Frequently Asked Wedding Questions

Booking & Payments

When is our date confirmed and exclusively ours?
Your date is secured and exclusive to you once the deposit is paid. Until then, it is not reserved. Once booked, no other events will take place at the venue on your selected date.

What are your payment terms?
A 25% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due four weeks before your event.

What is your change of date and cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. Please refer to our full terms and conditions on our website for details.

How much communication do you require from us once we book?
You’re welcome to contact us as often or as little as you like. We’ll reach out closer to your wedding day to finalise details.

Can we visit the venue again before the wedding?
Yes, we host several Open Days and Evenings throughout the year. Follow us on social media for updates.

Venue Access & Inclusions

What areas of Rothwood can we access?
We host only one wedding at a time. You are welcome to use all event spaces for your ceremony, cocktail hour, photos, and reception. The only area off-limits is the private residence.

Do you provide wedding furniture?
Yes, we offer a variety of wedding furniture and décor. Depending on your package, certain pieces are included. Please enquire for a complete list.

Do we need to hire lighting?
No, festoon and fairy lighting is included with your venue hire.

Do we need to hire a marquee?
No, we have a permanent marquee with an integrated dance floor.

What are your vendor bump-in and bump-out times?
Times vary depending on whether you’ve booked an elopement, bespoke, or all-inclusive wedding. Generally, vendors are permitted to bump in and out between 8:00 am and 11:30 pm.

Is there a minimum guest requirement?
No, there is no minimum number of guests. A minimum of two people is required to serve as witnesses, along with a registered celebrant.

What is your venue capacity?
Our legal capacity is 100 people for both seated and cocktail-style events. This includes the couple and their guests but does not include vendors or staff.

Do you have a bridal suite for getting ready?
Yes, we offer designated spaces for getting ready. Please enquire about availability and pricing.

Vendors & Staffing

Do you provide staff for the event?
Yes. A caretaker is on-site throughout your event. Additional services—including a wedding coordinator, content creator, photographer, and bar/wait staff—are available upon request. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

Do you provide a wedding coordinator?
Our Venue Manager will help plan your timeline and liaise with vendors. You may also hire our in-house Wedding Coordinator for full on-the-day support. This service is included in some packages—please ask for details.

Can I hire a wedding planner?
Yes, you’re welcome to do so. However, many couples find our in-house support sufficient, as external planners may be unfamiliar with the venue.

What types of vendors are allowed?
As a DIY venue, we welcome all types of vendors, including caterers, food trucks, and drink suppliers. We’re happy to guide you during the selection process.

Do you have a list of recommended vendors?
Yes, we can provide a PDF of trusted vendors we’ve worked with. Please ask us.

Must we use your recommended vendors?
No, you’re welcome to work with any vendors of your choosing.

Who disposes of rubbish?
Each vendor is responsible for removing their own waste unless otherwise arranged with us.

How does public liability insurance work for external vendors?
External vendors must have their own public liability insurance.

Do we need to count your staff for catering purposes?
No, Rothwood staff are not counted as guests. However, it’s always appreciated if you consider our staff for catering purposes.

Food & Drinks

Do you offer drinks packages?
We are a BYO venue. We’re happy to offer guidance on alcohol quantities and sources. Dan Murphy’s provides refunds for unopened, intact packaging.

Can we supply a bottle of alcohol on each table?
No, all alcohol must be served from the bar.

Is water available?
Yes, water will be provided for guests.

Do you offer a food package?
No, we are a BYO venue for food, but we can help you select a vendor and assist with communications.

How do you handle dietary requirements?
Your caterer will address dietary requirements with you. We can also assist with communication.

Do we need to hire a cool room?
This depends on your guest numbers. A local supplier offers cool room hire for $200, including delivery.

Can you provide plates and cutlery?
Yes, we offer plates and cutlery. Please ask our venue coordinator for pricing details.

Can my caterer use the homestead kitchen?

No, it is not a commercial kitchen so insurance won’t be covered.

