focused on you both, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere for photos and videos.
Many couples also find this timing helps the reception flow smoothly throughout the evening.
Will someone be there on the day to help everything run smoothly?
The Bundaleer team will be onsite throughout your wedding day to help ensure everything flows smoothly and seamlessly, while making sure you and your guests feel relaxed, supported and well looked after throughout the celebration.
Do you provide a Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the reception?
While Bundaleer does not provide an in-house MC service, many couples choose to arrange their own MC for the evening. This may be a friend, family member, celebrant, DJ or professional MC, depending on the style and atmosphere they would like for their celebration.
Can we invite additional guests to the ceremony only and not the reception?
Yes, absolutely. After the ceremony, your MC can invite guests who are staying for the reception to head to the canapé area and thank those attending the ceremony only for coming.
Catering & Beverages
Can dietary requirements and allergies be catered for?
Yes — our catering team is happy to accommodate most dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerances where possible when advised in advance.
While every reasonable effort is made to minimise cross-contamination, Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens and our catering providers cannot guarantee that meals will be completely free from allergen traces due to shared kitchen environments, food preparation processes, ingredient sourcing and supplier manufacturing conditions.
Some ingredients used at the venue may also be manufactured or packaged in facilities that handle common allergens including nuts, dairy, gluten, seafood and eggs.
Guests with severe allergies, anaphylaxis or complex dietary conditions are encouraged to notify the couple and venue prior to the wedding and may wish to consider supplying their own food if they are uncomfortable with the residual risk of cross-contamination.
Can we choose our own caterer?
No, Bundaleer works within its own catering arrangements, so outside catering is not permitted.
Can we have cocktails or spirits at our wedding?
As a BYO venue, you are welcome to supply your own beverages for your wedding or event. Our staff can serve standard beverages provided by you, including water, soft drinks, beer, wine, champagne and other pre-prepared drinks.
Please note that Bundaleer’s standard beverage service does not include cocktail preparation or a full spirits/bar service. If you would like cocktails, mixed drinks, espresso martinis or an extensive spirits service at your wedding, you will need to engage a fully self-sufficient mobile bar or cocktail service to provide this for your guests.
For safety, licensing and responsible service reasons, all alcohol brought onto the property must be commercially produced, sealed, and clearly labelled. Homemade, home-brewed, decanted or unlabelled alcohol is not permitted.
Can we have a cocktail cart during canapés?
Yes, cocktail carts may be permitted with prior approval from Bundaleer. Any supplier providing a cocktail cart must meet our venue and operational requirements and is responsible for their own setup, service, pack down and removal.
Do you offer table service for drinks?
Bundaleer primarily operates a bar service, where guests are welcome to order and collect drinks directly from the bar throughout the event.
What is included with your BYO beverage service?
Bundaleer’s BYO beverage service includes RSA staff, standard glassware (tumblers, wine and champagne glasses), water and ice for your wedding reception.
Couples are required to supply their own alcohol, soft drinks and any specialty beverages they wish to serve during the event.
Drop-off times and service arrangements will be discussed with you during the planning process.
When can we drop off our BYO drinks?
To help ensure your beverages are chilled and ready for service, we ask that drinks are dropped off at 10:00am the day prior to your wedding. We provide water and ice, and you will need to supply your own soft drink and alcohol for guests.
We will arrange your drop-off time during your checklist appointment which occurs 3 months out from your wedding date.
Please note that beverages delivered to Bundaleer are placed into our cool rooms and chilled upon arrival to ensure drinks are ready for service throughout your wedding or event.
As many beverage suppliers only accept returns of unopened cartons that have not been chilled, we kindly recommend avoiding excessive beverage quantities where possible. Due to time needed for beverages to properly chill, we are unfortunately unable to keep selected cartons unchilled or chill additional cartons on demand throughout the event, as unopened cartons can take 24 hours or longer to fully cool.
Do you offer children’s pricing?
Yes, children aged 2 to 12 years are priced at $50.
How much are supplier meals?
Supplier meals are $50 each.
