Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the cost for a wedding ceremony & reception at Allegro?
For the ceremony you receive unlimited rehearsals, 20 ceremony chairs for guests, full length lace table overlay.
For the reception you receive exclusive use of Allegro, all service and bar staff, all food [4 courses alt service], beverage package [inc wines, beers and juice, mineral water & soft drinks] all round tables, 40cm glass bowl table centrepieces, Allegro in-house DJ and dance floor, full length table drapes, white table linens, Chair sash, white linen napkins, Master of ceremonies, private bridal suite, exclusive use of premises.
What else is needed to have a wedding ceremony & reception at Allegro
You just need:
place cards
a wedding cake
a photographer
a celebrant
What time do guests have access to allegro
Access to Allegro is from your chosen start time. If guests arrive early they are welcome to spend time in our garden gazebo area till the designated start time.
How long do pre-dinner drinks/canapes last?
Usually 40 minutes on balcony, more than 30 years of weddings and events at Allegro we’ve learnt this is about the ideal amount of time to allow late guests to arrive still in time for the bridal party introductions.
When do the bride and groom usually arrive? (We were thinking of arriving at 5.30, having some photos in the garden and entering at 6.45pm). When we enter, are the guests seated or will they still be outside?
It takes about 20 minutes or so to move the guests to their tables and have drinks poured and ready for your big introduction. We usually have the bride and groom in the bridal room, adjacent to the foyer as guests are being seated, while this is happening, our MC will run through the events of the evening so you know exactly what's going on. They’ll check things like correct couple's, correct names, correct pronunciation, order of introductions and give you and your attendants directions for a smooth entry and transition to the bridal table.
We would like to extend the package to 5½ hours. Do you have a timing or scheduling sheet or could you provide me with an indication of how the evening usually proceeds?
Your evening reception timetable would look something like this
6.00-6.40
pre dinner drinks and canapes start on balcony
6.40-6.55
guests enter dining room and seated at their tables, drinks are poured, hot bread rolls on the tables and guests now ready for your entrance
6.55-7.00
intro of bridal party
7.00-8.30
entrée service and clearing / main course service and clearing
8.30-9.00
speeches [this is the best use of this period allowing guests time to have a break from all the food and the kitchen to plate-up dessert and staff to prepare for service as soon as speeches are finished]
9.00-9.20
dessert service / cut wedding cake / bridal waltz
9.20-11.15
party time / dancing / mingle with guests / more photos on balcony
11.15-11.30
final dance / throw bouquet & garter/ exit via guard of honour to get away car
If the reception starts at 6pm, is it reasonable for the bride and groom to leave at 10.45pm, and to expect all guests to leave by 11pm, so that we are within our package time?
If your package finishes at 11pm, that is when we plan to have you walking out the front door to your getaway car. Half the guests will depart straight away after you leave, the rest will come and gather their belongings and say their goodbyes over the next 10-15 minutes.
When do we meet with you to sort out details, menus, numbers etc?
About 6 months before your reception we'll send a progress update, in it you'll receive a seating floor plan, music selection sheet and the order of events sheet for you to fill in. We’ll have locked-in an online ‘finishing touches’ meeting 6 weeks before your wedding day to finalise your menu selections, beverage package, colours/style of sashes, order of events and also go through your music selections etc..
Do we need to provide a seating information sheet for display so that guests refer to it in order to find their tables?
It's not necessary to have a table plan, however we want two alphabetical guest lists, one for display at the front door and the other for us to greet guests and advise them which table they’ll be seated at. [We’ll provide our guest list template before the wedding]
What IS YOUR MAXIMUM CAPACITY?
Maximum capacity is dependant on seating/table layout but generally 200 guests seated, 300 guests cocktail style
WHat do we do IF IT’s RAINing and we’re having a garden ceremony?
Our balcony terrace adjoining the dining room is protected from the elements and is the perfect ‘plan B’ for wet weather on the day. Actually a ‘plan A’ for a number of couples.
Can the ceremony or reception start before 5pm for an evening event?.
Yes you can, however, starting before 5pm will prevent Allegro from having a daytime event. An early-start fee of $500 applies.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR MY WEDDING?
