Photography by Kayli LaFon Photography

Ashton and Dyllan celebrated their wedding on a gorgeous October day surrounded by their closest family and friends. After months of planning and making changes due to COVID, their wedding day came together perfectly! Despite the curveballs COVID tried to throw at them, Ashton and Dyllan rolled with the punches and never lost sight of what matters most…saying “I Do!”

The Venue + Décor

What drew you to The Colonnade?

Multiple things drew us to The Colonnade. I loved the fact that we could be inside & outside. We loved the industrial feel of the venue & we also loved that catering was included. That took a huge LOAD off our backs when it came to planning what people would eat & drink.
- Ashton, Bride

It was a beautiful fall day for a courtyard ceremony and the intimate dinner reception that followed. The couple incorporated fall colors into their décor. Ashton created all of the table signs and welcome sign out of acrylic plexiglass and paint which helped to pull the classic wedding style together. Their guests loved the custom crossword puzzles provided for entertainment at their tables. One of the most memorable moments for the couple occured when Dyllan’s father played a video of well-wishes from family that lived out of the country since they were unable to travel.

The Vendors

Jaime [Venue & Catering Manager] was my favorite thing about working with Revolution Mill Events. I can't imagine managing multiple crazy couple's weddings every month, let alone during a pandemic. She kept me sane, she answered all my questions, and she really helped make sure we had a wonderful wedding.

Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes & Maxie B’s
Photographer: Kayli Lafon Photography
Gown: Lovely Bride - Raleigh
Hair & Make-Up: Up Do’s Studio

Florist: Flora Wedding & Event Flowers
Ceremony & Reception Music: Triad DJ
Catering: Pepper Moon Catering/In-House
Venue: The Colonnade at Revolution Mill

Flora Weddings & Events - Our flowers were so special and lovely. The colors were more beautiful than I could have dreamed of.

Triad DJ - PJ and Alan were amazing at reading the room & did a fantastic job during the ceremony as well. Everything went down flawlessly even my little surprise song I sang at the reception.

Maxie B's Cake & Nothing Bundt Cakes - I mean delicious.

Kayli Lafon Photography - OVER THE MOON about how beautiful the photos turned out. From the start, I knew that getting a great photographer was super important to me. Kayli is wonderful! Made us feel super comfortable and really captured how much we love each other.

Up Do's Hair & Makeup - Felt like a beauty queen. 100% recommend getting your hair and makeup done even if you feel confident in your own hair and makeup skills. It was sooo relaxing not having to worry about doing my eye shadow & liner absolutely perfect.

It was an honor helping Ashton and Dyllan plan this beautiful wedding day of their dreams! We’d love to talk to you and help you navigate planning your dream wedding too! Contact us to chat.

After knowing each other since 5th grade, Alexandra and Jordan were married on a beautiful sunny afternoon on May 18, 2019 in the courtyard at The Colonnade. Because of her past experience working in the event industry, Alex had a clear vision of what was most important for their day.

Things kicked off on Friday with their ceremony rehearsal followed by a rehearsal dinner at Kau (right on the Revolution Mill campus!). Saturday was filled with getting ready, saying “I do” and dancing the night away! We loved getting to know this couple and partnering with them to create many special memories.

“If I could give this venue more than 5 stars I would!! This met and exceeded every single expectation I ever had. There is not a single bad thing I would say. Beautiful, elegant, romantic, and fun. There is something for every bride and every groom. The fact that it has a beautiful outdoor space just as nice as the inside is a true PLUS. Truly the best decision I made! The staff at The Colonnade at Revolution Mill was extremely attentive, loving, and caring. I will be recommending this venue to anyone and everyone.”

- Alex, Bride

The Venue & Décor

When asked what initially drew the couple to The Colonnade, Alex mentioned the fact that we have both indoor and outdoor spaces… and also that the venue practically “decorated itself.”

The couple chose an outdoor ceremony in the courtyard. The decor consisted of dusty rose, lots of greenery and gold accents. Why did Alex and Jordan choose these colors? … they matched the Bridesmaids dresses! While Alex and Jordan were having photos done after the ceremony, the guests made use of our outdoor space during cocktail hour. They were kept entertained with an outdoor bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and patio games.

