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Strategies for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Location -- PART B |
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By Loretta Falkner People Factors to evaluate: -Ease of logistics and setup
LOGISTICS—EASE AND SETUP A bride may want to get married on a mountain top; however, what about chairs!! Thinking through all details of a wedding ceremony and reception is key to a less stressful event! If you like adventure then yes, go for the mountain top; and let the winds blow as they may!! If you are a naturally care free person, then this will not be a worry. If you are very detailed and a perfectionist, stop now!!! There are many, many details involved in planning a wedding, and you will need to surround yourself with professionals who know what has to be done! Choose a location with experience and staffing to assist! Remember, you want to make this a “fun” day for you! Temecula Winery Weddings are a great option for they are very unique, beautiful, and very all-inclusive! RULES, REGULATIONS, RESTRICTIONS Ignorance is not bliss!!! Ask lots of questions at every location you consider. There are many regulations that you may not know! Ask each location to define these for you. These normally relate to event timeframes, end times, noise restrictions, legal permits, licenses, liability insurance, security, food rules, liquor laws, use of sparklers (fire), outside vendors, smoking etc. Each location will be different so feel comfortable with the management you are working with so that there are No surprises! A Falkner Winery Wedding is very all-inclusive and you met with the owner to book! FLEXIBILITY This is so crucial to having a positive experience at any location. When you first visit a property, listen closely to the person you are meeting with to see if he/she is flexible and open, or if there is any give and take in the discussions. Most likely this will be the attitude that prevails throughout the entire event process. First impressions are normally true! CUSTOMER SERVICE Read as much as possible about the property, ask friends who may have had an event there, check testimonials, and any online information to understand the strategy for the location! You need to determine what level of service you desire, and what that is cost is worth to you. Temecula Winery Weddings are known for the friendly personnel and customer service offered to the bride. COST/VALUE RELATIONSHIP There is No Free Lunch!!! You do get what you pay for! However, in these economic times, there are some fabulous values to be realized if you know how to look and ask! Ask each location what discounts are possible based on prime season versus off-season timing, day of the week, time of day, length of event, and the location of the event on the property! Falkner Winery is currently offering a great value for any open 2009 dates for a Temecula Winery wedding! Also, ask about different menu options (one chicken entrée versus 2 choices), buffet versus sit-down service, appetizers only, and the different Bar Packages—what is the best value for you so you have no surprises at the end! Discuss in detail what is included in the proposal. Better yet, ask what is NOT INCLUDED in the proposal!!! Finally, if you are a confident bride, a close in booking will yield you great financial benefit. Dates that are not booked within several months of the wedding are fabulous values. Just make sure you are working with a location with a good reputation, a preferred vendor list, and professional experienced personnel! Happy Location Hunting! Loretta Falkner is co-owner of Falkner Winery in the Temecula Wine Country in Southern California. They have hosted over 100 Temecula winery weddings each year since 2000. |