Spring through to Autumn is the popular, high-demand time of the year. This period usually books out first, so if you’re interested in this period, please be in touch as soon as possible.
Who will be working at my reception? What will they be wearing?
Either Glenn or Kay Torta, the proprietors of Allegro, will be supervising the dining room and bar staff at your wedding reception. We have one waiter on hand per 25 guests plus 2-3 bar staff. Our servers wear black pants, black shoes, white collared shirts and full length bistro aprons at all wedding receptions.
Where is the food prepared?
All food served at Allegro; appetisers, entrées, mains, desserts and after-dinner petit-fours are prepared in our extensive purpose built kitchen at Allegro. The dynamic team led by Executive Chef Kay Torta [25+yrs industry experience] at your service will happily customise a menu most appropriate for your reception.
What do you recommend for ceremony music?
Most celebrants use their own sound system for music and PA during ceremonies. Allegro also has available for hire [$50] an outdoor sound system with 2 speakers and cordless mic set up. You can Bluetooth your phone to it also and have a friend assist with the ceremony music duties. On occasion, couples have live music ranging from a harpist to a string ensemble to a full blown rock band. Please see our preferred service provider list for prospective musicians.
Does Allegro do outdoor receptions?
One of the greatest features of Allegro is its blend of outdoor and indoor services. Our gardens and grounds are perfect for outdoor wedding ceremonies. Certainly there is nothing more elegant than serving cocktails or wines and hors d'oeuvres to your guests, as they gather on the balcony after you've exchanged your vows in the gazebo, or upon their arrival at Allegro from your church ceremony.
Are outside catering services permitted at Allegro?
This is possible through a different pricing structure. ‘Venue hire’ and staff services prices are available on request. All beverages must also be supplied through Allegro. Outside catering events provide just the food and Allegro provides everything else. Caterers must be accredited by Restaurant & Catering Australia.
Can I reserve Allegro if I have fewer guests than the required “Minimum number?
Yes. The “Minimum number” does not require that you have that number of persons in actual attendance at your wedding. You are however, required to pay a venue hire fee for the number of persons less than the “Minimum number”. For example, if you reserve a Sunday Daytime, the “Guaranteed Minimum” is 70 guests. If your actual guest count in attendance is only 60 adults, you will be charged a venue hire fee equivalent to 50% of the difference between the actual and the minimum number of guests in attendance [10 guests in this example]. In this case the venue hire fee is equivalent to 5 guests at the standard banquet price.
ARE THERE ANY COSTS OF WHICH WE SHOULD KNOW?
We have no hidden costs. All costs are stated up-front and GST is included all prices quoted. The only things you need to organise for your wedding ceremony & reception is your marriage celebrant, place cards, the wedding cake and your photographer.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE
OUR DATE?
A booking fee of $1800 is required to reserve a date.
A reserved date agreement is made up outlining your estimated cost, package inclusions, two booking fee progress payments, responsible service of alcohol conditions and Allegro Ts & Cs regarding our Covid policy including lockdowns, cancellations and transfer of reserved date.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PROVIDE A
FINAL HEAD COUNT?
The final head count is required 14 days before your confirmed date, at which point this number can be increased but not be decreased.
The estimated balance due is required a minimum of ten days in advance of the wedding date. Payments can be made by bank transfer or credit card +2.5% credit fee].
When is my final payment due?
DO YOU SPECIALISE IN A PARTICULAR TYPE OF FOOD?
We pride ourselves on our flexibility. Many of our menu items are influenced by our Italian heritage and more than 60 years experience in the food business. But we have been known to provide everything from Sushi to Soul Food to Vietnamese.
DOES ALLEGRO HAVE A CAKE
CUTTING FEE?
Allegro wedding package fee includes cutting and arranging of the cake onto platters for the coffee table. If you choose to have your cake individually plated, there is a charge of $3 per person.
How long in advance should
I reserve my wedding date
at Allegro?
We accept wedding reservations up to two years in advance.
If your heart is set on a particular date, we suggest reserving that date two years in advance. If you can be flexible with your wedding date (highly recommended), we suggest reserving a date 12-18 months in advance. Some prime dates may still be available with shorter notice.
Does Allegro offer
overnight accommodation?
