Today we’re welcoming another new Melbourne writer who recently attended the Langham Wedding Showcase with the lovely Ms Gingham. Today she shares a little behind the curtains of the Langham Hotel’s opulent wedding services.

I normally only find myself at luxury hotels on special occasions – anniversaries, birthdays and maybe even special  events. So it was a delight to be heading to the Langham Hotel in Melbourne with Polka Dot Bride content manager Ms Gingham one Tuesday night in February to visit their wedding showcase event.

The Langham, located on Melbourne’s Southbank is one of Melbourne’s most decadent hotels. From the moment one enters, a sharp breath is taken as your eyes take in the grand sweeping fountains, chandeliers and staircase leading you to the Langham’s many function areas.

Tonight, the stage was set. The rooms were displayed with beautiful bouquets, place settings and views. There were free bubbles, tunes and plenty of deliciousness served by waiters on silver trays.

But first, let’s start at the beginning. The Langham Wedding Showcase event is a popular one – so popular, people are lined up to get inside before receiving awesome gift bags filled with treats (including treats from my favourite, Kikki K).

Guests were ushered into the foyer of the grand Clarendon ballroom, where waiters served canapes, soft drinks and tall glasses of champagne to couples as they perused the hotel’s preferred wedding vendors.

All of the hotel’s preferred vendors – from decor and hire, to beauty and stationery were on display. They offered free manicures, free makeovers and a plethora of stylish options laid out, all making for a festive atmosphere.

We started our tour of the hotel function rooms with The Yarra Room. Set for smaller weddings, the room is adjacent to the main ballroom and sets the scene beautifully for a brunch or lunchtime wedding. It can accommodate 100 guests and has a small, balcony area for guests ensuring when they do take in the fresh air, the room isn’t left too empty.

The Alto Room on level 25 is a perfect space for the modern couple. It has 180 degree views over the city skyline and an enormous deck overlooked by floor to ceiling windows. This room can accommodate 200 guests and guests can enjoy exclusive use of entire floor- including a quiet library area and a room just right for some photo booth fun.

The Clarendon Ballroom is the Langham’s crown jewel. An enormous dance floor is flanked by guest tables and can accommodate up to 400 guests. The walls are lined in silk, the room lit by crystal chandeliers. This is grand and opulent and suitable for a beautiful traditional wedding.

The Langham has a number of wedding packages but can also tailor a package to your own personal needs. In keeping with the fairytale style of the hotel, the “Happily Ever After” package is a delightful high tea wedding, Guests can enjoy the feast as a sit down or cocktail function while enjoying treats placed on tiered silver cake stands, a chocolate fountain and plenty of French pastries.

The “Once Upon A Time” package is a stand up, cocktail affair serving guests  a four hour beverage package, delicious canapes (including a cooking station!) a styling package and of course a delicious assortment of desserts (and the chocolate fountain is of course included).

The “Dreams Come True” is the most traditional wedding package, including canapes on arrival, a three course meal, 5.5 hour beverage package and beautiful styling package.

Then for couples who need it all – from photography, to pyjamas, to a ring or two, the Ultimate Enchanted Wedding package covers every single base you need. A ‘no thought required’ package, book it and have The Langham Hotel’s wedding team plan every element just for you.

The main benefit of having your wedding in such a beautiful hotel is the ability for not only you, but your guests to stay on site. We were able to tour a beautiful grand river room (a complimentary wedding night is provided to couples who hold their wedding reception at the hotel) which has stunning views over the Melbourne skyline. The main suite is absolutely gorgeous and a beautiful space to spend your wedding night in. It has not only a living area, spa bath and enormous king size bed with the famous Langham pillows, but it even has a Nespresso machine to wake you up the day after the night before. Couples can book the adjoining twin rooms  so the bridal party can get ready together.

My favourite touch for the wedding night? The Langham provides a garment bag, tied up with a pretty bow to transport your wedding gown in! It’s the little things like this that make The Langham special and it’s the little things it does well. From providing a discounted guest rate for your guests, to complimentry menu tastings right down to the garment bag for your beloved wedding dress. A sense of occasion lies between the walls of the hotel and a sense that nothing small will be overlooked.

The Langham Hotel has a dedicated wedding website with details on their wedding packages.

A special thank you to The Langham for hosting Polka Dot Bride at their wedding showcase and hosting us in their Melba brasserie for dinner (definitely worth checking out, if only to go back and forth from the sushi bar all night).

Ms Gingham says: It was definitely a fabulous night and a gorgeous venue. Thanks to the Langham for hosting us on this excellent event. Now, let me talk to you about the Peking duck pancakes at Melba brasserie… juicy, tender made on the spot and to order… mmmmmm.