Wedding FAQs
Attending a Bower event is like no other! With this in mind, see our suggestions and information that will make your time at The Bower Estate unforgettable:
Venue Open Times
Day hire of the venue runs from 9am to 10pm. After 10pm all guests must make their way home.
Capacity
Set on 120 acres, The Bower Estate has a space to suit any ceremony or event, ranging from intimate groves for two, right up to spaces that can accommodate 140 guests. The marquee included within your Bower package has the capacity to accommodate 120 guests with a dance floor, or 140 guests without a dance-floor.
Food and Beverage
We have a wonderful catering partner, Ridgeway Catering, who have developed bespoke menus with a distinct local flavour. Our specialty is feasting tables, but we can cater to a variety of dining styles.
Transport
We recommend hiring a return bus from a Gold Coast location for your guests. Should guests wish to self-drive the car park can accommodate 40 cars. We do not recommend getting taxis or Ubers to/from the Estate. Should you require private transport we recommend organising this with a private company.
Amenities
The Estate has five toilet facilities, including an PWD bathroom and baby changing area. We have hand sanitiser and insect repellent available for all guests.
Accessibility
We want to ensure all our guests can navigate around the estate with ease. The Bower Estate has an onsite buggy to transport ambulant guests and wedding party around the property.
Bower Cottage
The Bower Cottage can be used for wedding preparations and overnight stay. Should you wish to stay at the Cottage for your event or wedding it can only be guaranteed for Saturday night stays. All other nights are booked in tentatively.
Accommodation
If you are seeking accommodation for the night of the wedding, onsite the Bower Cottage sleeps a maximum of 10 people. Otherwise please see our list of suggested surrounding accommodation, The Star Casino or RACV Royal Pines Resort.
Making Your Day Happen
Our venue is inclusive of event coordination. The coordination team will manage your entire day and personally oversee the execution of your wedding set up, styling and work with all involved (from musicians to your MC) to ensure your day runs smoothly. You will also have access to your own online planning portal and work with our team’s wealth of knowledge and wonderful preferred suppliers to help create your dream day.
Wedding Inclusions
We want to take the work out of your big day, we have a variety of options our team can discuss with you. Please see our wedding packages here for an inclusions list.
• Complimentary wedding planning session• Planning tools: floor plans, budget, itinerary, supplier list
• An event coordinator for your wedding day
• Exclusive use of The Bower Estate for the duration of your event
• Access to the Bower Cottage verandah
• 10 x 18m clear marquee with wooden floor
• 57 seater return bus from a Gold Coast location (recommended upgrade)
• 16 ceremony cedar bench seats (seats up to 80 people)
• Matching timber arbour
• Signing furniture for your ceremony
• Dining tables and chairs for up to 140 people
• Lawn games for cocktail hour
• Outdoor and marquee lighting; festoons and fairy lights
• On-site toilet amenities
• Five wine barrel tables
• Golf cart for ambulant access across the estate
• Access to the whole estate for photographs
• Cutlery, crockery, glassware
• Choice of stone or white linen napkins
• Cutting and serving wedding cake
• Cake table and knife
• Welcome sign and easel
• Liaising with vendors prior to event for bump in and out
• Designated parking for 40 cars
*Please note not all event and wedding packages may offer all these inclusions.
Banned Items
Fireworks, paper lanterns in sky or waterways, balloons, rice or non-organic or edible confetti. Open fires, fire pit or spit caterers.
Sound Restrictions
Music must not exceed 84 decibels as measured three metres from the speakers inside the marquee. No percussion instruments (e.g. drums) are allowed at the venue.
Animals/Pets
Written permission must be sought from The Venue if pets or animals are sought to be included in the ceremony proceedings. The Venue reserves the right to decline the request or impose limitations to ensure alignment to environmental commitment.
Recommended Vendors
We do have a supplier list which we share with our booked couples. These are vendors who we love having at Bower and create the most stunning work. There is no obligation for you to book our recommended vendors. You are most welcome to book who you choose.
Wet Weather Plan
For light rain, we can provide umbrellas for you and your guests. For heavier rain, you can host your ceremony on the Bower Cottage verandah (can accommodate 100 guests) or inside the marquee
Arbour
Our packages include the use of our Bower wooden arbour. You can decorate the arbour to your preference. Should you wish not to use the arbour this can be removed for your ceremony.