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Taking Care of COVID Business – Complete Function Hire

We understand just how hard the last couple of months have been for our beloved events industry.

We are here and we are excitedly planning for our industry to make a comeback. While some of our procedures have changed, our commitment to helping make memorable moments remains the same.

Social Distancing

We welcome the Victorian Government’s latest updates and plans to reboot the hospitality and events industries. A tiered approach to group numbers has been announced, with view to venues being able to host gatherings of up to 100 guests in July or August. Social distancing is the new norm and will need to be carefully considered by venues. We can help segment your space and provide your guests with peace of mind with a range of social distancing solutions including partitions, floor decals and more.

Sanitisation & Safety

The health and safety of our team, clients and event partners is paramount to us – and always has been. We have updated our sanitisation processes as follows;

  • All cutlery and crockery is pre-washed
  • Our hire products are then double washed (at extremely hot temperatures) using commercial grade sanitisation and cleaning products
  • Our hire products are double rinsed (at extremely hot temperatures)
  • All hire products are sterilised with cutlery and crockery being sealed air tight immediately after sterilisation and hand polished by our highly trained staff
  • All staff wear gloves and are always required to wash their hands very regularly
  • Our offices and warehouse continue to be cleaned and sterilised daily

Disposable Ranges

We are excited to provide you with disposable solutions for your event needs. Speak to our friendly team of party pros to find out more about our disposable ranges including cutlery, crockery, glassware and platters.

Delivery & Collection

We have updated our delivery and collection procedures to ensure a safe and seamless process for your event hire needs as follows:

  • Our clients and event partners will be called before we leave our Warehouse and then again on arrival before entering your venue.
  • Complete Function Hire staff will wear PPE, with all of our vehicles remaining well stocked with PPE and hand sanitiser.
  • Our hire products are all cleaned and sanitised before loading, then cleaned again onsite and again on return to our Warehouse. 
  • Our truck boxes are professionally cleaned and sanitised every day.

 

We been busy hand crafting some exciting new products and getting our Warehouse in order for a busy event season ahead. Our team are here for you and we cannot wait to bring your dream event to life very soon.

For all your event hire needs, contact our team today.

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Venues We Love – The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne

The Timber Yard continues to make its mark as one of Melbourne’s most sought after venues for event planners wanting to create extraordinary experiences.

Perfectly positioned just minutes from the city, The Timber Yard features re-purposed local timber across its range of flexible spaces which can accommodate any style of event. From luxe weddings and important business events through to exciting boxing matches and festivals (and everything in between), catering up to 1,500 guests.

On this month’s “Venues we Love”, we spoke to the team to find out why events at The Timber Yard are always so epic.

Why is The Timber Yard the best place to party?

 

 

 

The Timber Yard is a landmark Melbourne venue of unprecedented size and event flexibility. With six different spaces to choose from, The Timber Yard will transform in any way you envision. We are the heart of Melbourne’s entertainment and events culture.

What kinds of events do you host at The Timber Yard?

The Timber Yard is the perfect venue choice for all manner of events.

From live music to corporate Christmas parties and everything in between, the spaces can be catered to any and every event. Whether you want a space for a black-tie gala or a backyard shindig – we host it all.

The Polished Man Gala – an inspiring charity event at The Timber Yard. Photo by Andrew Morley.

What are your team’s tips for making an event really memorable?

 

 

The most memorable events are well planned out and exceptionally executed. You want your guests to feel included and immersed in the experience; a marriage of micro and macro – a big picture filled with a million tiny details.

For stand out events of all shapes and sizes, speak to the team of party pros at The Timber Yard today. 

 

For all your event hire needs, you know who to call! Contact our passionate team today to start your planning. 

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To Cocktail Party or to Dine? Expert Advice from Professional Event Planners

Stuck on the fence about whether to host a stand-up soirée or a seated celebration? We spoke to the team of business event experts from CIS Event Management to get their top tips for event planners on which format is best for your event.

Dee Nicholas, Founder of CIS Event Management says that, “The answer to the question – to cocktail party or to dine – really depends on your event aims and audience”. Professional event managers know just how important it is to identify your event aims and audience from the outset as these things filter through every element of your event – from venue selection and menu choice to room configuration and entertainment.