The Suite

While the guy got ready in The Lounge, Alex chose to take advantage of our newly finished Suite for her finishing touches. We are so happy that we can provide this convenient space on site for getting ready and photos, rather than having to travel over in your dress. Better yet, use of this space is included in your venue rental fee!

Food & Drinks

The couple wanted to wow their 165 guests with seasonal and delicious food and drink! They opted for passed hors d’oeuvres of:

• Cheddar Biscuits with Ham, Granny Smith Apples and Honey Mustard

• Bacon-wrapped Sweet Potatoes

• Caprese Skewers

The dinner buffet included:

• Spinach Salad with Strawberries, Mandarin Oranges, Goat Cheese, Almonds, and Blood Orange Vinaigrette

• Bourbon and Pecan Coated Chicken Breast (the couple’s favorite!!)

• Grilled Flank Steak with Pommery Mustard Sauce

• Grilled Vegetables

• Carolina Wild Rice

Everyone enjoyed a decadent dessert table filled with cake and goodies after dinner.

The Vendors

Specialty Rentals: Eventful
Officiant: Interfaith Pastor/Deborah Suess
Florist: Bloom & Thistle
Transportation: Triad Trolley
Photographer: Liz Grogan Photography
Hair/Makeup: Updo’s Studio

Planner/Day of Coordinator: Relish Design Co.
Cake/Dessert: Easy Peasy
Music, Games, Draping & Photobooth: Triad DJ & Events
Catering/In-House: Pepper Moon Catering

Favorite Part about Working with Rev Mill Events?

“It was perfect! The venue exceeded every single expectation. Greensboro was such a great place to be. So many fun things to do and guests will always have something to do. It was a very relaxing day and meant the world to us.”

- Alex, Bride

It was an honor to be a part of Alexandra and Jordan’s love story! We can't wait to show you how The Colonnade in Greensboro can be customized for your wedding day! Contact us to chat.

Photo by Krista Stevens Photography

Let’s be honest, planning a wedding can feel pretty overwhelming. Let us guess, you’ve been studying Pinterest at all hours of the day and night, and researching wedding planning blogs like crazy? Sound about right? However, you can never fully anticipate what your wedding day will be like until it’s actually here. It’s okay. Take a deep breath. We are here to make planning a wedding feel like a breeze. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of top tips from past couples and newlyweds. They’ve walked down the aisle, said their “I Do’s” and have fully enjoyed their receptions. And now they’re ready to pass on their knowledge to you.

PLAN AHEAD & CHOOSE YOUR VENDORS CAREFULLY

• “Start early! (or as early as you can) - It really helps to have plenty of time, especially if you're getting married at a popular time of year. Things book up fast!” - Hillary

• “Make sure you pick a great venue, caterer, and photographer. Those are so important! Also make sure to take time to actually enjoy the planning process. Remember it doesn't all have to be done at once!” - Leah

VISUALIZE YOUR PERFECT WEDDING DAY

• “Start with trying to form your own vision. Pinterest/Etsy are great but can overwhelm you!” - Sequoia

• “Your wedding is about you and your significant other, no one else. It’s hard to remember that sometimes when trying to accommodate everyone’s needs. Even if things don’t go as planned on the big day, in the end you are married and that’s is all that matters! Enjoy every minute of it, it goes by quick!” – Allyssa, Bride

• “Don’t worry about the guests, it’s YOUR wedding, just the two of you. If they love you enough they will make it to your wedding. Don’t plan stuff around them.” - Missy

Photo by Danielle Flake Photography

ALLOW TIME FOR YOU & DELEGATE

• “One piece of advice I would give to couples planning their wedding is to allow enough time off work before the day of the wedding to make sure everything is together and all the boxes are checked off. I work night shift as a nurse and I worked up until the Thursday night before my Sunday wedding and I felt so out of the loop on my vendors and all our decorations and I felt rushed to get everything together and make sure I had everything I needed.” - Paige

• “Delegate and take it a little at a time. Planning can be very overwhelming, but if you have reliable vendors and help from family/friends-it will go smoothly!” - Claire

