Sydney’s Grand Pacific Group looks after some of the city’s most popular venues- from Gunners Barracks, to The Tea Rooms QVB, the venues are incredible (and popular to boot!) We’re delighted to have Holly Orsman Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Grand Pacific Group to join us today and share her wisdom on wedding venues!

Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be the Director of Sales & Marketing for the Grand Pacific Group?

I have always had a passion for hospitality and have been working in the industry for over 17 years.

My career began when I worked under Steve Manfredi at acclaimed Sydney restaurant Bel Mondo in 1998.  This is when I discovered that I had a real passion for fine food and wine, which led me to my next role as assistant sommelier at The Bather’s Pavilion

Following my role at The Bather’s Pavilion, I worked as the marketing coordinator for celebrity chef Matt Moran’s ARIA Restaurant, which paved the way for my decision to study a Diploma of Marketing during the three years I spent at Aria.

Once I completed my studies, I embarked on a sea change which saw me working as a stewardess on a motor yacht in the Caribbean, with my husband, who worked as a private chef on the vessel. This was such an exciting journey and it allowed me to hone my luxury service skills on board for two years, visiting 32 countries en route.

Returning to Sydney in 2006, a chance lunch date at The Tea Room QVB inspired me to help grow the brand behind the stunningly-renovated historic venue. By mid-year, I had assumed the position of sales and marketing manager for both The Tea Room QVB and its sister venue, The Tea Room Gunners Barracks.

Since commencing my role in 2006, I assisted Grand Pacific Group win the highly competitive tender for Sergeants’ Mess in Chowder Bay and Dunbar House in Watsons Bay. I now work as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the four venues within Grand Pacific Group.

Sergeants Mess

 What does your job entail?

In addition to overseeing and managing the sales staff at each Grand Pacific Group venue, I am also in charge of marketing across the Group.  I work with our media buyer, creative agency and public relations company to ensure that we are uniformed in our marketing approach and achieve our sales targets by generating awareness and interest amongst our audience.

What do you love about your job?

I love working with such a passionate, dedicated and committed group of talented staff, all working toward the same goal of delivering exceptional experiences for our guests.

What does each of your venues offer?

  • The Tea Room QVB

Located in what was once the original Grand Ballroom of Sydney’s landmark Queen Victoria Building in the centre of the Sydney CBD, The Tea Room offers traditional morning and afternoon tea daily along with an a la carte lunch menu created by head chef Shane Edward Davey.

The opulent venue is an ideal wedding reception venue and is also available for exclusive breakfast, lunch, full day or evening hire and can cater for up to 200 people seated and 300 for a cocktail style function.

  • The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks

Nestled within bushland of Georges Head, Mosman, this heritage-listed sandstone building commands spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and is matched with an equally spectacular daily a la carte lunch menu created by head chef Marc Philpott.  With a major seven-week refurbishment scheduled to take place in the next few weeks, the venue’s new look will offer a light, fresh space with modern amenities whilst still retaining the heritage and traditions of what the building represents.

The venue is also a favourite for traditional morning and afternoon tea, served daily.  Like all Grand Pacific Group’s venues, Gunners’ Barracks is a breathtaking wedding reception option and is available for exclusive breakfast, lunch, full day or evening hire with indoor and outdoor floor plans that can be configured for guests from 20 to 180.

  • Sergeants’ Mess

Located in the National Park on the shores of Chowder Bay (Mosman), only 15km from the CBD, the former 1960’s military building underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in the first half of 2009, transforming it from a deserted army building into the ultimate venue for events of all styles – from weddings to corporate events, conferences, gala dinners and private celebrations catering for 10 to 350 guests.

The venue boasts breathtaking harbour views, elegant intricacies of design, extensive facilities and world-class dining, in addition to setting an industry benchmark by implementing a range of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, one of which being Sydney’s first 100 mile menu, a labour of love put together by head chef Robert Crichton.

  • Dunbar House

Dunbar House

Dunbar House is an historic Eastern Suburbs house, built in the 1830’s and located just 30 metres from the shores of Sydney Harbour, in the expansive grounds of Robertson Park, Watson’s Bay.

With an enchanting view of the bay, local beaches and the city skyline, the building underwent a multi-million dollar restoration in 2010 and re-opened its doors in February 2011 as one of Sydney’s most impressive venues for weddings and events of all styles.

Only 11km from the Sydney CBD by road, or easily accessible via charter vessel or Ferry to Watson’s Bay Wharf, Dunbar House offers ease of access for guests and is available for exclusive hire for breakfast, lunch or evening events for up to 120 seated and 160 cocktail.