Can our wedding cake be dropped off the day before?
Wedding cakes are required to be delivered on the day of your wedding at a time arranged with Bundaleer in advance.
In line with food safety and health regulations, your chosen cake supplier is responsible for the delivery, setup, presentation and removal of any cake-related items following the event.
Please note that Bundaleer is unable to provide cake refrigeration or long-term storage unless arranged prior to the wedding day.
Do You Offer Food Truck Style Weddings?
Bundaleer offers a limited number of food truck style weddings on select available dates throughout the year, typically suited to shorter lead times and cocktail-style celebrations.
Food trucks can create a relaxed, modern and social dining experience within our rainforest and garden wedding venue setting. As Bundaleer’s kitchen facilities are not operated during external food truck service, this option is available for cocktail-style receptions only.
To protect the presentation and condition of our gardens and lawns, food trucks and catering vehicles are not permitted to drive onto grassed areas of the property. All external suppliers must remain fully self-sufficient and provide their own equipment, power, staffing and pack down arrangements.
We encourage couples considering a food truck wedding to speak with the Bundaleer team early in the planning process so suitable access and setup arrangements can be discussed along with a suitable date.
Styling, Decorations & Suppliers
What time can suppliers access the venue on our wedding day?
Suppliers and stylists can access the venue from 11:00am on the day of your wedding, unless otherwise arranged with Bundaleer in advance. All deliveries, setup and pack down must take place within the times approved by Bundaleer.
Can we access the venue before our wedding day for a rehearsal or setup?
Access prior to your wedding day is limited and always subject to Bundaleer’s availability and approval. As Bundaleer is a exclusive wedding and events venue, the property may still be in use in the lead-up to your wedding day.
For this reason, day-before access and setup availability cannot be guaranteed, and approval for access does not necessarily mean the venue will already be fully set up or presentation-ready for your wedding at that time.
Where available, limited access may be arranged for rehearsals or selected pre-approved setup only, at a time confirmed by Bundaleer in writing in advance.
Any items brought to the venue before the wedding day are left at the client’s own risk. While care is taken, Bundaleer cannot guarantee the security or safekeeping of items left onsite overnight.
Please note that access to the property is not permitted while weddings or events are in progress or about to begin.
Can we store decorating items at the venue the day before?
Decorating items should be delivered on the day of your wedding unless otherwise approved in advance. As storage space is limited, we are unable to guarantee storage prior to your event.
Are there any restrictions for items placed on the lawns or gardens?
To help protect our lawns, gardens and irrigation systems, heavy items or structures such as portable dance floors, staging, vehicles and large installations are not permitted on grassed areas.
Please discuss any larger styling items or installations with our team during the planning process so we can help ensure they are suitable for the venue.
Do you offer decorating or styling services?
Bundaleer offers an in-house styling service for couples who choose to book styling items through us. Our styling package can be viewed on the In House Styling page of our website.
If you are using your own decorations, stylist, florist, décor or external suppliers, all setup and pack down must be arranged through those suppliers, as Bundaleer does not provide setup services for externally supplied styling or decorations.
Do you provide staff to assist in setting up our own decorations and equipment for our wedding?
Bundaleer’s team is dedicated to the coordination of your wedding day, including venue operations, food service and guest experience, to help ensure everything runs smoothly and seamlessly.
For operational and Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) reasons, our staff are unable to assist with the setup, styling, installation or pack down of externally supplied decorations, florals or equipment.
If you are planning additional styling or decorative elements outside of Bundaleer’s in-house styling service, we recommend arranging setup through your chosen stylist, florist, decorator or supplier team.
Do we need to pack everything up at the end of the night?
Bundaleer will assist by placing personal décor items onto collection trolleys at the conclusion of the event to assist with collection where possible. Clients and suppliers remain responsible for the pack down, collection and removal of all personal items, styling items and equipment brought onto the property.
We strongly recommend all valuable items, wishing well cards and personal belongings are taken with you on the night.
External suppliers are responsible for packing down and removing their own equipment, installations, packaging and waste.
