TUMBLING WATERS RETREAT

 
 

Frequently asked questions and helpful hints.

 

1 How do I book?

To make a booking a five hour venue hire fee is required to secure a date for your wedding Visa or Master card is excepted, an additional 2% surcharge added to all credit card transactions. Alternatively a direct transfer into the Tumbling Waters bank account.

 

2 When does the venue hire start and ends?

The venue hire starts when guests arrive and ends when guests leave. The venue hire fee is the hourly rate charged to hire the function area of the venue. $330 per hour Fri / Sat / Sun and $165 Mon - Thurs

3 What is included in the venue hire?

Please go to our web site and look under venue hire inclusions http://www.twr.com.au/weddings.php

3a How many people for a sitdown wedding? max 80

3b How many guests for a cocktail wedding ? Max 100

3 c What is your minimum guests you except for a wedding Sunday - Friday ? 20 Adults

3d What is your minimum of guests you except for a wedding on a Saturday? 60 Adults ( unless an alternate minimum number is agreed to on booking )

c If I am having my ceremony onsite when do I tell me guests to arrive ?

Please ask your guest's to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement time of your ceremony The guests will be ushered to the ceremony site about 10 -15 minutes prior to the brides arrival.

 

3.30pm or 2.30pm security gates open 30 minutes before guests scheduled arrival time.
4pm or 3pm Guests arrive
4.15pm or 3.15pm guests directed ceremony location
4.30pm or 3.30pm ceremony usually takes 20 minutes
5pm or 4pm package starts beverages served

5 What music options do I have?

You can burn your own CDs or book a small band or DJ recommendations can be found on our web site http://www.twr.com.au/weddings-info.php

5b I am supping my own music for the ceremony and reception what do I need ?

For the ceremony you require 3 - 4 songs, one for walking down the aisle, about 3 minutes long, and then two or three songs for the signing of the Marriage Certificate. For the reception, you will require 4 - 6 hours of music selection depending on duration of your wedding. Should you wish to have a bridal waltz you will need to supply this song on a separate CD. Please provide the Cd,s in order as we simply load them into our CD stacker. If you decide to burn your own CD,s please could you post us a sample of the disc you are planning to use a couple of weeks prior your wedding so we can check that it is compatible with our CD player.

 

Who will stop / start the CD player if I burn / supply my own CD,s?

A member of our team will play the music for you to walk down the aisle and phase it out as required. If you do burn your own CD please burn them in sequence this is then loaded into the CD player for you by a member of our team. Please have your wedding ceremony and bridal waltz on a separate cd.

 

Can I have a band or DJ and there any noise /music restrictions ?

DJ's and bands are welcome however please be advised that your choice of music must comply with our operational requirements and ambience of the property and not heard by nearby residents. We therefore require all glass doors to the western side of the property to remain closed when loud music is being played and all amplified music must be played indoors. Rest assured the music will be loud enough for you to dance / party to, however heavy penalties apply should residents be disturbed and music heard from the boarders of our property.

When does the reception start ?

To ensure our high standards of service all packages need to commence after the wedding ceremony.

6b When and where does the band/ DJ set up?

Bands DJ,s need to set up in the atrium prior to your function. Should you wish to book a band or DJ for your wedding you may also need to book the bath house cabin ( the perfect honey moon abode )so as not to disturb other guests staying in the Bath House.

7 Can I bring my Ipod,s or burn MP3 player instead of bringing a CD?

To ensure the highest quality sound CD,s or regular burnt CD,s are compatible with our sound system. MP3 and Ipods are not compatible with our sound system.

8 Are there speakers in the garden for music during the ceremony?

Yes we have outdoor speakers in the garden and music can be heard on the deck, in the gazebo and on the main lawn area

9 Can my marriage celebrate use your microphone?

A good marriage celebrate should supply their own PA equipment.

10 Where do most people get married?

wedding ceremonies usually take place outside on the lawn or the deck with the signing table in the gazebo. - All guests will be directed to the area where the wedding ceremony is to take place about 15-10 mins prior to the commencement of the ceremony.