Photo by Logan Jarrard Photography

consider your guests

• “Think about your guests! A lot of the decisions we made had to do with the flow and timing of the event. I pulled on prior experiences of weddings I was a guest at and thought about what choices were made in consideration of the guests and what weren't. Everyone will tell you that your day is all about you, and to a degree it is. But you wouldn't be where you are without the love and support of every person that will be at your wedding. They have given their time and resources to support you! So think of them when you are planning your event.” - Elizabeth

ENJOY IT

• “Just know something isn't going to go as planned. Be ready to roll with it once the big day gets here, and don't sweat the small stuff.” - Matt

• “Just enjoy every part! As much as I felt like a crazy woman running around getting everything done, it truly was such a fun time in our lives and I would do it all over again tomorrow! At the end of the day, forget about small details most people will overlook and just take in the fact you get to marry your best friend!” - Lilly

• “Everything will work out in the end. I spent a lot of time stressing out over the smallest things, and in reality.. on wedding day it is all going to work out- your friends and family are all going to pull together that day to make sure your dream wedding happens. Nothing will ever go just perfectly, so don't be super disappointed if something goes off the track! Keep a good attitude about it and ENJOY YOUR day. People will always have their own opinion, but it is your day and between the two of you. As long as you and your SO are happy and having a blast, I promise everyone else will be too. The stress is silly so don't worry too much. Also, take time to enjoy every single moment and soak it in!” - Courtney

Photo by Tory Bass Photography

We loved being a part of Hillary and Adam’s fall wedding weekend! They kicked it off with a rehearsal dinner in Color Works Meeting Space. Then they shared their unique ceremony and reception with us at The Colonnade on November 10, 2018.

Photo by Samantha Floyd Photography

The Backstory

“We met on tinder (LOL) and after texting for about a week, we went on our first date. The rest is history! … We both swiped right, so I’d say it was literally love at first sight ;)” - Hillary, Bride

The Proposal

“We were in Iceland and he proposed on my birthday! He carried the ring around in his pocket all day waiting for the ideal moment. He thought it was the perfect time when we went to see the Northern Lights and just when he wanted to ask, a tour bus full of very excited (ahem, loud) people showed up and, knowing that I wouldn’t want an audience, he waited until we got back to the hotel room. It ended up being super private and special!” - Hillary, Bride

The Venue & Catering

The couple loved the character of Revolution Mill including the exposed brick, tall windows and high ceilings; but what truly drew them in was the custom wrought iron railings.

Hillary and Adam said their vows, surrounded by family and friends in the lower level with our amazing brick and arched window backdrop. While they took some fun pictures around Revolution Mill (check out Hillary’s lush fur stole and rad leather jacket!), guests enjoyed cocktail hour with an open bar along with passed mini sundried tomato biscuits with homemade pimento cheese; bruschetta; and barbecued shrimp on polenta cakes. A dinner buffet followed with tossed salad; Parmesan cream chicken; pepper pork loin with stone fruit and bacon glaze; smashed potatoes; green beans and a special entree for several vegan guests.

Photos by Samantha Floyd Photography

The Planning Process and Vendors

The couple chose a moody, romantic theme for their wedding and the burgundy, dark greens and blush pink colors paired perfectly to help set the mood of the day. The furniture rented from Eventful NC helped to add the perfect element of vintage charm for family seating during the indoor ceremony. Then it was re positioned to create a fun photo op and lounge area for guests during the reception!

Florist: Flora Fine Wedding & Event Flowers
Transportation: Proximity Hotel
Paper Invites: Minted
Catering & Rentals: In-House/Pepper Moon Catering
Wedding Gown: Carolina Bridal World
Groom’s Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse

Planner/Day of Coordinator: Events by Summer Joy
Cake & Desserts: Cake and All Things Yummy
Ceremony & Reception Music: B*Dazzled Productions
Photographer: Samantha Floyd Photography
Furniture/Decor Rental: Eventful NC
Hair & Make-up: The Hair Refinery of Raleigh

“All of our vendors were so great! Events by Summer Joy took the pressure off day-of coordination. Andraya with Flora gave me the flowers of my dreams. Samantha Floyd Photography did such an amazing job capturing our day/personalities. Megan Perry with The Hair Refinery did my hair and makeup exactly the way I wanted. B*Dazzled Productions was so fantastic as DJ - it was the best party ever!

