The Wedding Weekend
Choosing a venue is one of the biggest decisions in wedding planning, setting the tone for the entire celebration. But imagine a place where the party doesn’t have to end after the last dance – a venue where you and your guests can stay the whole weekend, soaking up every joyful moment together. From stress-free logistics to extended quality time with loved ones, wedding venues with onsite accommodation offer more than just a beautiful backdrop – they create a complete experience. Here, Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Jessica Muller chats with Florine Piron, the owner and manager of Bonfire Station, about why staying onsite could be the best decision you make for your big day.
Photography by Fotogenica.
Piron started the business with her partner, Rob, nine years ago, with the desire to share their beautiful property with others. “We host celebrations of all kinds, mostly weddings, but also birthdays, family getaways, corporate retreats and more,” Piron says. Bonfire station is not just a country venue, but also a microbrewery. “We craft all our beers and ciders onsite, and in true family business style, Rob’s brother Phil is our master brewer.” Bonfire Station offers accommodation for up to fifty guests across a mix of private and bunk rooms. The accommodation is just a short walk away from the reception area, so everything and everyone is close by.
Stay The Weekend
“If it fits within budget, I highly recommend staying for at least one night, and ideally for the whole weekend,” Piron advises. “We started hosting weddings in 2017 and we straight away promoted the weekend formula.” Piron had many friends getting married at this time, and they all emphasised how fast the day disappears and wished they could have extended the celebration. “We wanted from the start to offer this possibility to couples celebrating with us and it has been very popular,” she adds.
The benefits of staying for the whole weekend are endless, as doing so gives couples the freedom and flexibility to organise their day in a way that suits them best. “The couple is surrounded by loved ones, not just for the celebration, but for the lead up and pack up too,” Piron describes. “It’s really nice to see family and friends all working together, bringing the celebration to life.” Overall, it allows for a relaxed experience, with plenty of time to make lasting memories with loved ones.
The Night Before
Checking in on the Friday afternoon allows the couple to get settled in the venue and spend some extra time with their loved ones. “Many couples host a welcome dinner on Friday night with their inner circle, though they’re welcome to invite the full guest list,” Piron advises. “They have the option to self-cater using our guest kitchen or make use of our catering services,” she adds.
“Not only does it allow couples to have a welcome dinner on Friday night, but it also means friends and family become familiar with the venue and staff ahead of the celebration,” Piron notes. There’s plenty to do in the area, and many couples make the most of it. “One wedding party, for example, checked in on Friday and went on a group hike before returning to the venue for dinner,” Piron recounts. “All our couples truly appreciate the flexibility to take things at their own pace, the freedom to personalise their timeline and the opportunity to spend extra time with guests.”
The Big Day
On the Saturday, the day of the wedding, Piron observes that most guests stay onsite, enjoying the space and putting the final touches on the day’s plan. Some groups also choose to explore what the area has to offer, including hiking trails, golf courses, wineries, waterfalls, Lake Eildon and more. “Vendors and guests are welcome to come and go as they wish,” Piron advises. “The afternoon is reserved for the ceremony and reception.” The couple themselves have plenty of time to bring their own touch to the venue and get ready onsite. “We have a vintage bus onsite that most brides use as a space to get ready. It’s tucked slightly away, offering privacy while still being onsite,” Piron describes.
Staying onsite also offers the flexibility to approach the ceremony without stress, as the couples know that Bonfire Station staff are onsite and ready to help problem-solve any surprises that may come up. “One of our couples asked their guests to stay at the bar an extra thirty minutes while they waited for a passing shower to clear, allowing them to go ahead with their dream wedding in our blue gum plantation,” Piron recalls.
However, the key benefit of staying onsite is not needing to worry about arranging transport at the end of the evening. “For our guests staying onsite, it’s a great way to fully enjoy the celebrations without having to drive home,” Piron elaborates. “It’s also ideal for parents as they can put the kids to bed and then easily rejoin the festivities,” she adds.
Recovery Breakfast
“On Sunday morning, everyone enjoys one last breakfast together before heading off,” Piron says. A recovery breakfast is a great way to extend the celebration and ease guests back to reality after a night of dancing and festivities. It offers a relaxed environment where friends and family can reconnect, share stories from the big day and savour a meal together. It’s also a perfect opportunity for the couple to express gratitude to their loved ones in a more intimate setting. “Our restaurant opens at 12pm on Sunday, so those not quite ready to leave are most welcome to stay a little longer and soak up the final moments,” Piron says.