Inviting professional guest speakers to your corporate event can be an excellent way to attract attendees and add something special to your conference – so you'll want to show them your appreciation afterwards. Picking out a memorable gift is easy, the more useful it is, the more likely it will be appreciated.

Tech and Gadgets

Practical presents are great and most people love getting their hands on a new piece of technology. Travelling speakers are especially likely to appreciate gifts such as solar powered chargers for phones or laptops; handy flash drives; or music-filled mp3 players.

Gift Cards

Your speaker may be travelling from out of town and therefore low on luggage space. Choose a present they'll be able to enjoy without adding weight to their bags by giving gift cards for popular coffee shops or restaurants.

Charity Causes

A donation to a worthy cause is often appreciated, especially if you are able to find out whether there are any charities that are particularly close to your speaker's heart.

Free Advertising

It's important to remember that while a gift is great, professional speakers are even more likely to appreciate repeat work. If they’ve done a good job, be sure to sing their praises online and in person, so that they can continue to enjoy bookings.

If you're hoping to host your next corporate seminar at a waterfront Sydney venue, be sure to contact The Waterfront Function Centre on (02) 8999 8502 and find out about their excellent amenities and beautiful views.

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: Waterfront Function Centre, corporate event planning, gift ideas for corporates

After months of planning your perfect day, the last thing you want is an unexpected disaster to pour cold water on your reception. Avoid common mishaps by making sure you've got your bases covered to create a memorable wedding.

Transport Troubles

Pre-wedding there is likely to be many guests assuming they'll be fine to get home. However, a successful reception and a busy bar can soon put paid to that idea. Make provisions for those who can't drive home – either book buses for extra runs to cover unexpected passengers or come to an arrangement with a local taxi firm.

Pintsized Party Poopers

Weddings can be tiring for everyone – especially children. Keep things calm by providing a special children's table complete with entertainment options and consider allocating a babysitter and setting up films for younger guests to enjoy.

Wilting Wedding Flowers

Avoid browning, sad looking bouquets by choosing hardy flowers in the first place. Dahlias, lilies, sunflowers, gerbera daisies and hydrangeas are all great choices. Try to keep flowers away from sources of heat on the big day.

Missing Guests

Changing venue between the service and the reception can sometimes cause confusion and it's possible you might lose some guests along the way. Include a map in your wedding programme and ensure all guests get a copy.

Blinding Sunsets

Outdoor weddings are beautiful but you should check expected sunset times and be careful to ensure your ceremony doesn’t coincide with them. Ask to see your venue at the time of day you're planning to marry and assess your lighting needs.

Wedding Venues in Sydney

For excellent waterfront wedding venues in Sydney call (02) 8999 8502 and find out more about The Waterfront Function Centre.

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: wedding planning tips, Waterfront Function Centre, common wedding disasters, avoid a wedding disaster

Dear Mary,

Thank you so much for helping to organise our 50 years Reunion on Sunday. It was 50 years since we left Our Lady of Mercy College and we got 18 of our original class of 26 plus one nun who taught us all attend the lunch. We had a wonderful afternoon with lots of laughs and recollections.

Your venue and staff and kitchen far surpassed our expectations. The room was impeccably presented and the two young men who worked with us were a real credit to your club! Tommy who helped on arrival and did bar and Thomas who did the lunch were extremely polite and they worked over and beyond expectations to help in every way and make our afternoon stress free and so enjoyable. The food was absolutely beautiful and served with great professionalism. I do hope you can pass on congratulations on a job well done to Tommy and Thomas - they deserve a reward from management. We will certainly have no hesitation in recommending St George Motor Boat Club to our many friends and relatives for future functions.

Thanks again for your assistance in the organisation.

Kind regards

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed on Personal Email at 9/05/13

Reviewed by Sue Greer and Cara Minns

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: Waterfront Function Centre, waterfront function centre testimonial, waterfront function centre reviews

For beautiful blooms on your autumn wedding day, make sure you choose the best seasonal flowers for your wedding. Sticking to flowers that naturally bloom in and around autumn means you'll be able to enjoy fresh, natural bouquets that look great, so get inspired and know your wedding looks gorgeous.