The team of event planners at CIS Event Management ask their clients in-depth questions about who is attending and what the purpose of the event is – for example, it may be an awards night for top performing sales staff. In cases where there are going to be many formalities – such as speeches, awards, presentations and displays, Dee and her team recommend a seated event would be the best format.

Seated events are the best format for events with formalities.

Where the aims of your event are around mingling and networking, Dee and her team of event planners recommend a cocktail party style event format as this will provide you with a more casual forum for your guests to walk around freely and get to know each other.

Cocktail party style events should always include some furniture for your guests comfort.

Dee notes that there is a common misconception that a cocktail party event will be a cheaper alternative to a seated lunch or dinner. Event spaces and catering packages are effectively priced on duration – so if you are looking to have a 5 hour seated dinner or a 5-hour cocktail party, you still require the same amount of venue hire time, food, beverages and staff to service your event! The only instance that you could look at reducing your costs for a cocktail party event versus a seated event is when you look at a shorter duration for the cocktail party.

Cocktail party style events are best when you want your guests to mingle.

Whilst costs for table settings including linen and centrepieces are not relevant to a cocktail party – Dee and the CIS Event Management team encourages their clients to always factor in budget for cocktail party furniture (including bar trees, bar stools and a lounge area) to help fill up your chosen venue and to ensure the comfort of your guests.

CIS Event Management have been bringing business events to life for the last 13 years. Speak to their friendly team of event planners today to start your planning.

Special Offer

CIS Event Management has an AWESOME offer for event planners that like to think outside the square – book your event with them by the end of the month and choose from a range of goodies including custom event app, event photography, DJ and more! Click here to find out more.

 

The team at Complete Function Hire have been working with Melbourne’s best event planners to help bring events to life for the last 20 years. Contact our passionate team today to find out how we can help you create your dream event.

Image credits – Museum Spaces, Restaurant Associates. Photography by Stewie Donn Photography.

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Complete Function Hire Serving Suggestions – Expert Advice From Guy Grossi

The team at Complete Function Hire enjoys working closely with the best in the business to deliver stand out dining and event experiences all over Melbourne.

We have been honoured to work alongside Australian hospitality icon, Guy Grossi to provide furniture and equipment hire for some truly impressive events at his restaurant and special events.

Guy Grossi and his team know just how to create unforgettable dining experiences. On this month’s blog, we were privileged to interview Guy to find out about some of his favourite flavours and to get some tips on how to create the most memorable special occasions.

What are your favourite flavours of the moment?

I like simple but bold flavours. Like the simple combination of chilli and garlic or good quality olive oil to dress vegetables. I don’t think flavours need to be complicated to be good. I’m loving the produce that’s coming in at the moment as the seasons start to shift. Autumn is the time for delicious produce such as figs and mushrooms.

What will be the prominent food trends for Melbourne events in 2019?

I think it goes back to the simple philosophy, I think we are going to see lots of simple ways of eating, more rustic, home style eating with less fuss.

Events are all about sharing delicious food at the end of the day, it doesn’t need to be complicated, just tasty and abundant.

Serving suggestions – how can people entertaining at home create simple yet stylish ways to impress their guests?

 

 

 

 

 

The best way is to keep it relevant to the dish, if it’s pumpkin tortellini with sage use some fried sage leaves to garnish. You don’t want to garnish for the sake of it. Use fresh lemon if appropriate for fried items, or a simple dusting of icing sugar on a cake, that’s all that’s really needed. I think less is definitely more, let the food speak for itself, arrange it neatly on a plate without going overboard. I’m not into things arranged like a swan.

Thank you to the legendary Guy Grossi for sharing his expert advice on how to impress party guests.

 

For all your party hire needs, the passionate team at Complete Function Hire are on call to discuss your perfect event, contact us today to start your planning.

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Tips on How to Create Awesome Events – Roquette Catering

Roquette Catering have been creating unforgettable culinary experiences for over 12 years. Using only the best seasonal ingredients, the innovative team at Roquette Catering are renown for creating beautiful Kosher menus and for delivering the most memorable events in Melbourne.

