Lots of work goes into making a wedding tick. Fortunately, Canberra is home to a selection of experts who are there to make wedding days as stress-free as can be.

Weddings can be a stressful experience, from finding the perfect venue to getting the right make-up. 

Handcrafted bespoke jewellery that’s made to last

Husband-and-wife duo George Karvounis and Rebecca Lee Bon are the owners and goldsmiths behind Bowral Fine Jewellery.

“We are extremely passionate about craftsmanship and the highest level of fine jewellery,” says Rebecca. 

Specialising in handmade jewellery, Rebecca says they make all of their engagement and wedding rings by hand, customised to each client.

“We also offer repairs, including resizing, detailing and polish to bring old pieces back to new ahead of the big day, and on-site rhodium plating for white gold.”

All work is done onsite by either Rebecca or George, who bring with them years of experience as former big-city jewellery designers. 

George, a second generation goldsmith, and Rebecca have more than 50 years of combined experience, formally working and making pieces for top designers in Sydney. 

“We only work with natural stones and everything natural that comes from this beautiful earth,” says Rebecca. 

“We have generational connections to others in the trade, offering the very best diamonds and coloured gemstones.”

All custom orders are completely handmade in the boutique, from melting fine gold to the finished ring. 

“Handmade jewellery has many advantages as the metal is more dense and stronger from the work done to it,” says Rebecca. 

“That’s the reason our grandparents’ jewellery lasts so long!”

Bowral Fine Jewellery, Grand Arcade, Shop 7B/295 Bong Bong Street, Bowral NSW. Call 0435 039111 or visit bowralfinejewellery.com.au

Elizabeth’s dream wedding came with the Royal touch

“It was a stunning day,” says Elizabeth McGrath, who was married at the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan in October.

“The staff and customer service were beautiful for everything, from the lead up to the day itself and then the day after.”

The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan is a popular venue for wedding parties and is a location that Elizabeth can’t speak highly enough about. 

“It was the most comfortable experience,” she says. 

“They were super accommodating and let us explore the space on multiple occasions.

“They answered every question I had and, as a first-time bride, I had many!” 

Elizabeth’s dream day was entirely located at the hotel, with the groom and his groomsmen getting ready in one of its many suites. 

“We had the ceremony and reception there,” says Elizabeth.

“It wasn’t just a venue, I spent the day feeling like I was among friends.”

After saying “I do” at the ceremony, staff completely flipped the room in 30 minutes, changing the decorations to make it feel like an entirely different venue. 

“They were absolutely beautiful to work with,” Elizabeth says.

“They weren’t forceful on time and their food variety was amazing, catering to all sorts of dietary requirements.

“Throughout the process, we met the chefs, entire management team and staff, who all made our day and the lead-up a dream experience.”

Elizabeth says the venue was “great value for money” and came with “beautiful event management”.

“Our favourite part of the organisation was tasting the menu, where we got to see the entire space as well as the table decorations and wine/beer recommendations after meeting the chef.”

Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6297 1444 or visit royalhotelqbn.com.au

Lauren provides a wedding venue sanctuary

With options for 120 cocktail guests, or 80 seated table places, founder and managing director of Sanctuary Canberra, Lauren Harkness says their picturesque building offers a “versatile function room with inviting natural light and a newly renovated tranquil outdoor space that allows an indoor/outdoor flow.”

According to Lauren, the Narrabundah space has always stood out as a perfect wedding venue. 

“From the first time I stepped into Sanctuary, before it even had a name, the bright, open space captured my heart.”

“It’s almost as if you can feel the celebrations and connections that have been held there before you.”

Offering venue hire, a customised room set up, cutlery, crockery, linen and glassware according to clients’ event needs, Lauren says they also offer a full service wedding package to co-ordinate the ceremony, celebrant, photographer, premium afternoon tea and the full styling. 

“All you have to do is arrange your outfits and turn up on the day!” she says. 

Lauren’s passion for providing the perfect wedding has meant that each event is entirely unique to the client. 

“We don’t compromise on menu and decor and don’t charge for mandatory inclusions you don’t need,” she says.

“Here at Sanctuary, you choose what makes your event special.”

