Your event manager will work in conjunction with all of your vendors to ensure a seamless set up time. It is the most helpful if anything that you would like placed be clearly labeled, and easy to find. When possible it is best to take photos of how you would like things to look. Please bring everything assembled, and easy to place. There is a lot to do during this time, and there is not enough time to complete complicated assemblies.
The Chateaux will set up any items rented or included through us, and you will be responsible for any decor items you bring in.
You are required to hire Chateaux Staff if you use any caterer who is not on our Vendor List OR if you hire a Vendor List caterer that does not provide or is not bringing a full staff
Please consult your copy of the General Rules that you were given with your signed contract for a full list. But generally, nothing that will do damage to the building or floor. If you have specific ideas, please contact your venue contact, we are happy to work with you to find a solution that works for you!
As long as there is no fire ban restrictions for our area at the time of your event. Your event manager will take the sparklers at your reception, and work with your guests to ensure the perfect goodbye to the newlyweds.
All events are required to hire one of our preferred DJ’s.
We can occasionally approve a DJ not on our list if they have all necessary licenses and insurance. We have a $500 outside DJ fee if your DJ is approved. All DJ’s must bring in all of their own sound equipment and microphones as we do not have a system for use.
We do allow caterers that are not on our Vendor list, however, they will be catering as a “drop off” caterer and you will be required to hire Chateaux Staff.
You would need to hire Chateaux Staffing. Our staff members will act as your full service caterer, to serve and manage your event. This fee for staffing is charged per guest and is based on your final guest count that you provide at your walk through appointment.
Contact your venue contact. You must receive written approval, or chateaux staff will be required, and your caterer will be considered “drop-off”.
Some “drop-off” caterers have a few staff members here during dinner service, who then help package the food, and take any of their trays and chaffers. Our staffing is happy to work in conjunction with them. Chateaux staff will still be charged at the regular staffing rate.
All chafers, serving platters, and utensils will be provided by the Chateaux and are included in the staffing price. If you have specific serving platter or utensils you would like us to use, you are welcome to bring those items during your set up time.
If you would like any left over food to packaged for you to take home, please provide our staff with sufficient take home containers.
Celebration Beverage is the exclusive beverage provider of the Chateaux at Fox Meadows. Please visit www.celebrationbeverage.com for more information.
Bartenders must be hired through Celebration Beverage only.
We will let you know who your event manager is at your walk through appointment. If you do have a specific request, please let us know and we will do our best to accomodate it.
We love pets! Your pet is welcome for the ceremony and photos, but must remain on a leash. Once the reception begins, we ask that all pets be removed from the building.
The ceremony music should be provided through your DJ, or a hired musician. Unfortunately, we cannot have ceremony music played through our system, nor can we provide microphones.
Most people prefer to have the rehearsal the day before their event. These are booked based on availability and are subject to change up until 6 weeks prior. Your assigned venue contact will give you your final rehearsal time at your walk through appointment.
Anyone is welcome. Most people bring their bridal party & close family. Although they are welcome, it is not necessary to bring your officiant to the rehearsal.
If you know the weather is going to be bad, and you let us know the day prior to your event, we will set up for an indoor ceremony. If you decide to pull in the ceremony day of- your guests will be seated at their guest tables, and we will create an aisle down the center of the ballroom. Your ceremony will then be held under our fabulous bay windows.
The Chateaux reserves the right to move any ceremony location if the weather is deemed to be unsafe for guests or staff.
Your event manager will be there for your rehearsal and ceremony to coordinate all of your bridal party.
Please review your contract for payment details and due dates.
Generally- payments are broken into two payments 9 and 6 months prior to your event.
Your walk through balance is due no later than 2 weeks prior to your event.
We call this your walk through balance. This is due no later than 2 weeks prior to your event.
We accept cash, check, all major credit cards & money order.
