2
Host a fancy picnic
Elevate your picnic game with long , low tables , luxe tableware , and gourmet nibbles . Not keen on playing stylist ? Hand the reins over to a creative bridesmaid or a pop-up picnic specialist to have your event styled and catered . Gold Coast Pop-Up Weddings ( left ) do a gorgeous picnic package or try Brisbane ’ s Grounded Picnics or Townsville ’ s Hello Picnic . Pick the perfect spot ( we love parks by the river or lush private gardens ) and chill in style . For something completely different , see Pure Aloha who offer a yoga + SUP option at Burleigh Heads with the option of a picnic with your loves . The owner is a former wedding planner , so you know you ’ re in good hands !
4
Party under a tipi
Looking for a different way to host your hen ’ s do ? Try a tipi ! Celebrating under canvas is a vibe , with the option to go boho or style up a safari-luxe mood . Gather your fellow ocean-lovers for drinks and canapes on local treasure Stradbroke Island ( Minjerribah ) where Straddie Tipis ( below ) offers a memorable toes-in-the-sand experience . If your heart is set on the Sunshine Coast , look to Noosa-based First Class Functions who offer a tipi or Sperry Tent experience with all the trimmings .
3
Book a five-star sleepover
Craving that inner-city buzz ? Or maybe just the luxuries only five-star digs can deliver ? Somewhere you can host a his-and-hers bash by the pool or sip your way around the city ’ s best bars with your best mates . Room service ? It ’ s a given . Brisbane offers a range of swanky escapes including the CBD ’ s bold and beautiful W Brisbane and chic ‘ urban resort ’ The Calile Hotel . Looking for Gold Coast luxe ? Book a VIP poolside cabana at the QT Gold Coast ( above ). Say hello to the swim-up bar at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort . Or take up weekend residence at The Star Gold Coast where Bellini Saturdays kick off at 4pm at Nineteen at The Star .
5
Escape for a country weekend
Think of a country drive as a shortcut to pre-wedding calm . Book an Airbnb or bunk down in a luxury lodge for a weekend of carefree indulgence and back-tonature adventures . If you ’ re planning a sleepover with a little something extra , look no further than Spicers Retreats ( above ). As well as perfectly positioned luxury escapes and gourmet dining , Spicers offers a range of memorable experiences across their portfolio . Think scenic picnics , cocktail master classes , spa treatments , wine & watercolour classes , and kitchen high teas .
PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP : GOLD COAST POP-UP WEDDINGS / QT GOLD COAST / SPICERS RETREATS / STRADDI TIPIS
92 Autumn 2022