11 What happens if it rains?

Inclement weather, the wedding ceremony would take place in the glass atrium with the bride entering from the lower glass double doors.

12 Is confetti permitted No confetti please.

12 Is rose petals and bubbles permitted?outside only

12 Is fireworks permitted? Sorry no as we are surrounded by bush and wildlife.


13 Where do cars park ?


Parking is limited and we encourage car pooling. If people park correctly there is adequate parking for 37 cars onsite. Pending the size of the function a car parking attendant may be onsite to assist with parking and your guests may be required to stack park.

13a Do I need a Master of ceremonies?


A master of ceremonies usually a family friend is required to ensure a smooth flow to your wedding reception. At the beginning of the function we give your MC a guideline runsheet with certain things we require them to do e.g direct guests to ceremony site, announce speeches, annouce cutting up of the cake etc Our team supervisor will direct and liaise with your MC throughout the function, it is important that your MC speaks with the team supervisor who will liase with our chef to ensure that the timing of the speeches etc does not interfere with the timing and service of the food.

14 Do you provide chairs for the outdoor ceremony?


8 Chairs are provided as part of the venue hire. Tumbling Waters Retreat can supply 35 white chairs uncovered for the wedding ceremony OR 50 covered black chairs with the champagne and gold sash the tariff is $5.50 per chair.

15 Can you supply white chair covers and table clothes?

Should you wish to have white chairs covers we recommended Lisa and Johns Cakes and covers 0418 672 112.

16 How long do I need to have my photos onsite?

Photo,s should take about 30-45 minutes if taken onsite directly after the ceremony. Due to the close proximity of the pool photos are often taken throughout the package as well. Some couples break tradition and have photo,s taken prior to their wedding ceremony, this allows for greater time to be spent with family and friends.
Should you wish to have additional time for photography, you may need to extend the package.

17 Can I go to the beach and have my wedding photos taken?

We prefer you stay on site however if decide to go to the beach for wedding photography please allow a minimum of 45 mins and we recommend you extend your wedding package.

18 Are there any areas out of bounds on the property?

Throughout the property there are numerous DANGER signs warning people to keep clear of the cliff edge especially in the ornamental pond and waterfall areas. If a photographer / guest ignores these signs, they will be asked to leave the site immediately. Please can you make sure your photographer is aware of this important request / condition. High heels, long dresses together with a few drinks requires everyone to take our DANGER signs seriously.

Below are GUIDELINE function orders for your convenience only, please keep in mind other than the start and ending time other  times may vary during your function. To ensure a smooth flow throughout the function it is important that your  MC  liaises with your function coordinator before announcing  speeches, cutting cakes, etc.

All Packages below can be extended

Below is a Guideline Gold sitdown 5pm ( please note package can start one hour earlier)

5pm Package begins with beverages and roasted nuts
5.15pm Cheese and Fruit Platters
5.30 -6.30 pm 2 varieties of canapés served
6.30pm Guests seated bread served
6.45pm Entree served
7.20pm Speeches
7.50pm Main served
After main more speeches if required cut cake bridal waltz dancing
8.45pm Dessert
  tea / coffee / wedding cake served
9.30pm chocolates Bar remains open for non alcoholic beverages only
10pm End of function

Below is a guideline silver sitdown 5pm start

5pm Package begins with beverages and roasted nuts
5.30pm Guests seated bread served
5.45pm Entree served
6.20pm Speeches
6.50pm Main served alternate service
After main more speeches if required cut cake bridal waltz dancing
7.45pm Dessert
  tea / coffee / wedding cake served
8.30pm Bar remains open for non alcoholic beverages only
9pm End of function

Below is a guideline silver cocktail 5pm ( please note package can start one hour earlier)

5pm Package begins with beverages and roasted nuts
5.15pm chefs selection of dips
5.30pm -6.30pm 4 varieties of canapés served
6.30pm Entree served
7pm speeches after entree
7.30 pm Bowl item  main or dessert
8pm more speeches if required cut cake / Bridal waltz/ Dancing wedding cake
8.30pm Bar remains open for non alcoholic beverages only
9pm End of Function

