Venue vibes – The Refectory

 

Set within the stunning, iconic grounds of Werribee Park Mansion, The Refectory is venue perfection.

Nestled in ten acres of formal gardens and rolling lawns, you’ll have your guests falling in love with the luxe vibe the Refectory experience exudes.

We’ve been long-time lovers of this special space, that while just a stones throw from Melbourne, has you feeling like you have truly escaped to a luxe, wedding dreamland.

From glorious gardens, to impeccable food and a team that is second to none – keep reading for a taste of this heritage heartthrob.

 

 

We know that The Refectory is set in the stunning grounds of Werribee Park Mansion, how did the venue come to be?

In 2015, Bursaria added a new and spectacular venue to our offering, launching The Refectory at Werribee Park. Since starting Bursaria Fine Foods over 12 years ago at Como House, then moving on to the much-loved Abbotsford Convent – Bursaria has become renowned for delivering extraordinary weddings and events within heritage precincts across Melbourne. Adding The Refectory to our venue offering has allowed us to offer a leading event venue in Werribee.

 

 

Tell us more about the design and luxurious interior of the venue, as it is absolutely breathtaking. 

From the beginning, we wanted to transform the room into a truly unique space. From pale lemon painted walls and navy carpets, to bring this transformation to life – we worked closely with award-winning interior designers. Design features include hand blown chandeliers by Australian master glassmaker Mark Douglass, bespoke carpet that references the arched window designs and a neutral palette that serve as a beautiful backdrop to any event. The Refectory has been transformed into a beautiful light filled event space with luxurious style.

 

 

We love that the venue has an elegant and iconic feel to it, what can a couple expect from The Refectory team when they book their wedding with you?

Our team live and breathe weddings and events, starting with your personalised site tour to explore the exquisite surrounds. When you book your wedding at The Refectory not only do you experience our award-winning catering, you also experience friendly professional service with a dedicated event manager to work with you – to ensure your wedding day is everything you dreamed.

 

 

Can The Refectory accommodate both sit-down and cocktail weddings?

Most definitely. The Refectory hosts cocktail events for up to 300 guests or seated weddings up to 150 guests – with a dancefloor to celebrate the night away.

 

 

The venue is run by Bursaria, a renowned and boutique catering company in Melbourne, so what are some signature dishes your team love to create and leave your guests wanting more?

We’re always excited to offer new and exciting menu items to our packages. New seasonal produce is what we love – letting the food stand for itself as the hero of each dish. Our roving desserts are always a favourite. Let us spoil you with choice with a coconut panna cotta, lemon curd, almond crumble and lime syrup dessert or dark chocolate espresso cup with tiramisu mousse or even salted caramel profiteroles, coated in milk chocolate with cacao nib praline. Tempting and delicious!

 

 

Talk us through the process when it comes to designing a dreamy wedding menu with you.

We always have a passionate team of professionals on site and a personal Event Manager who has been liaising with couples through each step of their planning process, including a tailored menu design. We pride ourselves on ensuring the Bride (& Groom) have a familiar face to assist them on their special day and that couples and their guests feel completely at ease.

 

 

What style of wedding best suits your venue?

Our style of catering is authentic and relaxed so that our couples and guests can focus on enjoying the celebrations. Our grazing menu served down the centre of the table is very popular and is a great way to engage in conversation with family and friends in a relaxed environment. With the grand architectural features surrounding us our canapés are also the perfect match for a black-tie event.

 

 

The gardens that surround The Refectory are insanely beautiful. Can a couple choose their ceremony location or is this determined for them? Also, can they utilise the gardens for any aspect of their reception?

With the Mansion as your backdrop, lakeside settings and landscaped gardens The Refectory has a variety of beautiful ceremony locations for couples to choose from. The gardens feature a parterre with expansive lawns and Silky Oak offers a backdrop of stunning greenery with views to the historic Mansion tower – all conveniently located within walking distance to The Refectory.

 

 

Do you have some words of wisdom for our couples when it comes to planning their special day?

The day before your wedding just let go of planning and trust in your suppliers and event manager to do what they do best. Relax and enjoy the lead up to your ceremony and reception with your dearest friends and family and enjoy!

 

 

Does it get much better? Send an enquiry here to see how this delightful team can make your wedding dreams come to life.