The communication with Revolution Mill Events was wonderful. I never felt out of the loop or like Jaime didn't have a full grasp of what I was looking for. This gave me great peace of mind.”

Photo by Samantha Floyd Photography

It was an honor to be a part of Hillary and Adam’s love story! It was awesome to see their personality shine through many of the details. We can't wait to show you how The Colonnade in Greensboro can be customized for your wedding day! Contact us to chat about it today.

All images by Megan Travis Photography

When we were designing The Colonnade’s highly anticipated bridal suite, we kept a few things in mind…. We wanted it to be bright and airy, welcoming and beautiful for you and your favorite girls to indulge in mimosa’s while you get pampered and ready for your wedding day! After all, many of your getting ready photos will be taken in this space! It had to be perfect. In addition to gorgeous, we wanted to keep it convenient for you to use. Several of our preferred vendors collaborated to create this styled shoot to showcase all of the amenities included in our bridal suite!

Bridal Suite Must Haves…

While in the designing process of building our bridal suite, we chatted it up with past brides, coordinators and photographers to get the inside scoop on the essentials needed for the perfect space.

• lots of mirrors ✔️

• storage & drapes to keep things tidy ✔️

• pretty space for dresses to hang & photo-op ready ✔️

• sitting area ✔️

• plenty of outlets ✔️

• curtained dressing area ✔️

• private restroom ✔️

• natural light ✔️

• tucked away from guests ✔️

• mini fridge stocked with sodas and bottled water ✔️

In addition to the basics, we have a cabinet full of emergency wedding day supplies — hello bobby pins & sewing kits! - among other last minute items you may not have thought of. You’ll also find a steamer to easily get out any unruly wrinkles in dresses and suits. We love the tall chairs that are perfect for hair and makeup time!

Make sure to order mimosas for you and your girls while you get ready.

We are giddy over the fact that we can provide this convenient space on site for getting ready, rather than having to travel over in your dress. Better yet, use of this space is included in your venue rental fee! We hope that you love it as much as we do!

Styled Shoot Vendors:

Florals: Jenny’s Projects
Planning/Design: Jamie Mostofian Design

Photography: Megan Travis Photography
Signage: Winslow Custom Design
Dresses: Simply Stunning by Divas

Photo by Gabriel Van Heyking Photo

We are officially in the full swing of engagement season! This is such a fun and exciting time of year where we get to show our venue to couples and hear about their dream wedding.

We understand that choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you will make during your planning process. Our staff at The Colonnade at Revolution Mill are seasoned wedding pros and want to help you make the best decision. We enjoy sharing our event knowledge and answering all your questions during a visit. As you prepare for your venue tours, consider these tips to help you get the most out of your visits:

DO PREPARE IN ADVANCE

How often have you gone to the grocery store and forgotten your list? You don’t remember what to buy, do you? The same can go for this type of situation. Prepare a list of your most important questions to bring with you during your tour. You won’t be caught off guard or draw a blank when it comes time to ask the questions that mean the most to you and your special day. The Knot has a great list of questions to start you off.

Photo by Jodi Gray Photography

DON’T OVERCROWD YOURSELF

Yes, it’s important to get your loved ones input on your big day. But when touring a venue, having too many people (and their opinions!) can put a damper on your excitement. Instead, take photos and jot down some notes to share with your friends and family later.

DO CHECK BEHIND THE SCENES

Don’t forget to check the restrooms, dressing suites, parking area and other often over-looked points of the venue.

DO ASK ABOUT RESTRICTIONS

Ask about any venue restrictions. Can you bring in outside alcohol? What outside vendors are permitted? Do you have have to leave by a specific time? Are there decor restrictions?

DO CHECK OUT THE HYPE

Before you go on your tour, read up on any reviews. Make a note of any potential issues, and ask the venue their thoughts.

DO PAY ATTENTION TO PARKING OPTIONS

Will there be enough parking space for your guests? What if it rains - will the parking area get messy? Is there an area to drop off and pick up guests with special accessibility needs?

Photo by Jamie Blow Photography

DON’T OVERDO IT

Of course you’re excited to begin planning and you want to check out every available option! Keep in mind how much time each venue tour may take and factor in travel time in between each space. .