Below is a guideline gold cocktail 5pm start ( please note package can start one hour earlier)

5pm Package begins with beverages and roasted nuts
5.15pm chefs selection of dips
5.30 pm cheese fruit platters
5.30pm- 7pm 6 varieties of canapés served
7.15 pm Entree served
7.45pm speeches after entree
8.15pm main served, more speeches if required
8.45pm cut cake / Bridal waltz/ Dancing
9.pm Dessert tea coffee wedding cake
9.30pm Bar remains open non alcholic beverages only chocolates
10pm End of function
   

19 When is a good time for speeches ?

We recommend your MC announces the speeches after the entree, Speeches greater than 20 mins, we recommend you do them in 2 separate blocks, this will ensure a continuity of our service throughout the function. A microphone and lectern is provided.

If your Speeches are after the entree or main they can only start after all plates are cleared.
We strongly recommend you organize who is going to do speeches in advance and for how long.

20 Do you provide a wedding cake?

With both the silver and gold packages If you select the Belgium Chocolate cake as the only dessert option we can present this as your wedding cake with an oriental lilly on top. ( You are more than welcome to bring your own cake decorations )


20a When is a good time to cut the cake and where is the cake table located ?

A good time to cut the cake is after the main. The granite bench under the mirror provides a safe place for your cake to be kept on display during your function. When cutting the cake the mirror reflects your guests and ocean in the back ground.

20b Is there a charge to cut the wedding cake ? NO not if we present the cake on a platter for your guest to enjoy. If the cake is to be plated and individually served an additional tariff applies. $1.50 per person.

20c Do you provide a cake knife ? Yes

20e Is there a charge to put the wedding cake in boxes ?

There is no charge provided the boxes are made up ready to go. These boxes are then placed next to the wedding cake and your guests have the option to eat the cake during the function or to place the cake in the box and take the cake home with them.

21 When do I do the Bridal Waltz and how big is the dance floor ?

A good time to do the bridal waltz/ dance is after cutting the cake our dance floor is about 10 metes square.


22 How many chairs and tables are provided with the roaming cocktail package ?

The room is set up with ample chairs and tables so some guests can be seated whilst others can mingle. For example if you had 80 guests we would have approximately 50 chairs inside and about 9 cocktail tables, two lounges, plus outdoor chairs and tables.

23 How many canapés are served with a cocktail function?

The amount of food served for the cocktail wedding packages is designed to substitute a full meal service , canapés are served every 15-20 mins by our wait staff. Pending the canape we provide 1.5-3 per person.


24 Can I BYO spirit/ wine ?

You are more than welcome to BYO however please note package prices will remain unchanged and all alcoholic beverages must be served by the Tumbling Waters Team. BYO beverages that are not consumed will be returned to you to take home after the function.

25 What wines / beverages are part of your packages ?

All our packages include a variety of soft drinks,premium red, white and sparkling wine, premium beer, orange juice, a selection of tea and freshly brewed coffee.
All our red, white and sparkling wines come from a blended grape variety that has been carefully selected for our most discerning guests.
They are not available for purchase in the bottle shops so you are welcome to come to the Retreat and try them prior your function

25b Do you have a responsible service of alcohol policy?

YES we have responsible service of alcohol policy as per the law and it is illegal for us to serve intoxicated or underaged guests, if there is anyone of your guests that you feel may cause a problem  on the night / day it may be wise to mention this in advance. Please rest assured there is plenty of alcohol for everyone but we must ensure the responsible service of alcohol policy so everyone has a great time.

26 When does the bar close ?


Legally the bar must close 30 min prior to the completion of the function. Please note we have a responsible service of alcohol policy.

 

27 When are guests seated?


Gold Sit-down Guests are seated 90 min into the package. Silver sitdown and lunch packages 30 minutes into the package. The interval between the different courses is about 60 min.