Attention to detail is their happy place and the team at Roquette Catering know just how to throw parties that are talked about for years to come. We were thrilled this month to speak to the team at Roquette Catering to find out about their favourite flavours for winter PLUS some expert tips for event planners.

Innovative menus using only the freshest ingredients.

What are the team at Roquette Catering’s favourite flavours for the cooler months ahead?

We are loving Middle Eastern cuisine at the moment. With its hearty flavours, slow cooked and braised offerings and traditionally served in a family style manner, what is there not to love!

What advice would you give event planners on how to choose the perfect venue?

Awareness of the potential venue challenges is essential for creating a successful event, but only half the battle. How do you avoid these challenges or tackle them as they come up? Simple: you need a game-plan.

Roquette Catering create mouthwatering Kosher menus that party guests talk about for years to come. Image credit Jeremy Blode.

Roquette Catering’s 4-Step Game Plan to Manage any Challenge and Create and Awesome Event

1. Collate all your questions into a single document and bring it with you when assessing venues. Simply present it to the venue when you arrive and tick off all questions, to make sure you learn everything you need to know about the venue.

2. Invite your caterer along to view the kitchen. It’s important they know what facilities are available before selecting your menu!

3. Obtain costs for any additional equipment that may be needed in the kitchen or elsewhere as early as possible, so you can assess and budget them into the venue price.

4. For destination events, your best bet is to hire a coordinator who has experience in planning events at your destination.

A magnificent feast by Roquette Catering. Image credit Jeremy Blode.

Food trends for 2018 – what are the ‘must have’ menu choices for 2018?

Back to basics – good, nutritious and real food rather than over complicated dishes.

Homemade everything from dips, condiments, pickled and kimchi. Ethical and sustainable food is a highlight.

Meat alternatives such as our kale and quinoa patties rather than your traditional burger.

Roquette Catering’s Confit Salmon dish is not only beautiful, it is bursting with fresh flavours.

What can event planners incorporate as an exciting point of difference for their Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah?

Personalisation – with so many celebrations it is easy to mixed up into what everyone else is doing. By adding a level of personalisation from menu design and concepts to styling, printing and entertainment, guests will feel like they are celebrating the individual.

To celebrate your next event in style, contact the team of catering and event experts at Roquette Catering today.

*Feature image credit – Charlene Miller. Styled in conjunction with The Style Shed

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For all your event hire needs – the team at Complete Function Hire are on hand to help ensure your upcoming event is perfect.

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Venues We Love – The Albion, South Melbourne

Conveniently located in South Melbourne and sprawling across 3 stunning levels, The Albion is Melbourne’s newest event space. Perfectly suited to private and corporate events alike, The Albion’s various, luxe function spaces can accommodate intimate soirees or large, lavish cocktail parties for up to 600 guests across the entire venue. Whilst The Albion is known for it’s cocktail parties, the venue has been designed to adapt to any occasion from product launches, engagement dinners and large scale corporate celebrations of all kinds. On this month’s ‘Venues We Love’, we were thrilled to catch up with the team of event professionals at The Albion to get the low down on their magnificent venue and to get their top tips for event planners this winter.

What makes events at The Albion so memorable?

We pride ourselves on our service and always ensure every guest leaves our venue happy and well fed. Food and beverage is at the heart and soul of what we do and we always deliver this to the highest quality. Your guests can except to leave an event at The Albion on a first name basis with our amazing front of house team who strive to ensure every guest has been incredibly well looked after.

Winter events are perfectly suited at The Albion because…

We have all the provisions to keep guests comfortable no matter the weather. The Lounge boasts leather booths creating a cosy and intimate setting.

The Rooftop is completely enclosed with heating and louvered roof to accommodate Melbourne’s notoriously fickle weather.

We enjoyed being a part of this awesome event at The Albion Rooftop – styled by Miss Carter Style, photographed by Prue Aja Photography

Our function menu features hearty and wholesome, substantial items like our Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Pomegranate Cous Cous which pairs perfectly with a big bold Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, a perfect winter warmer.

What are your team’s top tips for event planners this winter and how can event planners create an event at The Albion that everyone will talk about for years to come?

