HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 159 AUGUST 2023 | Page 3

2022 ABIA HOTEL / RESORT WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR Truly magical ...
elevated takes on 70s forms , and a more pared back , softer approach to statement 80s bows and sleeves have become popular . Expect to see full skirts , billowing sleeves and minimal , bohemian dresses . Wedding flower trends Petite , vintage-inspired bridal and bridesmaids ’ bouquets , arranged from flowers like baby ’ s breath , sweet alyssum and forget-me-nots will take centre stage . We ’ re seeing smaller garden style posies rather than large bouquets .
Grand arrangements , when it comes to the floral arrangements , however , the forecast reads that bigger is better . Though suspended installations are coming to a halt , an interest in grand ceremony florals , such as sweeping floor arrangements along with arrangements of different heights and vessels to create interest along tables .
Wedding decor and food trends
Immersive dining experiences , weddings aren ’ t just a spectacle — they ’ re an experience , and ideally one that ’ s as enjoyable for the guests as it is for the couple . Couples are swaying increasingly towards immersive installations and dining experiences — meals made in front of guests , for example , or garden settings and installations that hold the romance of a wedding day .
Small guest lists , the immediate aftermath of the pandemic saw weddings slim down — in size , in pomp , in circumstance . Though the circumstance has , in some respects , returned , the intimate guest counts seem to be staying that way , and getting even smaller , making way for more venue and
destination options . Having a smaller guest count isn ’ t always about saving , although it ’ s a bonus — it also allows the couple to really spoil their favourite people . Considered menus The overarching theme for wedding menus is ‘ less is more ’. There ’ s been a shift away from both the overdone and over-polished look , and food styling has followed . When it comes to wedding food , that means quality over quantity . There ’ s something way more special about having a table of a few really amazing local cheeses paired with homemade plum paste and crispy lavosh , over a grazing table full of nuts and dried fruit filler that will end up in the bin .
Making considered choices is also a necessity . Feeding 150 people can often mean a lot of wastage . Spending your money on quality ingredients instead of bigger variety is money better spent . Local wedding venues Deciding on a venue is one of the biggest decisions in the wedding planning process . Couples are focusing on weddings in their hometown or surrounding areas , having the benefit of knowing the ins and outs of the area . Vendors are most likely someone known through the grapevine . Family or friends who have used a local photographer , videographer , event planner , caterer , cake baker , dj / band , etc . And with cost-saving a priority , local venues and vendors are a great way for this year ’ s couples to enjoy their wedding and perhaps save a little extra for their honeymoon !

2022 ABIA HOTEL / RESORT WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR Truly magical ...

Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley offers couples the choice of 3 stunning ceremony locations , 5 reception venues and over 8-hectares of beautifully manicured gardens for magnificent photographs .
105 newly refurbished on-site guest rooms make accommodation requirements a breeze alongside ample car parking space for up to 300 vehicles .
Whether you ’ re planning an intimate wedding or an extravagant one ,
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley ’ s flexible packages and delicious menu options will ensure your wedding day is exactly as you imagined it – truly magical .
The Woods : Nestled among the trees , bathed in gentle sunlight , the Woods provides a natural and stylish setting for your special day . With a majestic canopy of trees providing shade in the warmer months , and a romantic ceiling adorned with twinkling fairy lights , this enchanting venue adds a touch of magic to twilight ceremonies .
The Chapel : Located within enchanting rose gardens , the Chapel exudes elegance . Featuring beautifully adorned high ceilings , exposed rafters and airconditioning the Chapel has seating for 100 guests and standing room for an additional 10 guests .
Lakeside : Lakeside offers a picturesque setting for outdoor ceremonies of any size , with its stunning waterfront backdrop . With breathtaking views towards the Blue Mountains , you ’ ll capture the perfect moment as you walk down the aisle .
FREE CEREMONY OFFER VALUED AT $ 2,000 Book your 2023 / 2024 wedding before 30th September 2023 & receive a FREE CEREMONY valued at $ 2,000 *
ENQUIRIES : Call ( 02 ) 4577 4222 or email weddings . cphawkesburyvalley @ ihg . com
Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley 61 Hawkesbury Valley Way , Windsor www . cphawkesburyvalley . com . au
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* T & C ’ s : Valid for 2023 / 2024 weddings only . Must be booked prior to 30th September 2023 . Minimum $ 15,000 spend . Subject to availability .
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au WEDDINGS , FUNCTIONS + EVENTS FREATURE WRAP // AUGUST 2023 W3