* SRB TIP: the best way to investigate a venue’s trustworthiness by checking out their reviews on google and wedding platforms such as Easy Weddings or ABIA. And even more beneficial – look at their tagged photos, videos and comments on their social media posts – where real couples will share their experiences and really praise a venue and their team if they exceeded their expectations.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with choosing the perfect wedding venue for you, these questions are a great starting point on the types of questions to ask to ensure the venue aligns with your wedding visions
1. What’s included in my package? Does this cost cover venue hire, security, cleaning fees or just food and beverages?
SRB packages include venue hire, food and beverage services, security, cleaning, all-day access for suppliers, and exclusive use of the venue for the entirety of your event.
2. How many hours can we have the venue for? Can we extend or shorten this if we wish?
Our classic package includes a 5.5-hour event duration. For a longer experience, consider our Luxe package which extends the event to 6 hours, or speak with our team about customising additional time to your package.
3. Do you offer a discount for weekdays?
Midweek dates at SRB offer superb value at a reduced rate, making them an excellent choice. For the best deal, we recommend speaking with our team to discuss specific dates and the special offers available.
4. Is there a set time for dinner service, or can we customise the schedule?
Our expert event coordinator will work closely with you to customise your wedding reception schedule, ensuring there’s ample time for dining, dancing, formalities, and creating lasting memories.
5. What’s the earliest time vendors can arrive? Is there an extra cost for them to come in early?
We love that we can offer your suppliers all day access into our venue and this comes at no additional cost to you.
6. Are we able to hold a rehearsal at the venue?
Yes, just chat with your SRB wedding coordinator and we can arrange a rehearsal at the venue based on availability.
7. Do you have a bridal suite?
SRB has a luxurious bridal suite that features a private ensuite and includes bridal luxuries such as a safe, drinks cart, snacks, and a bridal emergency kit. Additionally, there’s a VIP room available that can be used for guests needing private space, or for changing and feeding babies.
8. Will we have a wedding coordinator on the day? What exactly will they be in charge of and looking after?
Your SRB wedding coordinator will assist you throughout the planning process and will welcome you on your special night. After the welcome, they hand over responsibilities to our events manager, an experienced professional celebrated for running seamless events. The events manager will ensure your guests and suppliers are well taken care of, focusing on delivering an unforgettable evening for you.
9. Do you allow fire fountains and smoke machines?
Yes, we allow fire fountains and smoke machines at in our Ballroom! We work with trusted suppliers like Airwize Pyrotechnics, who are experienced in providing these spectacular effects for weddings and events. To ensure safety and compliance, any company providing pyrotechnics must supply a Certificate of Currency of Public Liability (minimum $5 million) and a Notice of Intent to Discharge.
10. What styling is included in your packages & do we have freedom to incorporate our own?
At SRB, we provide a beautiful foundation for your event with our elegant venue styling, which includes classic table settings, chairs, and basic lighting. We have package options that can include centrepieces or styling packages that have been curated with our event partners. Our packages are designed to offer flexibility, allowing you to personalise and enhance the decor to reflect your unique vision.
11. Do you allow external catering?
Yes, SRB allow external catering, particularly for events that require specialty or cultural cuisine. We understand the importance of honoring cultural traditions and dietary preferences, and we offer the flexibility to bring in approved external caterers to meet these needs. Our team will work closely with your chosen caterer to ensure they have access to our facilities and any necessary assistance while they are on-site for your event
12. Can we bring our own alcohol?
SRB offers comprehensive beverage packages that include a great selection of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. We do allow you to BYO a bottle of spirit per table. Our packages are designed to cater to a wide range of preferences, and we offer optional upgrades for premium spirits and cocktails to enhance your event experience.
13. Is there a speaker system for us to use? Microphone? Any additional AV equipment?
San Remo Ballroom is equipped with a comprehensive PA system, including a lectern and microphone, to ensure your event runs smoothly and your speeches are heard clearly. Additionally, we offer LED theme lighting and spotlights to create the perfect ambiance and mood for your event.
14. How much of a deposit do you require?
To secure your event at San Remo Ballroom, we require a non-refundable deposit of $3,000. This deposit ensures your date is reserved and allows us to begin planning your special day.
15. How far in advance does final payment have to be made?
The payment process at San Remo Ballroom is designed to be straightforward and convenient for you. Here’s how it works:
16. What is your refund policy in case of an unexpected need to cancel?
At San Remo Ballroom, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we strive to be as accommodating as possible. However, please note that the initial deposit of $3,000 is non-refundable, as it secures your event date and initiates the planning process.
