About Vogue Ballroom
Our Expertise in Exceptional Events
Vogue Ballroom and Vines of the Yarra Valley deliver outstanding events. Our foundation is built on decades of experience in the hospitality industry. George, our founder, began his journey in 1983 as a waiter in a reception centre. This early experience taught him the importance of quality, quantity, and exceptional customer service. His passion for working with people and communities grew from these beginnings.
After finishing university, George applied his knowledge of customer service by purchasing a restaurant, which he operated for 18 years. During this time, he continued to work in reception centres, gaining extensive experience in wedding planning and MC duties. Being fluent in three languages further enhanced his ability to connect with diverse clients.
George’s long-standing dedication to hospitality led him to establish Vogue Ballroom in 2014, followed by Vines of the Yarra Valley. His vision was to create venues that stood out through superior service and high-quality offerings. This long history ensures that every event benefits from profound industry knowledge and practical understanding.
Our culinary team brings deep expertise to every dish. Our executive chef and two chefs de cuisine have worked with us for many years. They share George’s commitment to quality and quantity, sourcing the best ingredients and preparing everything fresh on-site. Nothing is pre-cooked or pre-plated, ensuring the freshest possible meal for every guest. This team continually evolves our menu, adapting to client needs while maintaining a high standard.
Our staff members are part of our extended family. We select individuals who are naturally happy and eager to provide excellent service. We do not look for specific technical skills in an interview; we look for a positive attitude. Training for technical skills like carrying plates or clearing tables is provided. Our team undergoes training in food safety handling and future allergy awareness to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and care. This commitment to staff development supports a highly skilled and dedicated team.
Our Extensive Experience
We have a proven track record of running successful events. Vogue Ballroom and Vines of the Yarra Valley host five to six weddings every week across both venues. Our experience extends beyond weddings to include corporate functions, legal training sessions, and school formals. Each event is managed with precision and a deep understanding of what it takes to create memorable occasions.
One of our unique capabilities is running multiple major events in a single day. We can host a large morning wedding, concluding by 3:30 PM, then efficiently "flip" the room. Within 50 to 55 minutes, our team transforms the venue, preparing it in pristine condition for an evening event starting at 6:00 PM. This rapid transformation involves precise coordination among cleaning crews, setup teams, and service staff, all working together seamlessly. This ability highlights our operational excellence and adaptability.
George remains highly involved in all operations. He is on-site at both venues when events are running, overseeing every detail. His personal involvement ensures that the high standards he set are consistently met. This hands-on approach, combined with a highly experienced team, allows us to manage events of all sizes and complexities with ease.
We have catered to a wide range of cultural requirements. Our Western menu can be infused with traditional elements to suit specific cultural needs. We offer flexibility in menu options, allowing clients to choose alternating drops or a single dish for all guests. This adaptability ensures that every couple's vision for their special day is brought to life. Our team works closely with clients for 60 to 80 hours on logistics for each event, meticulously planning every detail.
Our venues are designed for adaptability. Vogue Ballroom features a neutral palette of dark charcoals, silvers, white, and black. This design serves as a blank canvas, allowing clients to dress up the venue to any theme or style they desire. Vines of the Yarra Valley offers an upmarket luxury venue with rustic accents, filling a unique niche in the region. We continuously update our venues and services to reflect current trends, always striving to improve and innovate.
Our Authority in the Industry
Vogue Ballroom and Vines of the Yarra Valley are recognised leaders in the event industry. Our reputation is supported by over 700 five-star reviews from satisfied clients. These reviews consistently praise our exceptional service, the high quality of our food, and the beautiful aesthetics of our venues. This high volume of positive feedback demonstrates widespread client satisfaction and trust in our services.
We have attracted significant media attention and partnerships. Channel 7 filmed their reality show "Extreme Weddings" at Vogue Ballroom, showcasing our ability to execute complex and unique wedding requests. Qantas has also filmed a commercial at our venue, which is projected on their in-flight entertainment screens. More recently, Chris’s Dips, a major food company, chose Vogue Ballroom as the location for their future commercial. These collaborations confirm our status as a premier venue.
Our influence extends to setting industry trends. Vogue Ballroom introduced a bold aesthetic with dark charcoals and silvers. This modern design choice has since been adopted by other venues in the region. We are proud to be trendsetters, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the event experience. Our team engages with stylists locally and internationally to stay at the forefront of design and innovation.
Industry professionals acknowledge our commitment to quality. The owner of a prominent steak restaurant, for example, praised our ability to serve top-quality steak at a large event, noting its equivalence to fine dining standards. This external validation from an expert in the culinary field underscores our commitment to providing exceptional food without compromising on quantity.
George's philosophy of "delivering what you promise and over-delivering what you promise" has shaped our success. This simple yet powerful rule guides every interaction and decision. It has built a reputation where clients know they can trust us to bring their dreams to life. We pride ourselves on having no hidden costs, providing clear communication, and being accessible to clients seven days a week until 9 PM.
Our Commitment to Trust
Trust is at the core of our operations. We are a family-run business with strong family values. George, his wife Angela, and their children are all involved in the business. This family dedication ensures a personal touch and a deep commitment to every event. Our clients are not just numbers; they become part of our extended family. We treat their wedding day as if it were our own.
Our relationships with clients are built on transparency and support. We provide clear, simple pricing with no hidden costs. From the moment a couple books with us until their event day, we maintain regular communication. We check in with them about their wedding dress, suits, and other planning details. This proactive approach ensures clients feel supported and confident throughout their journey with us.
We extend our family values to our staff. We treat every team member as family, fostering a supportive and positive work environment. This approach results in the lowest staff turnover in the industry. Our staff members are invited to family weddings, and we have even travelled overseas to attend their celebrations. This strong bond among our team directly translates into a more dedicated and caring service for our clients.
Guest safety and security are paramount. We have security guards on-site at every event to ensure the well-being of all attendees and the security of the car park. Our venues adhere to all compliance regulations, including regular inspections from environmental health officers. We maintain up-to-date RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) registers and prioritize food safety and hygiene. Our chefs follow strict protocols, ensuring food is prepared and served safely.
We are actively involved in the local community and charitable initiatives. We conduct fundraising events for various community groups and assist local politicians with campaign dinners. We recently sponsored a fundraiser for the Lemnian community of Victoria, helping them raise over $12,500. We believe in supporting everyone, regardless of political affiliation, and strive to be a positive force in the community.
Our commitment to our clients extends to adapting to unforeseen circumstances. If external suppliers like MCs or DJs do not show up, we act quickly. We have a list of trusted suppliers who are treated like family and will respond immediately, even at midnight, to ensure the event proceeds without interruption. This reliability provides peace of mind for our clients. We consistently go above and beyond to make dreams happen, ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile, saying it was the best function they have ever attended.