Is everything supplied by your venues, or can a bride and groom bring in their own vendors for, for example, for the cake or the flowers?

While we have preferred suppliers, we don’t supply everything in terms of flowers, cakes or decorations, as our main focus is food and service.  We do supply a variety of reception menus, however the only time we accept external catering is for religious or cultural purposes

What sorts of extra expenses should a couple factor into their budget when considering one of your venues (or is everything covered in the packages you offer)?

While we offer superb venues spaces and exquisite food and wine offerings, we do not provide wedding cakes, flowers, decorations, Bomboniere etc.

Our venues do have the capacity to host ceremonies within its grounds, fees are applicable.

The Tea Rooms QVB

  What should couples look for when choosing a venue?

There are quite a few factors couples need to consider when selecting a venue, the last thing you want is any unexpected issues on your special day! But if you keep in mind the below points you should certainly avoid any nasty surprises:

1. What is the venue’s staff to guest ratio?

Finding out how many wait staff are allocated to each guest gives you an indication as to how well you and your guests will be looked after. Grand Pacific Group venues offer a generous staff to guest ratio of 1:12, as we know that the more service staff we offer per person, the more promptly and efficiently they will be served, which ensures each guest receives a truly memorable service experience.

2. Who will be preparing the food? And how?

Food plays a key role in your big day as it is one of the main components of a wedding that guests look forward to.  Enquiring about the qualifications of the head chef and kitchen staff, (How long have they been working at the venue? How many weddings have they catered for?) will give you an insight to their capabilities. You might also assume that all venues make their food on premise – whereas there are some that cater off premise and then have the food heated at the venue.  The difference in terms of guest experience can be significant, so make sure to ask.

3. Does the venue provide a menu tasting?

What looks great on the menu may not translate onto the plate as you’d hoped, so remember to ask if your venue offers a menu tasting so you can decide which dishes best suit your palette. A tasting session also gives you an indication as to how the food will be served to you during your reception, and you can talk through any concerns to ensure you are completely satisfied with your selection.

4. How many weddings are conducted in the venue per day?

Most brides envision their wedding to be ‘their’ day, and do not expect to share it with another bride (or two). Many venues conduct two weddings at different times during the same day, but some venues have the capacity to stage several weddings simultaneously. If the latter isn’t your style, ensure exclusivity with your venue.

5. Does the venue price vary at certain times of year, week or day?
Many brides will go through the agony of finding the venue of their dreams, only to discover it isn’t in their budget, or dates aren’t available. Enquiring about package price flexibility allows you to put all your options on the table. Flexible brides will be thrilled to learn that many premium venues can be hired for competitive prices at certain times of the year or days of the week.

6. Does the venue offer a dedicated wedding coordinator?

To ensure that none of your wedding requirements are lost in translation, ask who will be managing your reception and establish a line of contact with them. It’s a relief for most brides to know that they have an experienced hand to guide them through their bridal journey – ensure that yours in included in your wedding venue package.

7. Does the venue have any noise restrictions?

With dancing often a large part of a wedding celebration, no bride wants to be told to pull the plug straight after dessert. Ensure that the venue’s legal obligations won’t restrict your requirements, and you are free to turn the music up for your special song.

8. How long will the venue be mine?

There are a lot of formalities to take place, and it’s important you feel comfortable that you have enough time to include everything you want on your wedding day. Ensure you confirm exact timings with your venue, and find out whether another wedding is scheduled to begin before or after yours so you can plan effectively.  As a guide, lunchtime receptions usually take no less than four hours, with evening receptions commonly capped at five or six hours.

9. Do I need to budget for any extra expenses?

Dance floor hire, AV hire and cake table/knife, are some of the things that may incur an additional charge to your food and beverage costs.  Most venues will include these services in your package, but it’s important to check so you can alter your budget if they are not.

10. What makes this venue so special?

This seems like an obvious question, ask it anyway.  Give the venue manager an opportunity to explain why their venue is perfect for your wedding. What sets this venue apart from the others on your shortlist? Even if you’re already sold on it, gleaning more information about the venue’s history, location and accessibility might help you to settle any doubts and seal the deal.

Gunners Barracks

 Do your venues offer a dedicated wedding co-ordinator?

Yes, once you have decided to host your reception at a Grand Pacific Group venue, you will be allocated with your very own wedding coordinator to assist you throughout the planning process.

Do your venues cater for food allergies, and religious beliefs (as far as food preparation/serving/types of food)?

Yes, we cater for all dietary requirements for individual guests

Thank you for joining us today on Polka Dot Wisdom Holly! Check out the full portfolio of venues the Grand Pacific Group offers by checking out the Grand Pacific Group website.