Sanctuary Canberra, 7 Brockman Street, Narrabundah. Call 0410 585 175 or visit sanctuarycanberra.com.au

Louise goes all out for the bridal party

Getting married is more than saying “I do”, there’s lots of preparation that goes into making a wedding into the perfect day. 

Louise McMahon, owner of Deziner Beauty, says she’s passionate about taking the stress out of making the big day an event to remember. 

“I’ll be there – rain, hail or shine!” she says. 

Working in the industry for 26 years, Louise says she loves everything about weddings. 

“Everyone is so happy, I really do love being involved.”

“If there’s anything I can do to help out, I’m there.”

Louise’s services range from waxing, tanning, teeth brightening, facials, extensions, tinting and make-up.

“We have facials to transform the skin so that you’re glowing and fresh for your photos,” she says.

“They are nice and quick, which is perfect for the morning of a wedding.”

According to Louise, weddings can often be stressful, but she’s proud to work “above and beyond to make the wedding party’s day!”

Louise says her services aren’t just reserved for women, with many men coming in for eyebrow/face waxing, nails and facials. 

“I remember my first make-up session, and I still love it!” she says. 

“You’ve got to be able to work under high pressure at a wedding,” she says.

“But make-up is one of those things that can always be fixed.

“I work with my clients and am super flexible, so it’s okay if they change their mind on the day.

“I’m there to make their day as special as it can be.”

Deziner Beauty, Shop 16/18 Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 5792 or visit dezinerbeauty.com.au

The hotel where unconventional meets elegance

Situated in the heart of Canberra, Braddon’s Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection, is a perfect spot for weddings, says sales and marketing director, Gemma Turenko.

“Midnight Hotel offers everything for your wedding, from the ceremony, reception, honeymoon suite to recovery breakfast the next day,” she says.

“We take pride in the hotel’s exceptional service, breathtaking architecture and unique design.”

According to Gemma, the wedding party can expect exceptional service, food, bespoke drinks and a personal wedding co-ordinator.

“It’s all to make your day perfect,” she says. 

“We have creative and unique add ons such as a champagne tower, personalised cocktails, a seafood station, oyster bar, lawn games and recovery brunch.

“We aren’t your average wedding venue, [it’s here that] unconventional meets elegance.”

The hotel offers a selection of indoor and outdoor venues to choose from, each with a different design and “flair”.

“Additionally, on site, there are several beauty focused businesses to prepare you for your special day,” says Gemma. 

Midnight Hotel is the only and first Marriott International Hotel in Canberra. 

“This means guests, including wedding guests can earn Bonvoy points during their stay.”

Ahead of the upcoming autumn wedding season, Gemma says Midnight Hotel has a special offer.

“If you book your wedding and spend a minimum of $10,000 you will receive two free nights’ stay.”

Gemma says to redeem this offer, bookings must be made before March 31 and the couple must say “I do” before March 31, 2026.

Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection. 1 Elouera Street, Braddon. Call 6220 0000 or visit marriott.com

Stepping confidently on to the dance floor

Dancing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, especially at weddings, but Dale Harris, owner of Dale’s Ballroom, says she can help even the most timid of dancers. 

“We do private classes by appointment and we can accommodate choreographing a dance for your own routine, to the music you have chosen,” she says.

“We teach everything, from how to walk on to the floor, how to present themselves and to really make it special by standing up and being confident in what they’re doing.”

Dale is an expert in many styles of dance including tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese waltz, and cha cha, samba, jive, rumba and paso doble. 

Dale, who has more than 25 years’ experience teaching dance, started dancing at the age of six, when she developed an interest in ballroom dancing. 

Dale also offers plenty of scheduled dance classes, perfect for someone with many weddings coming up that wants some help with their dancing.

Dale says she encourages anyone to come and learn regardless of age or experience.

“We have people of all ages coming in for the classes,” she says, with adult classes on Wednesdays, starting at 7pm, and junior classes every Thursday from 5pm.

She says classes cover Latin, New Vogue and standard dances.

Dale’s Ballroom Dancing, 6/38 Reed Street North, Greenway. Call 0407 066110 or visit dalesballroomdancing.com