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Considering the current economic climate, what advice can you offer to the bride on a budget who is marrying at your venue? Personally I really dislike overpaying for anything. One thing that bothers me about the wedding business is how complicated some venues make things. Many offer an inexpensive introductory price, but then nickel and dime the bride for everything. Chair rentals, linen rentals, cake cutting fees, cleaning fees, the list can be endless. It is very easy for a bride to become trapped by the complicated process and greatly exceed their budget. So my first piece of advice to all brides is to ask lots of questions! Ask about what is NOT included in their package before they commit to a contract at ANY venue. Watch out for the add-on fees! Also, for brides who are flexible on their date, they should consider having the wedding during non-peak times. Saturdays are the most popular day for weddings, especially during our peak wedding season of April through November. At Cavender Castle we offer significant discounts for weddings held on Fridays, Sundays, and anytime during the slower winter months of December through March. We also offer discounts for what we call “Short Term Engagements” where the bride and groom book an open date that would otherwise go unused within the next 60 days. Short Term Engagements have been really popular with those active in the military where planning for leave can often be difficult. Another money saver is for the bride and groom to look for venues that allow you to bring your own beverages (B.Y.O.B.) At Cavender Castle we allow bridal parties to bring in their own alcohol and only charge a nominal fee for set ups, glassware, and a professional bartender. This approach can save thousands of dollars. A wedding should be a cherished memory. It should not become a financial burden. Smart brides should do as much comparison shopping as they can via the internet. Beware of wedding venues who don’t post their prices online. What are they trying to hide? I have two final pieces of advice to brides during these tough economic times. First, is to not get overwhelmed by the planning process. You don’t have to throw lots of money at your wedding for it to be a success. And second, be sure to ask lots of questions of all your vendors. Know your options ahead of time and avoid those costly surprises on your wedding day. How soon prior to the ceremony do you generally begin working with the bride in order to create a couple's dream "I do?"
I normally set aside at least one hour for couples when they visit Cavender Castle. This provides time to thoroughly tour The Castle grounds and allows me to get to know them better. I explain all the options available and strive to really understand what they are looking for on their wedding day. Often we jump right into the planning process during that first meeting. As soon as the wedding is booked, I provide the bride with a twelve page planning package that greatly simplifies the whole process. We ask that the bride and groom complete as much of the package as possible based on what they know at that time. Normally the bride will return a few weeks later for a two to three hour detailed planning session with me. During this session most of the planning is finalized and I often assist with the booking of outside vendors. Between our planning session and the wedding day there can be countless telephone calls. And that’s OK….I WANT brides to call me with questions and concerns! On the wedding day I am the first to arrive and the last to leave. I make sure that all the planning culminates in a perfect ceremony and reception. I am there every step of the way as the wedding coordinator and venue owner. My most important duty is to eliminate all the hassle for the bride and make sure the day exceeds her expectations. The planning process varies with every bride. For long distance brides, much can be done over the phone and by email. For some of our larger, more elaborate weddings the planning process has spanned over two years. For our smaller, more intimate weddings, we have pulled them off with less than a week’s notice. It all depends upon the bride and her needs. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about Cavender Castle? Yes. First, we have a full service kitchen and fantastic culinary team. My husband Rick Durham manages our food and beverage program. He brings over twenty years of international menu development expertise to our team. Whether it is a simple buffet of appetizers, or an elegant five course dinner, Cavender Castle can proudly serve the event. Second, I have a great list of Preferred Vendors that LOVE to do weddings at Cavender Castle. They provide the optional services that are not included in our packages. Many brides ask me to include everything in one master bill that simplifies the budgeting process, and we are happy to do so. Third, our hometown of Dahlonega, Georgia has become a popular destination wedding location over recent years. We are located one hour from downtown Atlanta and easy to get to. Dahlonega has earned the historic designation of being home to the first major gold rush in the USA and there are many tourist attractions nearby. Visitors also come to visit the many wineries that have blossomed in the surrounding hillsides. Dahlonega is a wonderful site for a destination wedding! Also, I think it is important for your readers to know that weddings are our specialty. Although we do host special events, weddings are over 95% of what we do. Most of my staff has been with me for several years. They know what I expect for my brides and we are really good at what we do. And lastly, coordinating weddings and working with brides is my love. I’m convinced this is what I was put on earth to do with my life. I get no greater joy than the tearful hug I get from my brides as they depart The Castle for their honeymoon. Except maybe, when they return years later to say “hello” and introduce me to their children! For More Information: Cyndi Durham info@cavendercastle.com Photos courtesy Cavender Castle |
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Lovetripper.com Romantic Travel Guide
For me, the process starts during my first communication with the bride or groom. Usually this is a phone call where they have done a little research on the internet and they want to schedule a tour. During this first contact I try to get a general feel for the kind of ceremony the couple is looking for and answer as many questions as possible. 
