I love visiting venues for ‘Behind The Door With’ and this week I’m visiting one that really stands out as a fun, non traditional wedding venue – The Brunswick Mess Hall.
Converted from an old masonic centre into a buzzy bar and restaurant, The Mess Hall has the feeling of a giant Noah’s ark with its jungle plants and pops of bright colour. An obvious choice for a beautiful engagement or hen’s party, The Mess Hall has surpassed guest expectations and has quickly become one of Melbourne’s quirkiest wedding venues.
From the outside the first thing you notice is the two beautiful enclosed atriums, vintage industrial in style and with large windows spilling out onto Sydney Road. I follow the stairs into the main hall and am amazed by how beautiful the high curved ceilings are, with natural wooden beams and lights decorated with ivy and hanging plants.
I meet Jackie, the function coordinator, and she tells me about the very first wedding that the Mess Hall hosted three years ago. “It was an amazing day and we loved transforming the space into a wedding venue. The bride had such a great time that she is now a marriage celebrant herself and has married lots of other couples here!”
Jackie tells me that brides love The Mess Hall because of the laid back, super flexible approach to weddings. The menu is modern Asian and can cater for a formal sit-down dinner through to cocktail style and even a bit of both. Think noodle boxes, duck curry, pork belly and soft shell crab. The Mess Hall also has an amazing bar with talented bartenders who can whip up signature cocktails and punch bowls with names like ‘Jungle Boggy’ or ‘Miss Ladybird’s Picnic’.
The space is so flexible it can accommodate both a ceremony and reception as well as lots of great breakout areas for photobooths, dessert bars and a lounge. “I have full pride and confidence in this venue and the weddings we can offer,” says Jackie. “I love working here and that we can offer couples something truly unique and special for their big day.”
Jackie tells me that for couples who what a more relaxed, big party style wedding, The Mess Hall is the perfect fit. I can imagine guests’ jaws must drop when they enter the space and what a night of true merriment and quirky details it can provide. I love the idea of going back for a meal and reminiscing on each anniversary!
Images via The Brunswick Mess Hall
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Wow – such a quirky and unique venue; from intimate to extravagant weddings, this is the place to be!
About Amelia Waddell of Make Your Day Wedding Styling: I’m a wedding stylist and proud store owner who loves to chat weddings with everyone and anyone! I love to talk shop with other business owners (particularly over some chocolate cake!) and am the first to try and have a sticky beak behind the scenes of any event. My free time is spent ‘investigating’ new cafes, stores and events.
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