The perfect party paddock

It still is their home with their first wedding in March 2014. Now, there are at least 20 weddings each year with a lead booking time of up to 15 months.

In a very short time, that business has expanded to include White Top Venues which can erect completely weather proof marquees on floors, just about anywhere.

Sophie Walsh is a florist, event manager and stylist. The combination of these skills is the basis of the Walsh’s latest venture which, in less than 12 months, has them booked in for weddings between Sydney, the ACT and the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.

“We had one marquee which we used at St Edwards then received requests for having weddings on private properties. The most frequent story is a family has organised one wedding themselves and realise ‘never again’”, said Mr Walsh.

“One client has had three weddings this year; one at home they organised themselves then we are planning the other two for them on their property.”

“They’ve learned from experience that organising such an important event is time-consuming including so many elements and many things can go wrong.”

“There are distinct wedding seasons in southern NSW; from March until the end of April, then from September to the end of November,” explained Mr Walsh.

“When we only had one venue we were limited. Now we have three marquees we have bookings from 600kms away which we can fulfill.”

“Not only do we have the floors and marquees, we have different furniture options so quite original themes can be created for each special occasion.”

“The logistics of planning and building an event venue have been challenging so nothing is forgotten and we implement a five-phase process for thoroughness.”

“In our package we take care of organising staff, drinks, catering, pumps, lavatories, generators, lighting, tableware, linen, flowers, music, accommodation, transport, public address system, and even a celebrant.”

A principle of White Top Venues is to use suppliers from the locale where the event is being held.

“The value of what we provide is extended to that local economy so we source caterers and provide five options for our client. The same happens for the beverages and florists so local liquor suppliers are involved.”

“To make absolutely sure the operations run perfectly, at every event we have a front of house manager and another to manage back of house functions such as water, pumps, power, lighting and kitchen facilities,” Mr Walsh expanded.

“Recently we had a trailer custom-built which includes a fully fitted out kitchen, cool-room and storage for the in-fill. This already has paid for itself so we’re having another built to be fully equipped for the (already booked) 25 off-site weddings in between September and December this year in NSW, the ACT and Victoria.”

White Top Venues is closely connected with local tourism economies.

“We recently undertook an evaluation of how our enterprise adds to the local economy in the Wagga area with transport, accommodation, eating at local cafes and restaurants, shopping and entertainment and the dollar value of every guest was significant,” Mr Walsh said.

“Weddings are big business and our business is to ensure every couple has an extraordinary day which they’ll remember forever. White Tops Venues is exhibiting at this year’s Henty Field Days and we look forward to meeting people there and inspiring plans for their special occasions,” Mr Walsh concluded.