Décor & Styling

Can we bring in our own decor?
Yes, we love a DIY wedding around here! You are able to set everything up yourself, or, if you prefer, we can set everything up but this has to be organised in the set-up meeting.

Can we hang things from the rafters?
Yes, you can hang items from the rafters, as long as nothing is hammered, nailed, or glued to the ceiling or walls. You may stake items into the ground, but digging holes or driving vehicles on the lawn is not permitted.

Can we use real candles?
Yes, real candles are allowed, provided they are contained in glass or metal cylinders to prevent any fire hazards. LED candles are also a great alternative.

Can we use confetti or confetti cannons?
No, confetti and confetti cannons are not allowed. Fresh rose petals, fresh gum leaves, or bubbles are suitable alternatives.

Entertainment & Safety

Can we use sparklers?
Sparklers are not permitted. However, you can use personalised glow batons as an alternative.

Can we use a smoke machine?
Yes, smoke machines are allowed.

Can we use professional cold/illusion fireworks?
Yes, professional cold/illusion fireworks are allowed.

Can we use smoke bombs?
No, smoke bombs are not allowed.

Do you have a first aid kit easily accessible?
Yes, a first aid kit is available on-site.

Do you have sufficient power for our event?
Vendors typically bring their own generators, but our venue’s power supply is adequate.

Do you have a backup generator?
Yes, we have a backup generator available.

Comfort & Facilities

Do you provide heating?
Yes, we have outdoor gas heaters available for hire (charged by gas cylinder). We also offer a fire pit, and the Homestead has reverse cycle A/C and a fireplace.

Do you provide cooling?
Yes, we provide a portable evaporative cooler for the marquee, and the Homestead is equipped with air conditioning.

Can we use the fire pit?
Yes, as long as there are no fire restrictions enforced by DFES.

Do we need to hire toilets?
No, toilets are permanently available on-site.

Do you have phone reception?
Yes, phone reception is available on-site.

Accommodation & Transport

Is accommodation available on-site?
Yes. Our 1920s Homestead accommodates up to 10 guests, with a maximum of 13. Please enquire for availability and pricing.

Can we use the swimming pool?
Yes, if you’ve hired the Homestead.

Is there enough parking?
Yes, there is ample parking for guests.

Can guests leave their cars overnight?
Yes, guests may leave their cars overnight.

What time must cars be collected? Is there a charge?
Cars should be collected by 10:00 AM the next day, or as discussed if another event is scheduled. There is no charge for this service.

How easy is it to get a taxi or Uber?
Very easy. We are located in a suburban area, making it simple to access taxis and Ubers.

Can we hire buses for our guests?
Yes, buses can be hired for guest transport.

Event Day Logistics

Can we invite additional guests for the ceremony only?
Depending on your package, you may invite additional guests at a rate of $33 per person for the ceremony and/or reception.

What is your wet weather plan?
We’ll work with you to create a contingency plan. Options include relocating to the Marquee or the Stables.

When do we need to decide on the wet weather plan?
The decision should be made 24 hours before your wedding day.

Is there a cake cutting/serving fee?
No, there is no fee for cake cutting or serving.

How long do we have for photos if the ceremony and reception are at the same venue?
You can take as much or as little time as you like for photos. This will be discussed as part of your timeline planning.

Who sets up and packs down the ceremony chairs?
Rothwood staff will handle all setup and pack-down for the ceremony.

Who sets up and packs down the reception?
Rothwood staff will handle all setup and pack-down for the reception.

Do you have a designated smoking/vaping area?
Yes, we have a designated smoking/vaping area.

What are your noise restrictions?
Music must be turned off by 11:00 PM. We are a “no subwoofer” venue, which does not affect the overall sound quality.

What time must the wedding wind up, and when are last drinks called?
Last drinks will be served 10 minutes before the event ends (latest 10:50 PM). Music must stop by 11:00 PM, and you will have an additional 30 minutes to farewell your guests.