Wedding receptions and other big parties/gatherings are held, of course, in many venues across the west – at Werribee Mansion, for example.
But here I am concerned here only with those that bill themselves as reception centres.
I love them!
The above photo was taken while I was attending a recent political fundraiser at 501 Receptions in West Footscray.
In all but one of the other cases, I gained access to the centres simply by walking in.
I took a heap of interior photos – and was even given a guided tour by management in one case.
But the rooms were all either being cleaned up by staff and/or prepared for the next function.
As such, I have chosen not use such photos as it would be unfair.
But what impressed me in all cases was the hushed grandeur of the reception rooms – especially the big ones.
And I admired the architectural skill that creates such grand rooms almost totally without pillars.
All these places spoke to me deeply in terms of community gatherings, of weddings and 21sts and balls and many generations of celebrations.
Of hopes and dreams.
I’d be super thrilled and grateful if any readers would care to chip in with their memories of attending functions at any of these places!
501 Receptions, Barkly Street, West Footscray
Sheldon Recepotion & Convention Centre, Somerville Road, Sunshine West.
Grand Star Reception & Convention Centre, Grieve Parade, Altona North
White Knight Receptions, Hampstead Road, Maidstone
Ultima Function Centre, Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park
Lakeside Banquest & Convention Centre, Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes
The Luxor Function Centre, Sydenham Road, Taylors Lakes
Unknown, Sunshine Road, Tottenham
I’m including this because it was actually this derelict building on Sunshine Road in Tottenham that inspired a reception centre post.
Having driven past it countless times, often wondering about its history, I’d always assumed it was – or had been – a reception centre.
But upon stopping to take photographs, I realised it simply doesn’t seem big or grand enough.
Does anyone know its story?
consider the sauce 
I’ve been to an event at that Keilor one. It’s a classic of he reception centre genre.
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An old Google Maps image reveals the sign “Pontiaki Estia” on the gate of the Tottenham venue – Pontian House. I believe it’s an organisation of people from the Pontus region of Greece, now based in Brunswick.
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No mention of Seview Williamstown
http://seaviewwilliamstown.com.au/
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Hi Gerry! Wow, you got me there – I had no idea, even though I’ve driven past a gazillion times. Maybe it’s easy to miss because, I’m presuming, it’s part of the footy club set-up? Excited about going to check it out! It looks quite different from the old-school places featured above.
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What about the Millennium Reception in Sunshine
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Hi Sue! Was vaguely aware of this one – will check it out.
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yep its part of the refurbished grandstand at Burbank Oval, majestic views of the bay from the function room.
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I would also add the Croatian House or ‘Hrvatski Dom’ at 72 Whitehall Street, Footscray. It’s one I have been to many, many times over the years and is very good. Lakeside is also recommended – happy memories! Really appreciate your blog too.
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Hi Marcia! We, too, enjoy Croatia House – but as it’s also a regularly operating restaurant, I didn’t think of it in the reception centre category!
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Yes a restaurant, but also two large reception-type rooms behind the regular restaurant and a much larger one upstairs, spanning the whole second floor. They operate separate to the restaurant, but similar food I’d guess. Anyway – no commissions coming my way š !! Thanks again!
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I went to one in Sunshine but can’t remember which. I do recall the highlight of the night, in my opinion, was when, instead of coming down the gracefully curving staircase behind the rest of the bridal party, the bride and groom, hard to spot at first inside an intense swirling mass of dry ice, arose from below the floor, accompanied by flashing lights and loud music.
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Hi Blathering! Ooohh – can you remember the song?
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Unfortunately I can’t….I’m sure that a video of the wedding exists somewhere amongst my inlaws so if I happen to find out I’ll let you know. Thinking of using the same entrance at your next function?
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haha no. But I’d hate to die still wondering that that songs was! Sort of thing that turns me on!
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The Tottenham site is going to be the “new” Happy Reception.
The Happy Reception in Ascot Vale is going to be demolished next year to make way for new apartments.
The owner is moving his business to the site in Tottenham which is actually way bigger than it looks.
From the plans I saw, there will be a grand ball room and two smaller ball rooms. Looking forward to seeing it up and running!
Twitter: iisneeno
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Thanks, Neeno! That’s most excellent reception centre goss!
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I’ve had the pleasure of attending weddings at Happy Reception (Ascot Vale), Sheldon, Lakeside, Luxor (Sydenham) – all were fabulous.
White Night is around the corner from me and looks stunning!!! someone invite me there pls!!
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Drove past another great one on the back road to the airport the other day, though I guess strictly northern suburbs not western.
http://www.melrosemelbourne.com.au
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Wow, that is a classic! And yes, definitely western suburbs in my book – what delineates western suburbs is a matter to be adjudicated solely by CTS and its readers.
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Its now called Happy Receptions as I just drive by and saw a sign
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