By Becky Raspe
While in the midst of wedding planning, many priorities swirl through one’s mind, including the dress, food and florals. But no ceremony or celebration can happen without a venue.
With that in mind, professionals from some of Cleveland’s top spots say finding the perfect location is the biggest step.
Elizabeth Coughlin | Director of Catering Sales | Bon Appetit Management Company at the Cleveland Museum of Art
What does your venue offer that is unique?
Coughlin: There are two things that pop into my mind – the rich culture and history that surrounds our spaces at the museum as well as in University Circle and Wade Oval in general. I also think it is pretty special that people have the ability to revisit these spaces. If you get married here, you can always come back.
What do people often overlook?
Coughlin: It is important to consider and ask about the sort of day-of and planning support the venue can provide. It’s important to find out who will be at the venue on the day of, and the support they would provide you and the other vendors that are on site for the day of your wedding.
What is important to consider at the outset of wedding planning?
Coughlin:Find a venue that allows you to be creative and add personal flare throughout the venue itself, whether that is through design, the set up, etc. It’s also important to consider what is included in the fee when you rent a venue. Don’t just look at the price, see what goes into that. (Couples) might get sticker shock from a venue, but they don’t know what is included in the fee.
What advice do you have for those searching for a venue?
Coughlin:For ceremonies specifically, it is very important to have a Plan B, especially in Cleveland. Our primary ceremony spot at CMA is the South Terrace, which is outdoors. It can be pretty unpredictable with the weather. On site, we offer the Plan B within our West Atrium, which still offers that natural light and marble.
Ricky Benninger | Marketing Manager | Music Box Supper Club
What does your venue offer that is unique?
Benninger: The Music Box is a unique two-story venue with fabulous views of the water and downtown Cleveland. Both of our spaces have private patios, so couples can decide on indoor/outdoor options for ceremonies and receptions. Aside from the beautiful location, we provide an experienced wedding coordinator at no extra charge to help coordinate vendors, execute timelines and oversee staff.
What do people often overlook?
Benninger:Couples often overlook how great views and access to beautiful outdoor spaces can lift the spirits of their attendees. They also tend to forget about the importance of quality sound systems when searching for a wedding venue.
What is important to consider at the outset of wedding planning?
Benninger: We feel it is very important for couples to check reviews and accolades of the venue before making a decision. Reading others’ experiences is the best and most honest way to discover if a venue is right for you.
What advice do you have for those searching for a venue?
Benninger: It is very important for couples to read reviews and visit at least three to four venues before making their decision. Couples should not pre-determine that they cannot afford a venue before visiting and speaking with wedding planners. Ultimately, couples will know if they’ve found the right venue when they feel confident and trust the venue to execute their big day without flaws.
Bob Bellamy | Venue Sales Manager | Severance Hall
What does your venue offer that is unique?
Bellamy: The space itself is different from nearly any other interior in the Cleveland area. There are similar types of venues but none of them are truly as pristine as Severance and we’ve kept it that way. We also have a very hands-on events team. I can’t say we’re really a wedding planner, but we take care of everything that happens within these four walls.
What do people often overlook?
Bellamy: It’s the little things, the details that we do that we don’t charge extra for. People just don’t think about how much work goes into off-site weddings and out-of-the-ordinary weddings. We’ve done enough of them that it just happens without you really having to think about it.
What is important to consider at the outset of wedding planning?
Bellamy:It might be a bad answer, but it is the entire event from beginning to end. Even the parking and how people get from parking to the event space. Cost is also going to be a factor. We’re certainly not an inexpensive venue, especially if you add in catering. But, we’ve had younger couples on their first wedding or older couples on their third. We have something for everyone. It’s for people looking for something classier.
What advice do you have for those searching for a venue?
Bellamy: I always tell people that it is their day, so do what makes you happy. Whether it’s the beautiful Severance Hall foyer or the laser tag facility you met at, go somewhere that means something to you. It makes the memories of the day special.
Joan Rosenthal | Founder and President, Marigold Catering | Tenk West Bank
What does your venue offer that is unique?
Rosenthal: Tenk is very versatile and is basically a blank slate for couples to create whatever vision they want. We have space to hold the ceremony, cocktail hour and the main event. Marigold provides a one-stop shop for brides. In other words, when celebrating at our venue, every aspect of the celebration can be handled by us from flowers, entertainment, hotel accommodations and valet, to full room decor, tables and chairs, linens and all tabletop requirements.
What do people often overlook?
Rosenthal:Brides often overlook a venue’s flexibility and the venue’s ability to evolve with the entire wedding’s flow. Tenk has several floor plan options and can accommodate a plated, buffet, station or family-style type of service. It allows a bride to have the flexibility to hold a ceremony, cocktail hour and main event in the same space.
What is most important to consider at the outset of wedding planning?
Rosenthal:They should consider venue size, flexibility, liquor license requirements, look and feel and what kind of atmosphere can be created. Budget and weight that can be hung from the ceiling, if custom decor items are to be added, is important too.
What advice do you have for those searching for a venue?
Rosenthal: Know their budget, research what amenities the venue offers and how much needs to be brought in from outside sources, and understand flexibility of venue including size and ability to hold all aspects of an event, including ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner. Know the feel they want to create and understand how much needs to be brought in to accomplish this vision.