Being Melbourne’s newest lifestyle venue, we are sure guests will be impressed by our beautiful venue which will provide enough talking points on its own… however you will find everything you need for a memorable event at The Albion, including in house AV, beautiful décor and design, carefully curate food and beverage menus … and of course access to Melbourne’s best event suppliers.

We enjoyed being a part of this awesome event at The Albion Rooftop – styled by Miss Carter Style, photographed by Prue Aja Photography

When hosting a function or event in winter there are a few key items every event planner will have on their checklist:

1. A cloak room is essential and often overlooked.

2. An adaptable menu that features seasonal local produce.

3. Climate controlled spaces and a dry, enclosed, heated space for the smokers to congregate.

If you are looking for a stunning Melbourne event space that ticks all the boxes, contact the friendly team at The Albion.  

For all your event hire needs, speak to the team of event professionals at Complete Function Hire today. 

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How to Create A Stylish Winter Event – Levian Events

The team at Complete Function Hire enjoys working closely with Melbourne’s most talented event designers and stylists to help create exceptional events and perfect weddings.

Levian Events go above and beyond to create the most special occasions. With their full range of event services including wedding and event design and styling, the team at Levian Events are a team of creatives that loves adding a touch of magic to every event including beautiful florals, spectacular centrepieces and elements of technical audio and visual lighting solutions.

On this week’s blog, we were thrilled to speak to the passionate team at Levian Events to explore the latest trends and to get their tips on how to create stylish events that stand out this winter.

What makes winter events so memorable?

Winter events are memorable as clients tend to explore different themes and styles. Themes can be Winter Wonderland to Enchanted Forest – this becomes fun when clients are completely invested in the theme and allow us to work our magic!

For clients that don’t necessarily want a particular ‘theme’, we can experiment with different colour palettes and tones that complement the winter months. These tones can either be quite classic with neutral, muted tones or darker, richer tones for a more dramatic effect.

Levian Event’s style tips:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with deeper, richer tones in winter months.

Use lighting where possible to enhance settings and interiors.

What are the Levian Events team’s event styling predictions for the cooler months ahead?

Rich and warm colour palettes will be a popular choice for wedding and event planners this winter and candles throughout your event space will add a romantic touch.

We love classic colour palettes for winter, incorporating greys, blues and whites. For those clients that like to experiment with colour, our team loves using burgundy and red tones with abundant dark foliage to create drama.

We enjoy introducing more lighting in winter such as fairy lights and festoon lights which creates a gorgeous atmosphere. As guests will arrive to evening events in the dark during Winter, we love up lighting the exterior of venues to create an impressive entrance.

What are the Levian Events team’s top tips for corporate event planners to ensure a stress free experience in the lead up to their event this winter?

• Research a style or theme that you prefer
• Establish a budget for all aspects of your event
• Get organised early to avoid stress (e.g. source suppliers and obtain quotes)
• Keep regular contact with your chosen suppliers
• Don’t leave things to the last minute
• Delegate, delegate, delegate!

What’s new at Levian Events?

Recently we have been working on some very large scale events that have allowed us to be extra creative and really think outside the box. Something that has been very popular for us of late is hanging features for weddings and events – this is something that we really special in.

Speak to the team at Levian Events to make sure your Winter Event exudes style and really stands out.

For all your winter event hire needs – contact the team at Complete Function Hire today. 

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Expert Advice For Wedding & Event Planners – Ed Dixon Food Design

The team at Ed Dixon Food Design ‘live and love food’. Creating spectacular occasions of all kinds since 2001, the team at Ed Dixon Food Design know just how to throw an amazing party!

With an eclectic range of incredible event spaces plus their beautiful menus that look almost too good to eat (almost!), Ed Dixon Food Design has gone from strength to strength over the last 17 years.

We were so delighted to speak to the team of catering and event gurus at Ed Dixon Food Design to find out about their wedding and event trend predictions for this year and to get their top tips on how to make an event really special.

What are the Ed Dixon Food Design team’s catering and event trend predictions for 2018?

Shared dining is still easily our most popular menu for weddings and events and we’ve seen this evolve into huge grazing tables. In 2018 we think this will lead to more DIY food stations – taco bars, sundae toppings, “pimp your Prosecco”, etc. This type of event is a win-win – guests enjoy the novelty of something different whilst hosts can tackle dietary requirements, quantities and variety really easily.

