Taronga Zoo Weddings

Ever since we signed the contract we had nothing but disappointment.
- Signed a contract with a package, only at our meal tasting we were informed the package had changed. No prior communication occurred.
- Package was only honoured when we provided evidence of written agreement prior to... signing contract
- At Meal tasting we were told we couldn’t have additional guests when item is listed in contract
- At meal tasting 2 of the 6 meals provided were not ones we selected. 1 wasn’t even on the menu to select. No opportunity to have a retasting at our expense. Needed to select 2 items blindly for our wedding.
- Communication with the group is deplorable. After 6 weeks of no responses to emails, phone calls or messages, we contacted head office. When we finally got a hold of the manager Jacinta, she told me I was “condescending” on this phone when I stated I was just following their contract and blamed covid for delayed response. After this the team Implemented 0 messages.

When you set a price for a venue, a certain standard of service and professionalism is expected, see the list below in how Trippas White Group, failed in our expectations
1) service was ordinary. Table service was not delivered together, staff often confused on who is receiving meals, instances where half the table would be served 5 minutes before the rest of the table etc. We confirmed there would be a staff ratio of 20:1, however no more than 3 personnel were seen to serve meals all night for 100 person event.
2) Servers could not answer questions about what the canapés were being served. 3 ) Servers were obsessed with collecting glassware when the guest just finished. This left guests confused and requiring to go the the bar for new glassware.
4) minimal roaming service of alcohol. This lack of service causes a clogging effect on the bar with only 1 bar tender.
5) the “included” table salad was dismally small for a table to 8-10. It needs to be noted we already upgraded our meals with additional add ons. If we didn’t I believe people would go hungry.
6) No dedicated staff for the bridal party. We were ignored most the night and only had drinks filled once.
7) there was no roaming service of the complementary tea or coffee. We needed to specifically ask.
8) we paid $150 extra to have a dedicated staff member complete the barista coffee. Imagine my surprise when I found that i paid extra for the person already assigned to the bar, or the event planner of the night to complete this task. Barista style coffee supplied was in a take-away cups when crockery was available.
9) During the canapés hour (additional charge we paid) the rooftop ran out of drinks. Then towards the end of the canapé hour, guests were informed that there were no more beers available for consumption and had to wait until the reception. This should not have occurred as we had a 6 hour package.
10 ) overall timing for service was DISMLY slow. During the planning stage we asked for meal timing to be sped up, to which was agreed. However on the night, it was ignored. My husband needed to walk into the kitchen and ask what the hold up was for dessert as everything was all ready to go and no-one ready to serve it.
11 ) general zoo photography experience was a huge disappointment. From wasting 10 mins at the wrong gate, to having to wait 5 mins for a golf buggy driver, to a golf buggy not going more than 5km/hr (which we paid extra for) to being taken to a location which couldn’t facilitate the images provided on their social media.
12) no staff communicated the bridal room to the two women with breastfeeding babies - even when discussed during planning stage.
13) the unprofessional request of asking 100 guests to turn around when the bride arrived early. Decision should come from
Bride how to proceed (ie drive around block or sneak in)
14) at the end of the night, some staff saw the opportunity to pull apart and pick flowers whilst guests were still in the room. Staff were informed flowers were available to take only following all guests departure.

It’s my opinion that the Trippas White Group cannot rely on the view of this venue for future events if this is the standard that is offered.
All feedback provided to team and we were informed all points above were in “conflict” with team. Feedback listed above was collected from over 20 individuals at the event. read more