From First Look to Last Drinks: What a Wedding Day Actually Looks Like at The Shearing Shed
Photo: Immerse Photography
You’ve picked the date, locked in the wedding venue of your dreams (wink), and maybe even nailed down your signature cocktail (hello, spicy marg). But now you’re wondering:
“What actually happens on the day?”
We got you.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical wedding at The Shearing Shed Phillip Island really looks like - from the quiet moments to the full-throttle dance floor chaos. Spoiler: it’s smooth, it’s special, and it’s bloody fun. But don’t think for a minute you are locked into this timing, it is completely customisable, right down to the ceremony start time. Just keep in mind we don’t trade past midnight.
Morning Vibes: Calm Before the Confetti
We don’t host more than one wedding a day (ever), so the whole property is yours from the get-go. No awkward run-ins with another bride or rushing vendors. You’ve got the place to yourself.
While you’re off-site getting glammed, we’re busy setting the scene—styling, setting tables, chilling champagne, and fluffing florals.
3:30pm – Guests Arrive & Gush
They’ll roll up the drive, greeted with that iconic country-meets-coastal charm. Meandering gardens, rustic luxe vibes, and probably a few early tears from Nan.
We handle parking, directions, and gently direct anyone who thinks the gardens are a shortcut.
4:00pm – Ceremony Time
Time to get hitched, darling. Whether it’s in the garden, under the Banksia or inside the barn when the weather’s feeling cheeky, your “I do” moment is handled with care, timing, and a good dash of heart.
(Hot tip: Bring tissues. Even the tough cookies tear up.)
4:30–5:30pm – Cocktail Hour & Cheers
While you sneak off with your photographer for golden hour magic, your guests are treated to drinks, grazing tables, lawn games, and mingling under festoons in the courtyard. We keep everyone fed, watered, and in celebration mode.
Your signature cocktails? Front and centre, baby!
6:00pm – Canapes
We’ll do a round of intros and run the room like pros. It’s your moment to sit, eat, and soak it all in.
Canapes will be roamed and like ravenous beasts on the hunt, guests stalk the room, muscles tensed to strike as the canapés roam temptingly close. You will have time to distract your guests from the canapes long enough for a hug, congratualtions and a quick convo before the next guests looks to their turn.
6:45pm – Speeches, Laughs & Maybe a Roast (All in Love)
Bring the tissues back - some speeches will get you. Others? Downright hilarious. We help cue speakers, keep things moving, and make sure no one’s fifteen wines deep before picking up the mic.
7:30pm - Feast!
Into The Shearing Shed we go. Long tables, twinkling fairy lights (or not - your either love them or hate them) shared laughter and plates of delish food circulating the room. We can do cocktail, feasting or alternate drop - you name it.
We need a little time to clear the tables (I know, but it has to happen) so grab a drink and mingle away, we will be done in no time.
8:15pm – First Dance & Full Dance Floor Activation
Your first spin as newlyweds. Cue the tunes, dim the lights, and let the dance floor open like a music festival on steroids (but, like, classy).
From here on out: it’s party time. You bring the moves, we’ll bring the espresso martinis.
10:30pm – Last Drinks & Last Dances
We wrap up at 11pm. You’ll still be buzzing. Your guests will have that “best wedding ever” look in their eyes. And we’ll be packing up behind the scenes, ready to hand you your cake leftovers and maybe a sneaky late-night cheese toastie.
What we didn’t include -
Those epic clifftop sunset photos - these require approx 45 minutes, but we are experts at finding the time
Photo dash or other wedding style games
Speeches split across the night
Plus a whole lot more – but we promise we can fit them in and still aim for no less than 2 hours on the D-floor
What You Won’t See (But Will Definitely Feel):
Staff who actually care.
Coordinated chaos, handled like pros.
Thoughtful touches you didn’t know you needed.
A whole lot of joy.
We’d love to make it unforgettable, from first meetings to last drinks.