Ed Dixon Food Design’s gorgeous (and healthy) Ocean Trout canapés are an essential menu choice. Image @bravonovember

The focus on health is continuing with trends leaning towards a more vegan offering – poke bowls, acai bowls, substantial salads. Also, non-alcoholic cocktails are increasing in popularity.

At the other end of the scale, we’re also seeing an increase in ‘midnight snacks’ at weddings and evening events. Think pulled pork sliders, loaded fries and mini ice-creams – carnival type food!

Salted Caramel Ice Cream Pops are always a huge hit at the end of the night. Image @hellourbansafari

Tell us about some of the most unique spaces that you create in events in.

The most unique space we’ve been in recently would be the Gershwin Room at The Espy. We did an event there whilst the rest of The Espy was still gutted. The atmosphere was super spooky!

What are the team’s favourite wedding style predictions for this season?

For styling themes, we think Scandi will still be big – timber, clean lines and a warm atmosphere work so well at weddings, also the style is very accessible as it’s present in many areas of our lives; furniture, décor, etc. We predict the Palm Springs theme to become more commonplace – the colour palettes are great and everyone loves a relaxed summer vibe! We also think balloon installations will become bigger and crazier!

‘Wed-stivals’ are one of the team’s wedding style predictions for this year. @michaelbriggsphotography

The other trend we’re predicting is more wed-stivals – Festival Weddings. We’ve started doing a few of these, but with the popularity of glamping, music festivals and festival-type styling, we see this becoming more popular.

Tips for event planners – what are your team’s top tips for organising memorable events this year?

• We love an outdoor party however always make sure a wet weather contingency is in place!
• Trust your suppliers – they are (generally) experts and have a heap of experience planning events like yours.
• Preparation is key – we recommend maintain a Master Sheet, which has all your supplier details and information. This will allow your Event Manager to identify gaps or troubleshoot BEFORE the day of your event.
• When in doubt, pay a professional. Similar to the saying “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur…” You will NOT feel like hanging lights or putting on chair covers on the morning of your wedding. You also won’t feel like packing up and carrying everything home after your reception so pay the extra and have it all done for you.
• And in terms of weddings – take a moment to soak it all up – it goes way too fast!

Ed Dixon Food Design’s Berry Smash Cocktail is a stunning addition to any soiree. @bravonovember

What’s new at Ed Dixon Food Design?

We have a new head chef who is bringing a wealth of knowledge and fresh ideas to the team. Plus, a change of season means new menus are out soon! Watch this space.

If you want to make your wedding or upcoming event reallys special, contact the awesome team of foodies at Ed Dixon Food Design today.

The team at Complete Function Hire are at your service to discuss all your wedding and event hire needs. 

*Feature image credit @bravonovember

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Venues We Love – The Deck, St Kilda

Located in the heart of St Kilda, The Deck at The Prince Hotel, has played host to some of Melbourne’s most elegant weddings and spectacular events. Eternally chic, The Deck’s contemporary style and exceptional food make it a popular choice for wedding planners year in, year out.

On this month’s Venues We Love, we were thrilled to speak to Sarah Bolitho, Sales Manager at The Deck, to find out why The Deck continues to be one of Melbourne’s most sought-after spaces for beautiful weddings and to get up to speed on some very exciting times ahead for this iconic venue.

Why are weddings at The Deck always so special?

The Deck is such a unique, yet iconically Melbourne venue. With panoramic views of both Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline, it’s a destination that feels like Melbourne, yet, as the sun sets over the bay also feels removed.

The Deck exudes chic style. Image/ Flowers Foxy Ever Green.

With both the inside function space and the large outdoor deck area, the property is also well suited to Melbourne weather which, at times, can be unpredictable (always great to have a wet weather option!). The Prince Hotel facility also encompasses a 38 room boutique hotel which makes it easy to accommodate guests travelling from abroad, and also gives the bride her own space for between-photo touch ups!

What are your team’s favourite wedding style predictions for the season?

Love in every way is exciting and we are really looking forward to helping all couples celebrate their love in 2018 and beyond.

