Katie & Thomas' Relaxed Country Wedding at Settlers Rest

There are some wedding days where everything just seems to fall into place.

The weather is beautiful, everyone is relaxed, the drinks are flowing and you can hear laughter and conversation happening all around you.

That was exactly the feeling at Katie and Thomas' wedding at Settlers Rest Country Estate.

With 100 guests joining them on 22 August 2026, the day had that beautiful relaxed country feel that makes Settlers Rest such a special place to celebrate.

A Beautiful Day at Settlers Rest

The sun was shining, there was a gentle country breeze and the weather couldn't have been better for an outdoor celebration.

Guests spent the afternoon chatting, laughing and enjoying themselves, making the most of the beautiful surroundings.

It was the kind of atmosphere we love at a wedding. Nothing felt rushed, everyone had plenty of time to catch up and there was a real sense that people were simply enjoying being together.

Cocktails, Canapés & Lawn Games

As the celebration got underway, the team from Wild Ivory took care of the bar service, serving up Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritzes during cocktail hour.

Our team were moving through the courtyard with trays of roaming canapés, giving guests something delicious to enjoy while they mingled and explored the space.

With the warm weather and beautiful country setting, the courtyard was the perfect place for everyone to settle into the afternoon.

And the lawn games were getting plenty of attention too.

This is one of the things we love about cocktail hour. It doesn't have to be complicated. Good food, great drinks, a beautiful space and plenty of time to enjoy it can create a fantastic atmosphere.

Dinner in the Barn

As the evening rolled around, guests made their way into the barn for dinner.

Two long tables were set up for the evening, creating a beautiful communal dining experience for the 100 guests.

Following the speeches, it was time for the main event, an abundant banquet feast.

Guests could pass the platters along, choose the dishes they wanted and build their own ideal plate.

Why Banquet Dining Works So Well

Banquet dining is one of our favourite styles for a relaxed wedding, and this wedding was a perfect example of why.

There's something really enjoyable about sitting around a long table with a group of people you love and having food spread out in front of you.

Someone passes the potatoes.

Someone asks for the platter at the other end of the table.

Someone goes back for a little more of their favourite dish.

It naturally creates conversation and interaction, making the meal feel like part of the celebration rather than simply a break for dinner.

It's also a great option for couples who want a proper sit-down meal without making the reception feel overly formal.

MENU

Canapé

Braised Beef Sliders, bbq sauce, cheddar & pickled cabbage Teriyaki Chicken Gyoza, mint, sesame & miso mayo
Parmesan & Mushroom Arancini, thyme & truffle mayo

Banquet Proteins
Slow Cooked Chicken, salsa verde & radish
Braised Beef Cheek, parsley & red wine sauce

Banquet Hot Sides
Roasted Pumpkin, cabbage jam & dukkah
Garlic Roasted Potatoes, rosemary & eshallot salt

Banquet Cold Sides
Roma Tomato, cucumber, chickpea, verde & feta

Thank You, Katie & Thomas

It was such a pleasure to be part of Katie and Thomas' wedding and to help bring their dining experience together.

Congratulations to Katie and Thomas, and thank you for letting us be part of your day.

Planning Your Wedding at Settlers Rest?

If you're planning a wedding at Settlers Rest Country Estate, we've catered at the venue regularly and know how to make the most of the space.

The venue works beautifully with a range of dining styles, including roaming canapés, banquet dining and individually plated service.

We also work closely with the Settlers Rest team to make sure everything behind the scenes is organised and the catering service runs smoothly on the day.

Explore our Settlers Rest venue page →

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Why Banquet Dining Is So Popular at Weddings