Allegro does not offer overnight accommodation. We are happy to recommend several fine hotels and B&B's which are close by for you and your guests.
Can we arrive early at Allegro
to take photographs?
Yes, the bridal party can arrive at the venue up to one hour before the reception begins. For guests doors open at the agreed start time.
Yes you can have a longer in the garden before the reception starts. The price is $1000 per hour. Alternately you can have an open bar for one hour with all drinks on a tab, charged on consumption. Minimum charge $15pp.
Can I arrange for a longer time in the garden?
No, we only do one at a time but we can do two weddings in one day. Allegro is a large facility with over 500 sq metres function space. Care is given to ensure that evening guests are not arriving as the daytime guests are departing.
Do you do more than one
wedding at a time?
We can recommend suitable caterers for Kosher weddings. Venue and equipment hire rates for apply for outside catering events. Price on application
Can you do Kosher food?
CAN ALLEGRO FUNCTIONs
BE EXTENDED?
Receptions can range in duration from 4 hours to 7 hours. All daytime weddings must be finished by 3.30pm. Evening receptions finished by 11pm. We can only extend receptions up to midnight. To extend, the charge is $8 per person, per each additional half hour, $15 per person for one hour extension
All of our meals are prepared in-house which allows us to cater for all special dietary needs. These include vegetarian, vegan, coeliac and lactose-free options.
Can you provide special dietary meals for guests?
Allegro has a comfortable Bridal Retreat with period furniture pieces and a floor to ceiling mirror wall, with private facilities adjoining.
Do you have a Bridal retreat?
Yes the low season is the time to save money on your reception, June July and August have large savings on high season prices for sit down events.
Do you offer discounts during certain times of the year?
Yes because wedding cakes are not included in our package price. We can recommend a number of beautiful cake makers that can provide any design you want. Your imagination and budget being the only limitation.
Can I bring my own cake?
Tea Lights are allowed provided they are in an enclosed container. No sprinkles please, $200 cleaning fee to be added to your account if they are to be used.
Can I use candles? Can I use ‘sprinkles’ on my tables?
Allegro has ample free off-street parking for up to 70 vehicles and an excess of parking spaces available roadside.
Is there ample parking?
Special children's meals are available at a reduced cost. Chicken Schnitty with fries and ice cream loaded with lollies are the most popular choice, or we can substitute one dessert off your menu. Children under 13 yrs of age are half the standard price and for children under 3 yrs of age there is no charge [and will be served a meal if required, free of charge].
Do you offer Children's meals?
It is customary to provide a meal for photographers etc..Allegro can supply a meal and drinks package for your hired help [photographers, videographers and any assistants]. If seated separately from guests, the cost is half the adult package price. If seated with guests; full price.
What is the price of vendor meals?
Allegro has a beautiful gazebo area for outdoor garden wedding ceremonies. The covered balcony is also a perfect spot if you prefer. It was designed to be suitable for garden ceremonies if wet weather prevails on your wedding day. The garden hire fee is $1000 one hour in the garden and this includes setup of register table and 20 garden chairs, full length lace overlay for register table and unlimited rehearsals prior to your wedding day.
Do you have on-site ceremonies? Indoors or outdoors? How much do you charge?
I am considering holding the ceremony in the garden, How many people could you fit (seated) in the garden? We would like to have a proper Christian service (1 hr+) and have about 120 guests for the ceremony. Would there be enough space for them?
We’ve had Indian ceremonies lasting up to 2hrs with 180 seated. So for your situation we’d have about 70-80 on the tiered area in front of the gazebo, with another 20-25 chairs either side in the garden.
There is a charge of $100 for any musicians to use the piano. If it is a guest playing just a couple of numbers there is no charge.
Would it be possible for me to bring my own musician to play
the baby grand piano?
Yes, no problem. You are welcome to decorate the gazebo area to your theme and use your own equipment. We have an amp and mic if you need to hire any extra equipment. Any decorations must be removed after the ceremony has concluded.
Is it possible for me to bring in my own decorations, mike & amplifier for the ceremony?
You should tell them to arrive at Allegro at least 15 minutes before your reception finishes. That way they can arrive with enough time to load your wedding-night/honeymoon luggage and still be ready to go before you exit the front door.