The Refinery Styling Guide

Looking for styling inspo and not sure where to start? Trolling through TikTok is one way to find the trend of the minute - but just as quickly, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, behind, and suddenly every decision feels loaded. Will this age well? Will this date my wedding? Is this the "mason jar" of 2026?!

When it comes to styling, less is often more. Consider this your guide to hosting a wedding that feels timeless, intentional and effortlessly you - across all budgets!

June 11, 2026
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The Refinery Styling Guide

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If: You're keeping it tight!

Trying to keep styling costs next to nothing? Lean into minimalism. You’ve already picked the perfect venue - our inclusions cover all the essentials, so there’s no pressure to add a million extra things. If you do feel like the tables need some extra glimmer, hiring our in-house pillar candles are an easy win and one less thing for you to organise!

Our honest thoughts on DIY? Unless you happen to have a cousin who’s a trained florist, those homemade jars of babies breath tend to look more like they’re on their last breath by the time the reception rolls around. Faux or silk florals can often feel the same! Instead, let the character of the space do the heavy lifting. Perhaps a better DIY route might be adding small, personal touches - think custom place cards, personalised polaroids, or a handwritten note for each guest.

Hot tip: For the perfect amount of candlelight, we recommend at least one candle (or cluster of candles) dotted down the table between every two guests. See this floor plan here as an example reference!

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If: you want to make the space your own without breaking the bank

One statement decor item (or investment piece!) is the way to go here! Consider adding mirror balls on the d-floor, simple fabric draping or cascading fairylights into the reception ceiling. Or maybe it's the beautiful blossom tree in the outdoor bar that you've had your eye on since day dot! Even hiring good quality tablecloths can be a small investment with big aesthetic returns!

So, how many flowers does it take to “fill the space”? When it comes to florals, you really do get what you pay for (...trust us!) - so you’re better off choosing a few small arrangements from a trusted professional rather than stretching your budget out and ending up with an abundance of droopy snapdragons and bruised rose petals.

The best place to put your money is in a ceremony backdrop, whether that be a piece on our in-house arbour frame, or some arrangements on plinths provided by your florist. We can almost always relocate these indoors for your reception, so this is a double whammy! Dotting some single stem budvases along the tables carries your floral theme inside nicely, and, if you have a few bucks to spare, an outdoor bar arrangement (which we can also repurpose for the indoor bar) is the cherry on top.  

Hot tip: If you’re looking for linens, keep in mind that our tables are 2.2m x 1.0m x 0.7m tall, and tablecloths that touch the ground always look that little bit more *finished*.

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If: you’re happy to splash a bit of cash for your once in a lifetime day!

Layering multiple styling choices can totally transform the venue, utilising the ceiling space, the walls, the garden, and any tables you have on your floor plan. Think mirrored table runners, maximalist candles, neon signs, hanging tassels or feature pendants.

Bulk up the florals and you can get something truly special. Hanging floral installations always look spectacular in the high ceilings, and abundant ceremony displays can be dispersed to fill the reception area.

If our included stationery doesn’t float your boat, go for something personalised. This is another way to continue a colour theme through the space - just drop it off and we’ll set it all up!

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If: you live for the extravagant and have been scrapbooking about this day for decades.

If ‘showstopper’ is the brief, combining elements like lighting, blooms, aerial installations, linens, embellishments and specialty stationery make for a day that can’t be imitated. You don’t need inspo - you’ve been living for the inspo since before you were engaged.

Our advice here is just go for it, the space lends well to a maximalist approach too! Consider reaching out to our recommended vendors who all know the space super well and are fountains of creative knowledge. They also often collaborate to bring visions to life. Engaging a stylist is a good plan at this level, someone who can help to bring all the pieces together for your big day.

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Final Words of Advice

The most memorable wedding will be the one that is authentic to you, so try not to get sucked into what the algorithm says you need. Search for some inspo, but there’s no need to jump on trends unless they really speak to you. Instead, take a moment with your loved one and chat about what elements are most important to you both and what you can leave behind. And feel free to reach out to us for a hand along the way… we’ve seen it all!

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Versatile and bespoke
We would love to meet with you to discuss your special day and show you through the space! Click below to get in touch with us and organise a viewing appointment.

FAQs

Find answers to common questions and gain confidence in your venue choice.

Can we book a ceremony only?

As we only host one event per day, unfortunately we only offer on-site ceremonies in conjunction with one of our reception packages.

Can we book a reception only?

Absolutely! Whether it’s a seated or cocktail-style, our reception packages include 5 hours venue hire.

Do you host micro-weddings/elopements?

Unfortunately we don’t offer specific packages for elopements as we only host one event per day at The Refinery. For our space, we recommend a minimum of 40 guests and upwards for a seated reception, and a minimum of 80 guests and upwards for a cocktail-style reception.

Can we BYO food and drink?

All food and drink is catered by our amazing in-house team! We do not allow external catering with the exception of wedding cakes, take-home guest favours and gelato carts.

We typically do not offer BYO alcohol, however, do contact us to discuss corkage charges if you would like to bring in something special for your day.

What time can we start/finish our weddings?

Ceremony & Reception Packages may be booked from 1pm onwards between March-October and from 4pm onwards between November-February.

Standalone Reception Packages may be booked from 12pm onwards between March-October and from 4pm onwards between November-February.

Friday-Saturday events must end by 11pm.
Sunday-Thursday events must end by 10pm.

At the agreed end time the bar will close, music concludes, lights are turned on and bump out commences. We allow a 30 minute grace period for guests to wrap up and head off premises.

What time can vendors bump in on the day?

Reception Package — from 11am on the day.
Ceremony & Reception Package — from 9am on the day.

We will liaise with all of your vendors in the lead up to the day to confirm a bump in/bump out time.

When do we have to bump out?

Any hired furniture, hired table settings, large styling pieces, aerial/floral installations and lighting must be bumped out upon the conclusion of the event.

While it is preferred that all belongings and gifts are collected at the end of the night, overnight storage can be arranged if required for pick up the next business day.

What furniture is included in the venue hire?

You can view our full inventory of the furniture and stationery/signage included, here.

Where can we go for portraits nearby?

Check out our resources to find some of the fun portrait locations nearby!

Are we allowed confetti?

We get it — every couple needs that confetti moment! We allow a maximum of 25x cones of confetti for the end of the ceremony, which incurs a $220 clean up fee. Confetti cannons are not permitted in the private garden.

Are you pet-friendly?

Absolutely, we love all kinds of furry friends! We just ask that you have someone dedicated to looking after your pet so that they are taken care of at all times. Check out our recommended pet assistants!

Still have questions?

We've collated some amazing resources for you here. If you can't find what you're looking for, please reach out as we'd love to help!

Your Dream Wedding Awaits

From intimate dining settings to lavish celebrations. Together with our tight-knit team, we hustle tirelessly to host your event as though it were our own.

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