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Finding your wedding venue shouldn’t be stressful. If you follow these tips to help ease some of the pressure and enjoy the process. Our Wedding Guide is your all inclusive guide to selecting and planning your wedding at The Colonnade! Be sure to check it out.

Contact us to set up your visit.

Nana Ama Quansah and Adil Inusah were married on August 4, 2018 -- a little over a year after their engagement.  After a church ceremony, the couple hosted their reception at The Colonnade. 

They describe the entire day as exactly what they wanted – simple, fun, and elegant.

“Our wedding day was fun, epic and magical! it was an amazing weekend full of simplicity, love and happiness. We both don’t like being the center of attention, so, we opted for a very intimate wedding with just close family at our church and a fun reception to celebrate with friends and family. Everyone had a great time. Just like what we wanted it to be and to my surprise, I enjoyed the wedding planning process.”
– Nana, Bride

The Planning Process

“All our vendors did an amazing job and treated our guests with love. Our DJ did a great job entertaining everyone throughout the whole night. Our florist stayed within budget and made great recommendations that made our vision come into reality. Our Emcee fully engaged the crowd and made it more fun. Last but not the least our photographer and videographer made sure no moments went uncaptured.” 

Florist: Botanica
Cake/Dessert: Maxie B’s
Music: DJ Lexis
Emcee/Lighting: Friendly Neighborhood DJ
Photographer: Micciche Photography

Favorite Moment

Nana’s favorite moment was getting to see her new husband dance! They didn’t get a chance to practice their entrance dance but it turned out to be the highlight of the night. It set the mood for the reception. 

Nana says, “We started with a slow traditional love song and then we had our friends and family join in with the second song as they threw money on us to show how happy they are for us.” 

Décor

While the couple didn’t have a specific theme or color scheme, they knew they were going for a romantic and sophisticated feel. “Elegant” was the word that echoed throughout their planning process. 

The wedding party was seated at two long tables which were adorned with a greenery garland and accented with pale blush and white flowers. Ivory linens, gold chiavari chairs and floating gold candles in different size cylindrical vases finished off the look. 

The round tables which seated the rest of the guests, featured centerpieces with floating candles, floral wreaths, and mixed greenery.

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Food and Drink

The couple’s favorite part of the meal were the mini crab cakes with a mustard seed remoulade that were served during the cocktail hour.

Pepper Moon Catering provided a dinner buffet of tossed garden salad, grilled chicken breast with parmesan cream, marinated grilled flank steak, oven roasted vegetables and smashed potatoes.

Venue 

The couple was drawn to The Colonnade because of both the pleasant staff and the architecture. They cited the enormous windows, bricks, and courtyard as influencing factors in their decision, saying that the courtyard makes for some amazing photos! 

“Words cannot express how amazing the staff was. Our wedding reception was the first big party we have had as individuals. Jaime was so responsive to emails and phone calls and always ready to give a recommendation when needed. I love that Jaime is detailed oriented!” - Nana, Bride

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Once you’ve said “yes,” wedding day prep can become a bit of a whirlwind. All of a sudden you’re faced with a million small decisions – it’s not just picking the dress, it’s picking what kind of table cloths will be used, what time the ceremony will be, organizing a seating chart, and hiring a whole team to help you pull off your special day.  

To help you enjoy the build-up to your special day, we’ve pulled together four must-use wedding resources that can help you make it all happen… with minimal stress.

WeddingWire

WeddingWire is here to take the stress out of planning your big day – they have tools available for picking your wedding date, planning your seating chart, determining your budget, and managing vendors. 

They also have a huge database that lets you search vendors by location. You can browse for everything you need, including venues, photographers, officiants, bands, jewelers, wedding planners, and more. 

Need inspiration? Pinterest is not the only place -- you can get all the inspiration you need on Wedding Wire. You can browse dress styles, check out the user forum, or take advantage of their expansive blog. 

Website: www.weddingwire.com

The Knot

A popular alternative to WeddingWire, The Knot is another one-stop wedding planning shop. On one easy-to-use online hub, you can manage almost all your wedding needs including your:

• Registry

• Guest list

• Budget

• Wedding day timeline

• Vendors

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, The Knot even has a free quiz to help you define your wedding day style. After you take the quiz they’ll help guide you to the right vendors to make your vision a reality. 

