Booking the Essentials – Venue and Rentals
Hello, brides-to-be! There are a million reasons why you should be going to our July Wedding Show, but just in case you need some more convincing, we’ve got some of Northeast Ohio’s wedding experts opinions on why you should be there, too!
We know that it can be a bit overwhelming when you walk into a convention center and see over 50 wedding vendors there. Where should you start? What questions should you ask? What trends should you look for? Luckily for you, we got some of the July Show vendors to give you their best advice and trends they see growing!
Venue
When looking at different venues, consider the ambiance that it adds to your decor. Does it have high ceilings, chandeliers, and arches? Or does it show-off unique flooring or a glass wall with an amazing view? Or will the natural, rustic barn complement your centerpieces perfectly? Because the venue is one of the first things you book, it can be hard to have a vision in mind of what you’re looking for. We suggest coming up with some ideas on Pinterest, and perusing your favorite venues’ websites before setting up a tour. Read the reviews and look at gallery photos of previous weddings. Always, always, always go to the site in person, and try to go around the time you’ll have the celebration. Not all venues will be set up for a wedding reception, making it harder to imagine what it will look like on your big day. Ask if you can come back when they’re setting up for a wedding so you can get a better idea.
Be sure to ask what all comes in your package. Do you get a set-up and tear-down team, or will you be expected to do it yourself? If you’re expected to do it, can you come in a day early to make the arrangements? Do they have a catering team and bar? Do they have preferred vendors? The Hilton Garden Inn in Mayfield Village says that it’s important to find out if “tax and service charge is already included in the price per person, or if that is something that is added to the total.” Finding a venue that offers all-inclusive packages, like the Hilton’s new wedding packages, is like winning the lottery. “Couples know up-front exactly what they will be paying per person and what is included.”
When it comes to catering, there has been a swarm of new trends in the past few years! Vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and entirely kosher meals have grown in popularity, but now we’re seeing something a little different. Farm-to-table is an up-and-coming catering trend, and the Hilton Garden Inn is on board! “Our chef is cultivating a wide variety of herbs here on site in our garden, so our guests can enjoy garden-to-table fresh herbs in their meals and cocktails!” We definitely recommend spicing things up a little when it comes to your catering and trying something a little different from the norm. Maybe you’ll have food stations rather than plated meals or a buffet. Perhaps you’ll host a brunch reception, offering mimosas, waffles, and fresh fruit! Whatever you choose, have fun picking out (and tasting!) your delicious options.
Orchard Photography
Rentals
At Today’s Bride, we definitely advise renting over buying any decor items. From linens to centerpieces to lighting, are you really going to use 150 votive candles or 70 plum tablecloths again after your wedding day? Renting can save you money and hassle, as you can usually add services for them to set it up on the day-of.
We recommend looking for one company that can help you with all of your rentals. To decipher between several reputable rental companies, Amour Events and Design suggests reading the reviews! Hearing first hand from brides who have already used their services can inform you on what to expect when hiring their services. Also ask what their specialty is. At Amour Events and Design, “Bouquets are our specialty, but we excel in linens, custom backdrops, centerpieces, and chair covers.” Are they adding anything new to keep up with rising trends or adding more options? “We just opened our fresh floral market!” raves Amour, “and we also offer silks.” Look for a company who cares about executing your vision in an elegant, trendy way.
All of our contributing experts will be present to give more advice and answer any of your questions at our July 8th Show! Be sure to stop by your favorite vendors’ booths to see what trends they can help you execute flawlessly.
