Delta Goodrem doesn’t do things by halves. So when it came to the welcome dinner ahead of her wedding in Malta, she wanted to create something magical. Intimate, yes. But full of heart, soul and joy. “It’s the first time many walks of life were coming together, travelling in from around the world,” she tells marie claire. “So we started with the classic music of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole playing – setting a timeless, romantic atmosphere.”
The welcome dinner was held at The Sheer Bastion – a grand limestone fortress with sweeping 360-degree views of Malta’s elegance and charm. “By the end,” she smiles, “everyone was dancing and singing up a storm!”
Delta set the tone with a custom Antoinette Fusillo gown – soft pale pink, lace, and ethereal. “It had a soft flow to it, almost like it was dancing with me through the night. It felt like the perfect first chapter to the celebration. A look that said: We’re here, we’re in love, and we’re about to have the time of our lives.”
Accessories were understated but considered. “I kept it simple and classic with a little edge through makeup,” she says. “Noni [Smith] and I went with a deep plum lip to go with the pink tone.” Her heels were a pale pink pair by Lana Wilkinson, her jewellery – diamonds from Anton. Hair was styled by Michael Brennan and the full look brought together by stylist Meggy Smith.
The evening flowed with fresh canapés, flowing champagne, and crowd-pleasing cocktails. Guests mingled to the sound of old-school crooners before the energy ramped up with ‘90s bangers – I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Bon Jovi, and more. “The dance floor went wild,” Delta laughs. “We also had a wonderful live performance from a local artist, Kevin Paul.”
And while there were many VIPs in the room, one moment stood out. “Seeing my nephew and niece walk in the door always makes my heart happy.”
The next night brought a change of pace. The rehearsal dinner was a smaller, quieter gathering for immediate family only – full of warmth and meaning. “It was incredibly special,” Delta reflects. “We are always big on speeches in my world. I don’t think I’ve ever had a dinner party without going around the table doing speeches!”
Despite being the bride-to-be, she embraced her role as host with open arms. “My ‘hosting duties’ meant welcoming and chatting to my favourite people in the world who flew in from every corner of the globe, so I had the best time,” she says. “It was a celebration and a kick-off for a great week ahead.”
But it wasn’t all logistics and lipstick. There was a moment when it all sank in. “As the sun began to set and the golden light poured in, I looked around at all the smiling faces and just knew… this was the beginning of something unforgettable.”
Looking back, the welcome and rehearsal dinners were spaces to honour the love, the journey, and the people who showed up. “It felt right,” Delta says. “The energy was right. The people were right. The love was real.”
Custom dress: @antoinettefusillo | Shoes: @lanawilkinsonofficial | Jewellery: @antonjewellery | Styling: @meggysmithstylist | Make up: @nonismithmakeup | Hair: @michael_brennan | Photography: @mattporteous @becky_lee_brun | Wedding Planner: @sarahyoungevents | Event Planners: @thisiswonderevents | Venue: The Sheer Bastion, Malta
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