Website: www.theknot.com

TriadWeddings

Looking to get more local? TriadWeddings is a premier wedding resource and planning guide in Greensboro. Browse local wedding resources or download their free local wedding guide. 

One of our favorite parts is The Real Weddings section, where you can browse photos of other area couple’s weddings. 

Website: www.triadweddings.com

Triad Bridal Association

Sometimes deciding which vendor to opt for can feel like a real stab in the dark. However, the Triad Bridal Association takes the guesswork out of picking a vendor. 

When you hire a Triad Bridal Association member, you will be working with one of the area’s top wedding professionals. Someone with plenty of experience, who is not learning on your wedding. All of the Members adhere to a Code of Ethics, and you’ll breathe easy knowing that you (and your wedding) are in good hands.

Revolution Mill Events and Pepper Moon Catering are proud members of the Triad Bridal Association!

They’ve also got a section dedicated to local wedding shows where you can even snag a discount on a future show!

Website: www.triadbridal.com

Other Resources

• Evernote: If you’re looking to stay organized, this app (available on desktop and mobile) will keep everything on track. You can make multiple notes/notebooks, add pictures, or set reminders for yourself.

• Google Docs: Check out all the tools available with your Google account! You can use Google Drive to store photos, Google Sheets to make spreadsheets of vendors, and even Google Forms to gather RSVPs. All of your files will be easily shareable and available on your mobile and desktop.
  

Our Resources

If you’ve narrowed down your venue to The Colonnade, we provide a free wedding guide to walk you through everything you need to know about our venue. You can get an idea of a typical timeline, find answers to frequently asked questions, and see what’s included with your rental. 

If you’re ready to start planning your reception food and drink, you can view Pepper Moon’s Catering menu HERE. 

The following article was written by Jaime Gilliam, Venue & Catering Manager for Revolution Mill Events, and was originally published in Triad Weddings in August 2018.

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Your wedding dinner is a celebration of the first meal shared as newlyweds and an expression of appreciation for your guests. Because of it’s significance and the variety of catering options available, you may find it challenging to decide what to serve for your reception.

Instead of worrying about the particular dishes to be served, begin with thinking about the style of meal you want. This decision will impact the structure of the reception and likely the food you choose, so it’s a great place to start. 

Let’s take a closer look at three key serving styles for wedding reception food: plated, buffet or hors d’oeuvres stations. 

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PLATED

TIP: Ask guests to initial their entrée selection on the RSVP card so you’ll know which entrée to indicate on their place card.

Guests are seated then served all courses by the catering staff. It’s common to offer salad, entrée and dessert (wedding cake or other) courses, but for more formal occasions you could consider additional courses along with wine pairing.

Plated meals are a good option for both intimate and formal gatherings. To provide more variety, you can offer several entrée options on your RSVP card or a dual entrée plate. 

A variation on the plated meal is family style, where platters of food are brought to the table and passed around by the guests. 

Considerations:

• Higher level of guest service
• Every guest will be able to eat at about the same time
• Reduced chance of spilled plates
• Guests can focus on conversations 
• Control over portion size so the food cost may be lower
• Some guests may feel underfed or not like the limited choices
• Tracking guest menu selections is necessary if offering multiple entrée options
• Takes longer for dinner service
• Generally the most expensive option due to the number of staff required for efficient service

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BUFFET

TIP: Talk to your caterer about their preferred plan for dismissing tables to help keep a smooth guest flow. They will work with your coordinator or DJ to efficiently move guests and prevent a long line.

A buffet is set in one central area and will display your food selections for guests to self-serve. There are many variations from casual BBQ to semi-formal. In the Triad, we have seen buffets as the traditional preference over the years.  

Considerations:

• Guests may select what they want to eat
• More menu item choices
• Guests can mingle in line
• No need for RSVP meal cards
• The most practical and cost effective way to serve a large crowd
• Fewer servers needed so you will save on staff costs
• No control over portions, however you could request buffet servers
• Guests must wait in line for their dinner
• Less elegant than plated table service
• Depending on guest count, some guests may finish eating before others have gone through the line
• Increased chance of spilled plates
• The food cost may be higher because a portion of each item will be provided for every guest

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HORS D’OEUVRES STATIONS

TIP: When selecting your stations, make sure your menu contains at least one protein, starch and vegetable to comprise a typical meal. Choose heartier items to fulfill guests during the dinner hour.

