How to Style The Refinery for a Modern Wedding
Design tips for scale, mood and impact
The Refinery is not a soft venue.
It’s bold, industrial, dark, architectural - and that’s exactly why we love it.
With soaring ceilings, exposed textures and dramatic scale, The Refinery in Brisbane is the perfect canvas for modern, design-led weddings - if you know how to style it properly.
Here’s how we approach floral design at The Refinery, with real-world advice on installations, scale and creating atmosphere.
Photo by: Trent and jessie
Venue: The Refinery
1. Respect the Scale (Or It Will Swallow Your Flowers)
The Refinery is generous in height and width. What feels “big” in another venue can look surprisingly small here.
This is the number one mistake couples make.
A petite arbour? It disappears.
Low, sparse centrepieces? They get lost.
Tiny details without anchor points? Visually swallowed.
What works instead:
Sculptural broken arch or Asymmetrical venue arbour
Grounded floral meadows with width
Overhead installations
Long, layered tablescapes
Staggered plinths with lush layered arrangements
The space rewards confidence.
If you’re styling The Refinery, think in terms of presence, not minimalism for minimalism’s sake.
Venue: The Refinery
Photographer: Sam Wyper Photography
2. Use Contrast Intentionally
The Refinery’s interior leans dark and industrial. This creates a beautiful opportunity for contrast.
You can go two ways:
Option A: Lean Into the Mood
Deep reds, burgundies, chocolate tones, textured foliage and candlelight create a cinematic, romantic atmosphere. This works particularly beautifully for evening weddings.
Option B: Create Soft Contrast
White and green florals, layered neutrals and textural elements soften the space and bring warmth against the dark backdrop.
Both approaches work - what matters is commitment. Half-measures tend to look accidental.
Photo by: Lover of mine
Venue: The refinery
3. Let the Ceiling Do Some of the Work
The Refinery’s height is a gift.
If your budget allows, overhead installations or suspended greenery can dramatically shift the energy of the space. Even more subtle ceiling moments - like mini floating floral clouds - help visually lower the room and create intimacy.
If overhead isn’t an option, use:
Taller centrepieces
Elevated candle groupings
Structured floral moments at eye level
Vertical movement is key.
photo by: Stories by ash
Venue: The Refinery
4. Don’t Forget Lighting
Florals and lighting are partners.
Candlelight is transformative in this venue. The darker walls amplify the glow, creating depth and intimacy.
We always recommend:
Taper candles in varied heights
Warm-toned lighting (avoid harsh white)
Highlighting key floral moments
At The Refinery, mood is everything.
Planning your 2026 wedding flowers in Brisbane, Gold Coast or Scenic Rim?
We’d love to design something romantic, modern and unforgettable for your day.
5. Know When to Pull Back
Here’s the nuance.
While scale matters, clutter does not.
The Refinery shines when florals feel sculptural and intentional - not overly busy. Strong silhouettes, negative space and thoughtful placement feel far more modern than filling every corner.
Modern design is about restraint and impact.
Why We Love Designing at The Refinery
This venue invites couples to be bold. It rewards intention. It photographs beautifully when styled with confidence.
We’ve created:
Dark, romantic Halloween weddings
Crisp white-and-green modern celebrations
Colour-forward receptions with strong contrast
Sculptural installations that transform the space
The common thread? Thoughtful design that respects the architecture.
If you’re planning a wedding at The Refinery and want florals that feel modern, balanced and impactful, we’d love to help you design something unforgettable.
Let’s talk blooms.
Ready to Start Planning Your 2026/2027 Wedding Flowers?
If you're dreaming of modern, romantic, intentional florals for your Brisbane or Gold Coast or Scenic Rim wedding, we’d love to bring your vision to life.