Being able to mingle and speak to all your wedding guests is always important to our Brides, however can also be challenging. Our clients love incorporating roving entrées and desserts to maximise their time talking to friends and family, not to mention allowing for more time outside on the rooftop and on the dance-floor!

An impressive entrance to an elegant soiree. Image by Jerome Cole.

We continue to see a trend towards feasting style mains, which are a great way to offer variety and encourage interaction between guests.

We also love creating signature cocktails with our clients – if they have sipped something special somewhere in the world we can recreate for their wedding (our beverage manager loves a challenge!).

What’s new at The Deck?

We have some very big changes happening at The Prince Hotel in 2018. The entire property including The Deck and all food and beverage outlets, will see a renovation and rebranding this year. We are working with the extremely talented Iva Foscia on the redesign, which will commence with the renovation our restaurant space (Circa) from May. The Deck will follow in June/July – we can’t wait to give the space an amazing face lift.
In late 2017, we completed a full refurbishment on The Prince Hotel accommodation rooms. The interior design approach was focused on preserving the hotels original art deco architecture, offering a softer palette of alternating textures and hues, suggestive of Miami beaches and candy coloured ice-creams.

Perfectly romantic. Credit: Erin and Tara

What are your team’s top tips for making a wedding really memorable?

Make it personal – showcase things that represent you both eg: cocktails, signage, fave dishes.

Don’t over complicate things – keep it simple and don’t lose sight of what’s important to you.

Enjoy the process – it should be fun the whole way!.

Feature image credit: Badlands + Co

The team at Complete Function Hire can’t wait to discuss your special day with you! Contact our friendly team today.

 

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Food Trends & Expert Tips For Event Planners – White Card Food & Events

The team at Complete Function Hire enjoys working with Melbourne’s most talented event planners and incredible venues.

On this week’s blog, we were delighted to speak to the team of foodies at White Card Food & Events to get their food trend predictions for the year ahead and some great tips on how to create an event that your guests will remember for years to come.

What are the White Card team’s catering trend predictions for 2018?

Wedding and event planners are going to continue to opt for shared menus and grazing stations this year. This style of catering is so wonderful for all kinds of events as it allows people to explore new flavours in a fun way and it also creates a visual experience too.

Grazing stations create a real wow factor!

We love featuring local produce through our menus and another food trend for this year will be around creating innovative ways of healthy eating including Buddha Bowls and really gorgeous mocktails.

White Card  manage events at some of Melbourne’s most unique spaces. Tell us why weddings and events at The Immigration Museum and Scienceworks are always so memorable?

Our spaces vary so much – from the elegance of the Immigration Museum to the rustic industrial feel of the Pumping Station .

Our Pumping station is so full of history with unique design features such as beautiful red bricks and metal engines. Minimal effort is needed to turn the space into your own to create your dream event. We have also enhanced the space with rows of Edison festoon lights which creates a gorgeous ambience for parties.

The Immigration Museum is conveniently located in Melbourne’s CBD and is the perfect location for summer cocktail parties.

The Immigration Museum is so elegant and full of light. The gorgeous urban courtyard is perfect for a summer cocktail party or end of year event. The Immigration Museum is conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD so it is a very popular choice for business events of all kinds.

We love our unique event spaces and work closely with our brides and corporate event clients to ensure we create extraordinary event experiences that incorporates their own personal style.

What are your team’s top tips for organising memorable events this year?

  • Try and find spaces that offer an experience for your guests. We can organise for your guests to view one of our original steam pumps in action or to lie back and enjoy a planetarium show before a cocktail or dinner event. Incorporating one of these special experiences will leave a lasting impression on your guests
  • Guests love a grazing table with an interesting selection of tasty bites. We find that grazing stations enhances the event space and creates a real wow factor when guests arrive
  • Get in early if you have your heart set on a special event space for end of year events!

What’s new at White Card Food & Events?

We are currently finalising our end of year packages so stay tuned to White Card & Museum Spaces for more details very soon! Baja was a huge success in 2017 and we are working on something very special for the end of this year which we can’t wait to share.

If you are looking for a unique Melbourne venue to create your dream event, speak to the team at White Card Food & Events today.

 

For all your wedding and event hire needs, click here to contact the team of event experts at Complete Function Hire.