This style of service provides small plates of a variety of hors d’oeuvres spread out into multiple stations. Your guests will remember the fun interactive displays (think -  mashed potato bar, salad station or mac and cheese bar) and chefs cooking on site (think -  gourmet grilled cheese with soup shooters, carving station, fired ahi tuna or pulled pork tacos). 

Considerations:

• Trendy
• Exciting and entertaining for guests
• Promotes guest interaction and movement
• Can offer a large variety of menu items and flavors
• Don’t need to provide seating for all guests since this is cocktail party style
• With multiple stations, there will be less time waiting in line
• The cocktail party style may be too informal for some
• Depending on menu selections, it may not be as filling as dinner
• Multiple stations will take up more space than 1 buffet
• More expensive than a dinner buffet and may require more staff (i.e. station chefs)

If you are still struggling to figure out which service style would be best for your wedding reception, reflect on your vision for the big day. Your catering selections are the perfect place to express your unique personality. Consider the best option for your number of guests, those in attendance and your budget.  It’s an honor to create a memorable reception where you get to share a meal with all the people in your life that matter most!

The following article was written by Jaime Gilliam, Venue & Catering Manager for Revolution Mill Events, and was originally published in Triad Weddings in January 2018.

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Selecting your wedding venue is one of the first major decisions you’ll make as an engaged couple. Your venue sets the tone for the rest of your plans and will likely comprise much of your wedding budget.  Consider the following tips to help you confidently make your decision and reduce planning stress! 

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

Know your approximate guest count, wedding date options and approximate budget before starting the search. 

ENVISION YOUR DAY

Your venue lays the foundation of telling your unique love story on your wedding day. Chat with your fiancé and other decision makers about the style and aesthetic you have in mind. Are there any essential features the space must have? 

RESEARCH AND TOUR

Use online resources and Triad Weddings to find local wedding venues. You should be able to narrow down options by the framework you set in the previous tips.  Each venue has its own character and charm, and a site visit will help you determine if it is the right fit for you. Save time and find out as much as you can about a venue before you go visit. Contact your top picks in advance to set up a personal tour. Document the details by taking notes and snapping photos to help you make comparisons.

ASK QUESTIONS

Gather as much information as possible! 

• How long is the venue rental?
• What amenities are included, such as tables, chairs and linens? 
• Are outside vendors permitted?
• Are there any décor or grand exit restrictions? 
• Are there enough parking spaces and restrooms to accommodate the guest count? 
• What is the rain plan?
• Does the venue itself photograph well and provide pretty portrait spots? 
• What will the overall guest experience be like?

 

CONSIDER CATERING

Since catering goes hand in hand with your venue, it’s important to consider options during the early planning stages. There are several benefits to choosing a venue with an exclusive caterer. The venue and catering team will work together seamlessly. You’ll typically have one point of contact to coordinate the venue, catering and rental details which makes things easier for you. However, if there is a certain caterer you’d like to work with or you have a specific vision in mind (like food trucks), you’ll want to look for a venue that allows outside vendors. 

COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES

The frustrating thing about the wedding venue search is that you’re usually comparing apples to oranges. All venues include distinctive services and packages, so as you research, try to organize the information in a way that’s easy for you to understand and compare. 

TRUST YOUR INSTINCT

As true with most decisions, if something feels right (or on the other hand, doesn't feel quite right) you should trust your instinct! Look at the big picture - while you may not like every single thing about the venue, if the pros outweigh the cons it’s likely a good fit for you.  Make sure you feel comfortable with the staff, as they are going to be the ones to ensure your day runs smoothly. Be sure to check out online reviews!  

BOOK IT

Request a contract and take the time to read it thoroughly. Confirm your agreement of date, times and details to be provided by the venue are in writing. Be sure to understand all the terms, fees, restrictions and cancellation policy. Now it’s time to sign the contract and pay your deposit to officially lock in your date! 

Congratulations, you can check this important step off your planning checklist!  Your remaining details will start falling into place now that you’ve made this big decision.