For plant and nature lovers, there are few places where more magic is captured than a nursery. And lucky for us, we have two right here in inner city Melbourne that provide the most stunning backdrop for wedding and events. Glasshaus Inside and Glasshaus Outside in Richmond marry the beauty of nature, with industrial, city vibes as spaces that not only house a working nursery, but also turns on its party mode for those tying the knot. Surrounded by greenery that spills over, twines around and creates a living picture creates spaces that are lush and yet peaceful at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds and today, we sit down with Nada to learn all about these hidden gems.
Tell us about Glasshaus Inside and Glasshaus Outside?
We have two beautiful venues – Glasshaus Inside and Glasshaus Outside, both situated in Richmond, minutes from Melbourne CBD, and walking distance from each other. Simplicity, style and a focus on the abundance of nature are core to any event.
How did the business start out and how has it evolved into what it is today?
The business has started many years ago by my partner Paul. Starting as a farmer rose grower and florist, growing into an awarded green life stylist and designer, his vision and hard work of our staff have led to what Glasshaus is today. We have many streams to our business, all of which revolve around design, styling and green life. We have added a venue hire to our portfolio almost 3 years ago when I joined the team.
Photo by Sean Fennessey
What is it about Glasshaus Inside and Glasshaus Outside that is unique and different, and draws people to these spaces?
Our venues are authentic and versatile. The scale, range, and diversity of plants and flowers at our venues are unique and it is enhanced by equally unique green styling signature of our designers – we offer a real point of difference and set industry standards.
You have a range of services you offer to couples. Are you able to describe them? Are these services also available to couples who choose other venues?
We have a team of highly skilled florists, designers, stylists and event managers. While we love to do it all, we are also flexible. You can engage your own suppliers or do it yourself. One thing that I enjoy the most is the diversity of our clients and the way they celebrate.
Photo by Cam Grove
You are known for your lush botanical style. Do you use this recognizable signature style as a feature at weddings at other venues?
Oh, 100%! Our skilled team of florists, landscape gardeners and designers work closely with clients to ensure that their botanical dreams can come true, no matter the venue. We have green styled most of Melbourne’s venues and lots of businesses and private homes.
At what times is Glasshouse Inside available?
Glasshaus Inside is available for early evening weddings, with guests arriving from 5:30 pm. The dancefloor can party until 11 pm, with guests departing by 12 am.
Photo by Motta Weddings
Do you have a wedding team to assist couples to plan their weddings and help couples make the most of the unique space?
Absolutely. We have a team of highly skilled florists, designers, stylists and event managers. Our events manager, Ainsley, meets with couples and works closely with them, assisting with vendor selection, drawing up floor plans, liaising with suppliers and more generally making sure that our couples feel completely supported at each step along the way. Our venue manager Roxy is then also on site for each event to ensure that every part runs smoothly and our clients can focus on what really matters – enjoying their wedding day!
Are couples able to have both their ceremony and reception here?
Most of our couples choose to have both their ceremony and reception with us. They can start at our Outside location for an afternoon ceremony followed by a short walk over to Inside for the evening reception, or do both at either of the venues – Inside or Outside!
Photo by Cam Grove
How many guests can be seated here for a wedding?
At Inside, we find most couples prefer to have close family and friends seated for a ceremony, with the rest of their guests standing.
When only a ceremony is being held (with the reception to follow at another location), we can accommodate up to 130 guests with 20 seated. For all guests to be seated our maximum number would be between 85-90.
For ceremonies where a reception will follow we suggest up to 24 seated guests with the balance to stand.
What reactions do you get from guests when they enter this space for the first time?
Overwhelmingly the main response is ‘Wow – what a surprise!
Image by Chloe May Photography
Being surrounded by plants and blooms I would imagine there is little need for extra decoration. How do you suggest couples make the most of the special Glasshaus Inside features?
There is no additional styling required, so use it as is. Also, talk to us about your vision, and we can add more of whatever is uniquely you.
What are some great ideas you’ve seen couples use lately?
For sit down dining, we love a raised runner down the centre of the table. These allow platters of food etc to sit just above table styling such as greenery and floral – allowing the best of both worlds!
Now that instant cameras are so popular, we suggest having a friend take a picture of each couple/guest as they arrive at the reception, then sticking the pictures into a book for guests to write well wishes in. This ensures that the couple has a photo of everyone from the day, even if not everyone manages to leave a note.