Add Structure to Your Bouquet

Spring and summer flowers can look lovely when tied loosely together, but autumn blooms tend to be more beautiful when structured. Go for a tightly packed bouquet instead and consider wrapping the stalks in textured fabrics or ribbons for an added layer of sophistication.

Use Dramatic Shades

One of the best things about autumn flowers is how dramatic their colours can be. Use this to your advantage and create eye-catching centrepieces and bouquets that are packed with stunning shades of orange, gold, burgundy and plum. Roses and dahlias are perfect autumn flowers and tend to have vibrant hues, so make the most of them.

Think Beyond Flowers

There are lots of lovely touches that can be added to a display of autumn flowers, such as lotus pods or hypericum berries. Ferns and twigs are also great for creating texture, so don't limit yourself to flowers when you're creating your arrangements.

Wedding Reception Venues in Sydney

When you're planning your wedding flowers, you'll want to be able to visualise your venue. For a gorgeous waterfront view and flowering gardens, be sure to consider The Waterfront Function Centre. Call (02) 8999 8502 to arrange a time to view this picturesque wedding venue in Sans Souci.

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: autumn wedding trends, Waterfront Function Centre, autumn flowers, Autumn Weddings

Making sure you have the most fabulous wedding possible is a high priority for the team at The Waterfront Function Centre, that's why we've cherry-picked a series of great suppliers to help you along the way. Hugs For Brides is a bridal wear supplier with a huge range of gorgeous wedding dresses and inspirational outfits – perfect for making you feel special on your big day.

Beautiful Bridal Wear

Hugs For Brides is a bridal wear boutique that stocks everything from breathtaking wedding gowns to adorable flower girl dresses and beautiful mother of the bride ensembles. Whether you're looking for sleek and chic or romantic and floating, you're sure to find a design in this comprehensive selection. There is also a great plus size selection on offer. Hugs For Brides is a one-stop shop to dress perfection.

Disney Princess Dresses

Fans of Disney will love the range of princess inspired dresses in their Fairytale Collection. From Ariel to Sleeping Beauty or Jasmine, Hugs For Brides stocks white and wonderful wedding dresses that have been modelled on the fabulous outfits worn by some of the world's most iconic characters, so you're sure to feel like a princess as you walk down the aisle.

Sydney Wedding Venues Sans Souci

When it comes to organising your special day, you'll be glad to know that choosing The Waterfront Function Centre as your wedding venue ensures you access to a range of wonderful amenities and suppliers. Call the friendly team on (02) 8999 8502 to arrange an appointment.

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: Waterfront Function Centre, waterfront function centre suppliers, hugs for brides, waterfront preferred suppliers

Gorgeous russet browns and golden hues, more chilled out temperatures and a romantic air, autumn can be a lovely time for weddings. Find out if you could be an autumn bride with some great advice for making the most of this wonderful season, from scenic wedding venues to perfect colour schemes.

Choosing Your Wedding Colours

Autumn is rich with gorgeous colour schemes so you might want to take inspiration from the natural world. Have a look at which flowers are blooming in Australia in autumn and see if you can incorporate these florals into your wedding theme.

The rich oranges and browns of autumn can also lend inspiration to your wedding dress, with champagne hues offering a wonderful old-fashioned glamour to your colour scheme.

Making the Most of the Weather

There's something very special about the crisp coolness of autumn after the heat of summer, so enjoy the best the season has to offer with both indoor and outdoor elements on your big day.

You won’t have to worry about cranking up the air conditioner to keep your guests cool, and you should be able to avoid the worst of the cold weather by choosing an autumn wedding venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. A waterfront wedding can be particularly lovely in autumn, especially if your party runs on into the evening and you can watch the lights playing on the surface of the water.

Waterfront Wedding Receptions in Sydney

To ensure you have a stunning wedding venue to enhance your special day, call (02) 8999 8502 to find out more about the beautiful waterfront wedding venue at The Waterfront Function Centre.  

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: Waterfront Function Centre, autumn flowers, Autumn Weddings , choosing autumn wedding flowers, autumn wedding tips

The white wedding dress has become an enduring symbol for the institution of marriage, with brides from all over the world choosing to say their nuptials in snowy dresses. However, the tradition of wearing a white wedding gown has changed and evolved greatly throughout the years. Unveiled, a recent exhibition at the WA Museum in Perth, followed many of the important milestones of the white wedding dress.