When should suppliers begin pack down at the end of the night?
To help ensure a smooth finish to the evening and allow suppliers adequate time to pack down and exit the venue comfortably, we generally recommend that suppliers such as DJs and other evening vendors begin pack down approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled finish time where appropriate.
Are suppliers required to remove everything they bring onsite?
Suppliers are responsible for removing all equipment, installations, styling items, packaging, food items and waste they bring onto the property.
Can we have a photo booth at our wedding?
Yes — photo booths are always a fun addition to the reception and are welcome at Bundaleer. We do recommend discussing your reception layout and guest numbers with your supplier beforehand, as photo booths can require a considerable amount of space within the reception area depending on the style and setup selected.
Do you provide AV equipment or microphones?
No, Bundaleer does not provide AV equipment onsite. Your suppliers will need to provide any sound equipment, microphones, speakers, lighting, extension leads and other equipment required for their services.
Are there noise restrictions?
Yes. To respect our surroundings and neighbours, all music and amplified sound must remain within Bundaleer’s venue requirements and comply with directions from our team on the day.
Can we bring a band?
To help preserve the peaceful rainforest atmosphere and respect neighbouring properties, full bands are not permitted at Bundaleer. However, couples are welcome to include softer live music options such as acoustic performers, string quartets or live singers.
Venue Rules & Restrictions
Is smoking permitted at the venue?
Yes, smoking is permitted in outdoor designated areas
Do you allow candles?
Yes, candles are permitted at Bundaleer, however candles must be fully enclosed (such as glass hurricanes, votives, lanterns or cylinder vases) to help protect our tables, linens and venue property from wax damage, reduce fire risk, and help prevent candles from blowing out during the event.
Are there any items we cannot bring to the venue?
For the safety of our venue, guests and surrounding environment, the following items are not permitted:
- manufactured confetti products (including manufactured biodegradable)
- fireworks
- smoke machines within indoor venue spaces
- fire pits
- unenclosed candles
- drum kits
Does the venue allow confetti?
Guests are welcome to use natural throw options such as fresh or dried flower petals.
Manufactured confetti products are not permitted at Bundaleer, including biodegradable, dissolving or water-soluble confetti, as these products can take significant time to break down and may stain venue furniture, paths and surrounding areas or affect the presentation of the venue grounds and gardens, and impact the surrounding natural environment.
Can we bring our pet for the ceremony and photos?
Yes, pets are welcome to join you for your ceremony and photos. They will then need to be taken home before the reception due to current health and food regulations.
Can it get cold at Bundaleer during winter weddings?
As Bundaleer is set within a rainforest garden environment, winter evenings can become cooler, particularly later at night and within outdoor areas of the venue.
For guest comfort, our reception areas are heated and outdoor heating is also provided during the cooler months. We still recommend guests bring a light jacket or wrap, especially for outdoor ceremonies or evening celebrations.
Transport
What is the best way for guests to get home after the wedding?
As Bundaleer is located in Brisbane’s western suburbs, guests commonly travel to and from the venue via Uber, taxi, private transfer or pre-arranged bus services.
We recommend organising transport ahead of time, particularly for evening departures, weekends and larger weddings, as rideshare and taxi availability may be limited at certain times.
For added convenience, guests may also wish to pre-book their return transport using services such as Uber Reserve or local transport providers.
Additional Information
If guest numbers reduce after final payment, is a refund available?
Final numbers and payment are due 21 days prior to your wedding day. Once final payment has been made, refunds are not available for guests who cancel.
Is information about Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens on third-party websites always accurate?
While we do our best to keep information consistent, details listed on third-party websites may not always be accurate or up to date.
For the most current information regarding packages, pricing, inclusions, availability, venue policies and other details, please refer to the official Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens website (this website) or contact our team directly.
Please note:
The information provided within these FAQs is intended as a general guide only and may be updated or amended by Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens at any time.
Where applicable, specific arrangements confirmed by Bundaleer in writing or within your booking documentation will apply.