For cancellations made after the deposit, any additional payments may be subject to terms outlined in your contract, which typically depend on the timing of the cancellation relative to your event date. We recommend reviewing the specific terms in your contract for detailed information.
18. Do you have a kids package?
SRB offers a children’s menu for guests aged 12 years and under. Our kids’ menu is thoughtfully crafted to delight younger palates, and is $75pp
19. How many parking spaces are available for our guests?
SRB provides ample parking for up to 200 cars, ensuring your guests have a convenient and secure place to park. The parking is located directly across the road from our venue at the church, providing easy access for everyone attending your event.
20. Do you require/supply security?
Yes, at San Remo Ballroom, we prioritize the safety and security of all our guests. We do require security for events, this is included in your wedding package.
21. How far from the venue are nearby popular photography locations?
San Remo Ballroom is ideally situated in Carlton, just moments away from some of Melbourne’s most iconic photography locations. Here are a few popular spots and their approximate distances from our venue: Carlton Gardens, The Royal Exhibition Building, Fitzroy Gardens, Parliament House, Collins Street and luxury storefronts, CBD Laneways and historic cobbled street.,
22. Is there disability access?
San Remo Ballroom is fully equipped to ensure accessibility for all our guests. We have ramp and disability access into the Ballroom from Lee Street, Carlton North, which is located to the side of the Ballroom. Additionally, we have disability ramps available within the venue to ensure all guests can move around comfortably.
23. Do we have to set up our own name/place cards and bonbonnieres?
Setup for these items can be handled by our friendly staff if provided in advance in your coordination meeting along with any other personalised items you would like to add to our day.
24. Do you organise my flowers/centrepieces and styling?
SRB has some wonderfully curated event styling packages that we have developed with our event partner Abra events, please chat with our events team for more details on inclusions and style.
25. How far from the venue are nearby popular ceremony locations such as churches and gardens?
SRB is conveniently located in Carlton, just 2 kilometers from Melbourne’s CBD, and is surrounded by a variety of stunning ceremony locations. St Patrick’s Cathedral, State Library Victoria, Carlton Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory.
26. Do you offer shared style for entrees and main meals or are they served alternating? Can I choose for the dessert to be roving if I don’t want guests sitting down that long?
We have a number of catering options from sit down to cocktail, roving desserts, stations and more. Our talented and award winning catering was named best event catering in Vic in 2024.
27. Can we include spirits in our beverage package? Do you allow BYO spirits for the table?
Yes, at San Remo Ballroom, you have the flexibility to include spirits in your beverage package. We offer premium spirits as an optional upgrade to enhance your event experience. This allows you to tailor the beverage selection to suit your preferences and those of your guests.
Additionally, we do allow BYO spirits for your tables with complimentary corkage. This option provides you with the opportunity to bring your preferred spirits, ensuring a personalized touch to your celebration.
28. Is there a menu tasting night? Is this charged?
SRB holds a menu tasting experience, allowing booked couples to sample our dishes and make informed decisions for your event menu. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the quality and presentation of our cuisine firsthand.The menu tasting is $500 for a table of 6.
29. Are you able to customise your wedding packages to suit our budget/ requests?
Yes, we can customise wedding packages to meet your specific needs and budget. At San Remo Ballroom, we understand that every wedding is unique, and we pride ourselves on bringing your dream to life. Please feel free to discuss with us how we can tailor a package just for you.
30. Do you have any deals with local accommodation suppliers?
SRB have partnerships with local hotels to provide discounted rates for your guests. Once you are booked, chat with your wedding coordinator who can help provide you further details and introductions to ensure you are looked after.
These questions are the most common ones we get asked and whenever we meet with couples. Even if they don’t ask, we will still cover every one of these details & so much more in person, as well as in our wedding packages and contract proposals, to be sure we’re the perfect space to host their dream day.
We hope you found this guide useful, and we highly recommend that if you’re unsure about anything, to schedule a site inspection at every venue. This gives you the opportunity to meet with your weddings team in person – they’ll get to learn about you and your visions, you’ll get to know them, discuss all the finer details and ask ALL the burning questions you have, to ensure for a seamless planning journey & the most magical wedding day!
Selecting the right wedding venue is more than just finding a beautiful space; it’s about ensuring every little detail resonates with your personal style and vision. At San Remo Ballroom, we pride ourselves on not just being a venue, but your partners in making your wedding truly memorable.
From elegant setups to comprehensive service offerings, we invite you to visit our glamorous Melbourne Ballroom and meet with our team to discuss your needs, and see how we can turn your wedding dreams into reality.
If you’re ready to start your wedding planning journey or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with Vanessa or Rachel at events@sanremoballroom.com.au