Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some questions we get asked regularly. If you have another query please contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Below are answers to some questions we get asked regularly. If you have another query please contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible.
You get exclusive use of the estate for the day of your event, allowing you to host your ceremony, photos and reception all at one location.The venue hire charge covers cost of setting up, staff for the event (Including catering) and packing down.
All other services to be organised yourself, such as DJ/Band, Photographer, Celebrant.
To secure your booking, we require a completed booking form and a $2000 deposit. Once both of these are received, your booking confirmation is sent to you via your email.
You will receive contact from us around 6-8 weeks out from your wedding day to book your final meeting, and your rehearsal, if required.
The final meeting is usually 3 weeks out from your wedding. By this time you should have confirmed guest numbers and dietary requirements. This meeting usually takes up to 3 hours and we cover off the following;
If you have something important you need to discuss prior to your final meeting, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You may extend your event by the hour by confirmation at time of booking. The cost of this is typically around $250/hr. Site must be vacated by 12 midnight.
The time is calculated from the beginning of your ceremony.
The Bridgewater Decorating Package is comprehensive and exceptional value for money. It complements the unique features of our venue and is fresh, stylish and on trend.
Seasonal flowers are used to bring in the natural surroundings and we work with you to provide a colour theme that suits your individual requirements.
We are constantly researching the latest decoration trends for weddings and other functions to ensure we stay on point for our clients.
Included in package;
Wedding decorations are planned with you at your Final Meeting. Maximum of 14 tables.You select decorations from our extensive range. We set them up and take them down again.
Yes, you are more than welcome to supply your own decorations to compliment our range. Our decoration package is compulsory so any additional decorations you purchase will be at your cost.
Yes, we have a beautiful secluded bridal suite reserved for bridal party use only. Designed to provide a private relaxed setting for all the beauty prep of the day, your bridal party will love being based onsite. It relieves the stress of being late and the need for expensive bridal cars.Suite available from 10am until start of your ceremony.
Along with the hire of the bridal suite, we offer a complimentary platter for up to 8 guests. Cost to hire the bridal suite for up to 8 people is $250/day. For use of bridal party and your contracted beauty experts only. Showering facilities not available.
Our chalet accommodation is available to our newlywed’s to celebrate their first night of marriage without having to rush off at the end of the night. Chalet hire is $250/night.
When you hire the chalet the groom and groomsmen may use it to get ready during the day. The chalet has a sun-drenched deck overlooking the property, including our main ceremony locations. It is a very pleasant setting for a quiet pre-wedding jitter displacing beer!
Yes, we have a lovely schist & cedar chalet for hire on site. Bride & groom or event organizer have first option.Check in is at 2pm (or earlier if Groomsman get ready on site) and check out is at 10am.
Chalet is $250/night
There are several other B&B style accommodation options located within 5-25 mins of Bridgewater.Please see accommodation link for some options in the area.
At Bridgewater we have our own onsite chef for all your catering needs. He is very talented, passionate and experienced, and offers many great menu options. As your hosts we are responsible for the wellbeing of our guests so do not offer byo food options.
Our chef is very flexible and will consider all reasonable menu requests. When possible substitutions can be made. In certain circumstances there may be a need for additional charges to cover extra expenses. Any extra expense would be discussed with you and no changes made until written agreement made.
Absolutely. Our chef takes dietary requirements very seriously so please discuss your requirements with us and we will work with our chef to accommodate as best as we can.
A really good DJ or band can enhance the dance portion of your event after the formalities are concluded. They have the ability to change the music according to the reactions of your guests. You are more than welcome to organise a DJ or band if your budget allows. Alternatively, if you are trying to keep costs down, the minimum needed is a playlist on your phone/tablet and someone you trust allocated to change playlists throughout the event. Bridgewater has quality sound systems in both our garden and reception area to play your chosen music.
Yes, our carpark fits around 35+ cars. We can block stack more if needed. For large events carpooling, minivans, or a 29 seater bus can be a great option. Vehicles larger than 29 seater buses are not permitted and there is no facility for parking on the road.
To secure your booking we require a deposit. Once your deposit is received your date is confirmed. The value of your deposit depends on the type and scale of your event. Please ask us to calculate this for you.
The total outstanding balance is due no later than 5 working days prior to your event. Payment must be received at this time to ensure your event goes ahead.
We require a bond which is refundable within 7 days following your event. The bond is to protect Bridgewater Estate against damages, missing items, etc. that we consider excessive. So long as no items are missing or broken, you should expect a full refund.
Yes. We offer a microphone or lapel mic for the garden ceremony and another microphone for the reception, all included in the venue hire.
As our venue is set up to host corporate events on the Veranda, the use of some AV equipment can be a challenge due to the natural light. Please tell us your requirements and we will let you know what works well.
If you have a group under 10 people we are able to host inside, therefore a wider range of AV equipment options are available.
The duration of your event depends on your start time. We offer standard five and seven hour packages. These are extendable by agreement and will incur an extra cost. Your event must conclude at the end of your chosen package – five or seven hours after your ceremony begins. Our council resource consent concludes at midnight. Therefore your guests are required to have vacated the estate prior to this time.
TestimonialsWe held our wedding here. The staff were very polite and professional as were the owners. They meet all our needs to make our day a fantastic day. Thank you all so much
Larry Wheeler