Moody Magic in The Great Hall: Millie & Paul’s Stylish Cocktail Wedding

Millie and Paul’s wedding at The Great Hall was the kind of day that makes us want to throw confetti every time we think about it. Stylish? Yes. Sustainable? You bet. A full vibe? Absolutely. Their cocktail wedding struck the perfect balance between laid-back fun and sophisticated wow-factor — all with a bold, moody edge that worked so beautifully in this iconic Christchurch venue.

From the get-go, these two knew they wanted a celebration that didn’t follow a traditional rulebook. A seated dinner wasn’t their thing — instead, they were after a cocktail-style wedding where their guests could mix, mingle and keep the party moving (cocktail in hand…obviously).

But with a venue like The Great Hall, there’s a little more to it than just skipping the chairs. So, let’s dig into the details!

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Cocktail Wedding = Vibe. Logistics = Reality.

Let’s talk about The Great Hall. She’s an absolute stunner — soaring ceilings, wooden panelling, heritage details to die for. But… she’s also a blank canvas. That means every single thing — from lounges and bar furniture to dining tables and glassware needs to be brought in, styled, and packed down on the same day (and the same night - hellow 2am finishes). No pressure, right?

Millie and Paul were up for the challenge, and so were we - we are no strangers to this stunning venue and working here for years it’s second nature.

They quickly realised that going cocktail-style can come with more hire costs than a seated wedding, especially when comfort, aesthetic and flow all matter (which they absolutely should). But with our planning tools, custom moodboards and floorplans, we made sure the day would flow like champagne — smooth, stylish, and without a hitch.

Oh, and let’s not forget the weather plan. Because New Zealand likes to keep us on our toes, we had wet weather contingencies ready to go for the courtyard. Thankfully, we didn’t need them — but you know we love being two steps ahead. Had the weather not played ball, our Plan B was inside the hall itself, meaning a quick flip after the ceremony to get chairs and furniture spaces back into place quickly and without a fuss so guests (and the party) wouldn’t be stalled.

Styling That Brings the Drama (In the Best Way)

Moody and bold was the brief — and honestly? It delivered. Deep velvety emeralds, matte black and rich gold tones paired with lush florals and a healthy hit of greenery gave this day major editorial energy. We’re talking the kind of look that lives rent-free in your wedding dreams.

One big styling challenge? No real flames allowed - it’s a heritage building, after all. But you don’t need open flames to bring the style. We used rechargable touch lamps and flameless wax candles to create that romantic glow — all the ambiance, none of the fire risk aswell as using sustainable elements that are both smart and contemporary.

And don’t get us started on the trees. Yep, we brought the outdoors in. Living trees and shrubs were styled throughout The Great Hall to soften the space and add natural nooks and texture. It was lush, layered, and oh-so-inviting — the kind of environment where guests actually want to linger longer.

Comfort, Flow, and the Power of a Good Lounge Space

The key to a good cocktail wedding? Making it feel effortless. We layered in a mix of seating zones: think velvet lounges, high-top tables, cosy corners and chic bar areas. It wasn’t just stylish — it was functional.

Because The Great Hall is one big open space, zoning is everything. Without a clear plan, things can feel chaotic fast. But we love a good floorplan almost as much as we love a floral install — and Millie and Paul’s layout made the most of the space while keeping guests moving and mingling all night long.

It’s these little things — the thoughtful layouts, the comfortable seating, the intentional styling — that make a cocktail wedding not just pretty, but practical.

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Vendors

Every good party has a great team behind it, and this one was no different. We worked with an absolute dream crew to bring Millie and Paul’s day to life:

• Venue: The Great Hall, Arts Centre

• Florals: Kakariki Flowers

• Planning: Rad Agency

• Photography: Stacey Cavalier Photography

• Styling & Hire: The Little Hire Company — that’s us, hi!

Massive shoutout to Stacey Cavalier for capturing the whole day with style and soul. From courtyard golden hour to moody reception vibes, she nailed it.

Kind Words

We couldn’t be more thrilled with this glowing review from Millie and Paul:

“Fallon and her team at The Little Hire Company are the experts when it comes to styling! We had them style our wedding at The Great Hall from top to toe and would 100% recommend them to anyone getting married or hosting an event. Having a styling consultation is well worth the money and will put together a cohesive look and advise where to best prioritise your budget. Thank you again for bringing the plan to life, it was truly magical.”

- Millie and Paul

Planning Your Own Cocktail Wedding at The Great Hall?

Thinking of hosting your own wedding at The Great Hall? We’re here for it — and for you.

This venue is a showstopper, but it does need a thoughtful plan and a team that knows how to make magic under pressure. Whether you’re after moody and romantic, modern and minimal, or something totally you, we can help design a celebration that feels as good as it looks.

Let’s bring your Pinterest board to life — with floorplans, moodboards, and just the right amount of sass.

Book in a consulation with us and let’s start planning!