White Wedding Dresses in the Western World

In 1840, England's Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in a white wedding dress, sparking the first big modern trend for the colour. Her decision was reported widely throughout the empire and started to influence women all over, persuading them that white was an immensely desirable colour for their weddings.

In the exhibition a large number of weddings dresses and a selection of pieces for both brides and grooms were displayed, on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. These ranged from older items preserved from the days of Queen Victoria all the way up to modern wedding dresses worn by current celebrities. For example, the wedding dresses included those worn by singer Gwen Stefani and performer Dita von Teese on their special days.

Creating Your Perfect Wedding

Making sure your wedding is wonderful means more than simply finding the right dress, you want the ideal menu, music and wedding venue too. There's nothing like a fantastic waterfront wedding venue for adding an extra splash of romance to the event, whether you choose a traditional dress or a more modern design.

For a breathtaking waterfront wedding venue, call (02) 8999 8502 and speak to the friendly and knowledgeable team at The Waterfront Function Centre.

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: Waterfront Function Centre, history of the white wedding dress, significance of the white wedding dress, history of the wedding dress

Creating a wedding guest list is typically a tricky task as budget constraints or wedding venue specifications can make it particularly challenging, especially when you're worried about the number of children potentially attending.

However, do remember that it's your wedding day and it's perfectly acceptable to invite your friends and family while also explaining that you'd prefer for them to come without their children

http://www.youtube.com/v/pf-3QpvdhBo?hl=en&fs=1

Wording Your Wedding Invitation

Whether your budget makes it impossible to cater for children as well as adults or you'd simply prefer a wedding that didn't include people under the age of 10, the decision to omit children is completely up to you.

To get your point across without being overly confrontational, simply omit any mentions of children's names on the insert and invite. Instead, address it to the adults you're hoping to see at your wedding.

Be prepared for some families to get in touch and ask you whether there's a possibility of their children attending. Simply explain the reasons you'd rather they didn't and be sure to stick to your plan.

Wedding Venues in Sydney

Once you have your guest list decided, you'll want to find the perfect waterfront venue for an unforgettable wedding. Discover a gorgeous option in Sydney by calling (02) 8999 8502 and finding out more about the brilliant waterfront wedding venue at The Waterfront Function Centre. Get a quote or learn why it's the perfect scenic wedding venue for your special day.

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: planning a wedding without children, Waterfront Function Centre, invitee list advice, wedding planning advice, wedding guestlist

Dear Leah and Kate,

What an amazing day! Thank you so much for making our day so special. Everything was perfect and our guests were in awe of how good the day was. So grateful to you and your team. You should be proud of your high level of customer service and the outstanding hospitality you provide. We will definitely be recommending your venue to other couples and look forward to visiting soon.

Kind Regards,
 

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed on Email Review at 15/04/13

Reviewed by Susan & Christian Lotter

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: waterfront function centre testimonial, waterfront function centre review, waterfront function centre reviews

A corporate event can offer an excellent opportunity to give something back to the local community. The next time you're planning a corporate event or team building exercise, why not incorporate a way to raise some money for your favourite local charity? Find out how to encourage donations with some top tips to get you started.

The Power of Online Fundraising

To raise as much money for your chosen charity as possible, it's a great idea to embrace online technology. It offers an excellent level of immediacy, ensuring potential donators can find out everything they need to know about the organisation at the click of a button.

Online donations are also very efficient for the charity, making sure they get the money quickly as well as potential contact details for future campaigns. Be sure to promote your fundraising efforts through your own website and social media channels and also offer as many ways to donate as possible. The easier you make it for people to give money, the more likely it is that they will.

If you're thinking about choosing a charity for your next corporate event, get your fundraising started early by setting up online donation options before the event itself.

Fundraising on the Night

Of course, just because you've been raising money online it doesn’t mean you won't want to make the most of possibilities on the night. Be sure you have an attractive and also accommodating venue that can help you organise everything from on-site donations to charity auctions.

Located in scenic Sans Souci, The Waterfront Function Centre is a gorgeous Sydney function venue that will be happy to work with you in creating an excellent fundraising event. Call (02) 8999 8502 for more details on their event packages.

More from The Waterfront Function Centre: corporate function venues, corporate fundraising, Waterfront Function Centre, fundraising tips