28 What do the retreats decorations consist of ?

The retreat's decorations consist of candles in glass bowls with shells. All packages include black linen and silk champagne colored napkins and chair sashes

29 Can I bring my own decorations?

Yes you are more than welcome.

30 What is your operational curfew?

Monday - Saturday is 11pm Sunday is 9pm except when on the Sunday the following day is a public holiday and then the curfew is 11pm

31 Can I book a one night stay on a Saturday?

A one night stay on a Saturday night is permitted in the Bath House Cabin only. Should you wish to book a luxury ocean suites we have a minimum 2 night stay on weekends. A 50 % deposit is required to secure accommodation bookings. We recommend you book ASAP to avoid disappointment. Bookings can be made on line.

32 Can children attend and what is the tariff for kids and teenages?

If children do attend your wedding they need to be supervised by an adult at all times. -Children under the age of 12 years can be catered for; a tariff of $65 applies per child. Teenagers 13 – 17 years the same tariff applies as per the package selected, minus 20% of the package price.

33 What is the tariff to provide meals for service providers ?

Musicians, photographers and service providers may be served food & non alcoholic beverages at an additional cost of $65 per person, however should they wish to take part in the function and be served as one of the guests, consume alcohol then the full tariff will apply. If service providers are seated at the tables with guests for a sit-down 3 course meal then the full tariff for the package will be charged.

34 Can I extend the package?

All wedding packages may be extend, the tariff to extend the wedding package per person per hour will apply as well as the venue hire fee.

35 Do you have rectangle tables ?

Our tables are round and seat eight to ten guests. Due to the irregular shape of the room it is difficult to have rectangle tables.

36 How much time should I allow to bid farewell and throw the garter ?

Allow at least 15 -20min pending guests numbers.

37 Where do I bid farewell to my guests ?


All goodbyes in the atrium and lower deck area and not in car park

38 How do you make sure our guests leave quietly?

At the conclusion of your function your MC must remind guests to leave quietly as we are in a residential area, no horn hooting etc as heavy penalties apply.

39 Do you supply a wishing well ?

Yes we do supply a wishing well . It is best to organize in advance who will be taking charge of the wedding wishing well / birthday presents gifts etc

40 What happens in the event of a natural disaster?

We recommend you seek insurance that will cover you for natural disasters, airline disruptions etc when a reception needs to be cancelled postponed or relocated.

41 Do I need to meet with you prior to my wedding ?

It is anticipated ( not essential ) that you may need about one hour in total onsite to familiarize again with the property along with our style of operation. We can always be contacted by email or phone ( office hours preferable) should you require more on site meetings other than the above additional tariffs may apply.

42 I would like to do a wedding ceremony rehearsal is this permitted?

You are more than welcome to come onsite with your bridal party to have a wedding rehearsal however if you require a member of the Tumbling Waters team to be on site for the duration of this ceremony rehearsal a charge of $50 per hour may apply.

43 Can I change the menu?

We have reputation for high quality cuisine to get this right an enormous amount of time and preparation goes into our menus. Sourcing the quality of the raw produce, presentation of the dishes is of high importance. To get the chefs /the kitchen team to prepare unknown dishes at a wedding when everything needs to be perfect is not recommended. Unless the chef is 100% happy to do this we ask you to select from our comprehensive menus on site.

44 Can I bring my own caters ?

In order for us to continue our good reputation with food outside catering is strictly not allowed.

45 Can I come in for a taste test ?

Everything we produce is made fresh onsite so for us to get the chef to come in and prepare everything for you to taste is not feasible. Should you wish to experience the style of our cuisine you will need to book into our restaurant as a guest.

46 What is the best advice you can give us?


The best advice we can give is for you to relax and enjoy, keep it simple, less is best, do not try and over complicate your wedding it often leads to added stress. Sometimes you may have ideas that we may have tried in the past and simply they have not worked, its not that we are not flexible but after 11 years in operation, please trust our expertise. It is in our best interest to make your celebration the wedding of your dreams. .........we count on word of mouth advertising !!!

 

 
 
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