We unfortunately couldn't negotiate any block discount rates with hotels in Bilbao (apparently it's not really a thing over there). However, here are some suggestions: Hotel Gran Bilbao (4 stars) – about 80 USD / 60 GBP / 110 AUD a night https://www.hotelgranbilbao.com/en/ Hotel NH Villa De Bilbao (4 stars) – about 120 USD / 90 GBP / 170 AUD a night https://www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-collection-villa-de-bilbao?gmb=new Hotel Melia (5 stars) – about 140 USD / 105 GBP / 200 AUD a night https://www.melia.com/es/hoteles/espana/bilbao/melia-bilbao/index.html We'll be staying in Hotel Gran for the first part of the week (Tue 27 to Fri 30 August) and then move to Hotel Melia for the weekend of the wedding. Bilbao is fairly small, so I wouldn't worry too much about location - most things are within walking distance or a very short taxi ride.
Regular suit and tie for gents and cocktail dresses for ladies.
Europe is typically 220/230 volts - similar to Australia and Singapore but not to the US (which is 110-120 volts). If you're coming from the US check that any electrical appliances you plug in are compatible with this voltage (laptops and iPads typically are, unlike hair dryers and electric toothbrushes).
Spain is part of the schengen zone which means all travellers coming from schengen countries (ie. most EU countries except the UK) are not subject to strict border controls. If you're flying into Spain from a non-schengen country you'll be subject to stricter boarder controls - this may mean if you originate in Australia, Singapore or the US but are taking a connecting flight through a schengen country (say Portugal, France, Germany, Switzerland or Italy, for example) your luggage may come out on a different carousel to one used by people on your same flight, depending on where they boarded the flight (ie. there could be two luggage carousels for your flight - one for those who boarded in the connecting schengen country, and one for those who boarded in the original non-schengen country). This doesn't happen in all airports but definitely one to be aware of so you don't automatically assume your luggage has been lost in transit!
The entertainment area is all hard floors; some photos may be taken on the grassy hills surrounding the venue but going on the grass will be optional (so feel free to wear your killer heels!)
A few of us will be heading down to wine country (Rioja) on the Thursday before the wedding. Email us if you're interested in joining the trip down! We are also trying to find a pintxo bar for a recovery brunch after the wedding. Stay tuned for more details!