Photo by Cam Grove
Are you able to advise on catering for the reception? Do you have caterers you work with and can recommend?
While our clients are free to engage the caterer of their choice, we regularly work with caterers we recommend and can tell our clients all about.
What are you able to supply and what other vendors do the bridal couple need to think about/source?
Glasshaus Inside comes complete with a bar (our beautiful wooden serving counter) and tables which can be used for cake, gifts, the DJ etc, and of course – lots of plants!
We have a gorgeous furniture package that can be hired for ceremonies and cocktail style receptions, however, couples are always welcome to bring in hired furniture from elsewhere. In terms of food and beverage supplies, these should be brought in by the chosen catering team.
What was Glasshaus Outside originally?
Glasshaus Outside was – and still is – an outdoor plant nursery, hence the name! But not your traditional outdoor plant nursery…
Photo by Jamie Kay Photography
Apart from having weddings here – what is this venue used for?
Both Outside and Inside are trading plant nurseries in addition to being venues. We also host a range of other events, from location hire for photo shoots and filming, to Christmas parties, birthdays, engagements, product launches, brand activations and much more.
At what times is this venue available? Are there any time restrictions that we need to be aware of?
Glasshaus Outside is a daytime to late afternoon event space where events can run to 6.30pm at the latest.
Are you able to recommend how to best use this space for a wedding?
Ideally suited to ceremonies (or smaller afternoon receptions, or both) couples often choose to stand in front of our living arch for the ceremony.
Photo by Free The Bird
What are some of the features that make this space unique?
Being set just back off Swan Street, Glasshaus Outside is a semi-outdoors green garden sanctuary. Our green vertical walls, palm trees, charming old glasshouse, and hanging plants envelope guests in a completely private moment in space and time.
Do you have some features or areas in this space that you particularly love – and that couples fall in love with?
Our green walls are popular as a backdrop for photographs and the living archway, either left in its natural state or complemented with flowers, is the perfect spot to say ‘I do’. We often have beautiful seasonal plants hanging from the rafters which add the most incredible ambience.
Photos by Free The Bird
How do you suggest couples use the rustic features here to their advantage?
The rustic features are combined with plants and flowers and provide a truly timeless and accommodating backdrop – this backdrop allows our clients to introduce style and colour palette of their own. So don’t be afraid to tell us about your vision for the day and we will make it happen.
How can they best use the space for a ceremony and reception?
Glasshaus Outside is best suited to either a ceremony with canapes and drinks before heading to a reception elsewhere or an early afternoon ceremony followed by a low key reception, finishing by 6.30pm. Most of the couples who choose to have a ceremony at Outside then head to Glasshaus Inside for the reception there.
Photo by Cam Grove
What items does the bridal couple have to source? How are you able to assist them?
We supply a compliment of seating and a signing table for the ceremony itself which can then be repurposed into a cocktail setting for pre-reception drinks. Our couples are able to bring in hired furniture if they wish, as well as caterers, the celebrant etc, however, we can assist with each part of this if desired.
Are couples able to have their wedding ceremony here and move to Glasshaus Inside for the reception?
Absolutely. This is how they will get the most of what Glasshaus can offer.
Photo by Motta Weddings
Unlike a blank canvas space, there must be some interesting preparations you have to make to host a wedding at Glasshaus Inside and Outside – are you able to give us a peek into what’s involved for the team with organising a wedding day here?
Our team starts the day hours before guests are due to arrive. They discuss the day’s setup over a coffee, then begin cleaning, organizing and styling the space so it is perfectly suited to the specifics of the day’s event. Plants are moved and a keen styling eye is employed to ensure our living backdrops are looking their very best. As soon as the shop closes, a sort of dance occurs when our stock trolleys move out and furniture moves in – this can be a fairly hectic time, however having completed it over 100 times, we have it down to a fine art. At the end of the night, everything happens in reverse, so by the time the lights are switched off, the space is reset as a plant nursery – ready for trade the next day.
A big thank you to the lovely Nada for joining us today! Surrounded by beauty like this, you can’t help but love your wedding photos and the memories they hold of the day. You can learn more about Glasshaus Inside via their website or Polka Dot Directory listing here and check out Glasshaus Outside’s website here or via their Polka Dot Directory listing here.
Headshot by Mishka Photography
Join the conversation