Heights of Horseshoe Wedding Coordinator Christine Wood
The Heights of Horseshoe wedding coordinator Christine Wood tells you what you need to be asking when picking a wedding venue
For today's Ask the Pro I'm happy to welcome Christine Wood, Coordinator at the Heights of Horseshoe! Wedding planning can be daunting and Christine has some great advice for couples with respect to questions to ask when picking a wedding venue.
So take a break from staring at that shiny rock - we're going to light the fire and get your wedding planning off and running!
Q: "So I'm engaged and ready to start planning... how much will it cost for me to do my wedding at your venue?"
A: Not the hardest question we can be asked but pretty open ended. A myriad of possible answers come to mind. How long is a piece of string?
We can build any event to suit and accommodate any budget. It’s all a matter of getting what you pay for. Some brides prefer to book a complete package, be it the ‘Cinderella Package’ with full open bar or ‘More Moderate Package’ with a cash bar. Most weddings now seem to be ‘Choose your own Adventure’ with more of a list of everything that the bride has wanted for her reception ever since she was little. You decide if it is a ‘what I want vs. this is what I can afford’. Your function coordinator should be able to guide you through all the options until you create your perfect day.
Q: Asking the right questions can save you money and loads of time. Can you book and plan a wedding inside of six months?
A: Of course, but for most premium venues you need more lead time in order to secure your preferred date. Some Saturdays can be booked up to 1.5 years out.Need some help picking a place? Ask friends and family - where have they been to weddings? What is the proximity to hotels and the church/ceremony location for out of town guests?
Does it have enough parking? Can you arrange a site visit? Will the venue provide you with a catering package and a budget estimate with your needs? Is there an onsite location with flowers or gardens for beautiful photos?Once you view the facility more questions to consider include – what is included in the rental fee – decorations, candles, centerpieces or cake cutting.
Are there any hidden costs - chair covers, linen, set up fee, SOCAN fee, minimum guest count? If you wanted an on-site ceremony, which are getting to be more popular, what is the back up plan for bad weather?
Q: How can the event coordinator save you money? Will they suggest ways to help fit things to your budget? Cash bar or ‘twoonie’ bar? Punch reception instead of an open bar?
A: The weekend has three nights now being booked at the popular facilities. Each becomes unique with the feel of the night. A Friday can become a party night with cocktail or reception style food stations. Saturday is the traditional night but Sunday becomes more of a relaxed casual atmosphere.
On Sunday, the meal is served a bit earlier and the bar tab is smaller as people think about where they have to be in the morning.Before you select your menu, consider your guests as well as the amount of space allowed in the room. Can you have a buffet or is a plated meal the style you prefer? If the venue will not allow entrée choices, what is a safe selection as a common denominator for your guests?
Q: How do you pay for your night?
A: Get a budget from the venue. Know your costs up front. Ask what the deposit schedule is. Do you need to know the cancellation policy?
And you thought it was easy. All these questions and you haven’t even picked your paper for your invitations!
Courtesy Christine Wood, Functions Coordinator, Heights of Horseshoe
A big thank you to Christine for taking time our of her busy schedule to help us out!