Gratuity is never required by always appreciated. Here is what most people tip our staff:
Event Manager:$150 ($200 for all day events or events of 5 hours or more)
Staffing or Catering Captain: $100 ($150 for all day events or events of 5 hours or more)
Chateaux Serving Staff: $25 ($35 for all day events or events of 5 hours or more)
It is a general rule to offer some sort of a gratuity to all vendors. The appropriate amount to offer is more tricky. Unlike restaurants, where gratuities are based on a percentage of your bill, you should choose an amount anywhere between $25 and $300 for each vendor who provided you with their services and expertise before and/or during your event. The amount should be based on the amount and quality of the service. For example you might want to offer $25 to each of the wait staff and $50 to the catering captain because they had more responsibilities and perhaps did an outstanding job. You may wish to offer a gratuity to someone who was extremely helpful in the planning process, even though they were not actually at your event. Or, you may wish to offer a large gratuity (we have seen as much as $600) to someone who “saved the day” and prevented a major catastrophe by going above and beyond the call of duty. In any event, use your best judgment as anything you offer will be very much appreciated.
All packages DO NOT include the Facility Fee. You must book the Facility & a package if you would like an in house vendor package.
Upgrades can be made, booked, and paid for directly with each specific vendor at your discretion.
Absolutely! Our packages are designed to provide you with a stress free planning experience. All payments go to one place, and you only have one contract. Just contact your venue contact or any member of our staff and we would be happy to add it for you!
A week or two after you book you will be assigned your venue contact. This will be the person you email with questions. Your event booking includes two meetings- an initial planning meeting and a walkthrough appointment. If you need additional help or time, we suggest you hire a full service wedding coordinator.
We have many years and several thousand events worth of experience, and are happy to offer advice and ideas you will find helpful.
Once your contract is signed and you deposit is received, you are officially a Chateaux Couple!
A week or two after you book you will be assigned your venue contact. This will be the person you email with questions. Your event booking includes two meetings- an initial planning meeting and a walkthrough appointment.
If you need additional help or time, we suggest you hire a full service wedding coordinator.
Your walk through meeting will ideally take place about a month before your event. Your event concierge will contact you 6-8 weeks out from your event to schedule this meeting.
Your venue contact, your wedding planner (if applicable), and you will attend your walkthrough. Many guests will bring family members or friends who have been helping plan attend the meeting as well. This is a fun meeting, where we decide your tables, chairs, linen colors, as well as firm up your timeline & vendors.
Generally, we do not require you to bring any other vendors to this meeting.
The walk through is where we decide any additional rentals that you would like. Many events upgrade linens, add additional rental items, or have additional guests over 100 people. These charges will be due in full, no later than 2 weeks prior to your event.
Anyone who needs a chair in the main ballroom, will be charged an extra guest fee. Generally, we say any guest over the age of 2 or 3.
If you are planning to have a lot of children at your event, a great option is to rent the lower level and have a kids party. You can hire a few babysitters, bring some children’s movies, and order pizza. This is also nice for the parents, as they can enjoy the reception knowing that their child is safe, and just a few stairs away.
No! We pride ourselves in being upfront with everything (We are one of the only venue that includes taxes and fees in our base pricing). Please read your brochure thoroughly so that you are completely aware of everything that is included in your booked package. We also clearly state what the prices are for any upgrades or rentals in our brochure. If you have any questions, or are unsure of what is included, please contact your event sales representative. We want you to be well aware & happy with all rental items.
You are welcome to arrive anytime during your contracted set up time. If you need help identifying that time, any member of our staff can look it up for you. We can occasionally accommodate the addition of set up time if our schedule allows. Additional set up time is charged at a rate of $750 per hour.
When you arrive for your event, our set up crew will be completing the set up of your tables, chairs, linens, and any rentals purchased through the Chateaux. Your Event Manager will be on site when you arrive to greet you, and help assist you with last minute details. Your vendors will be arriving as coordinated and directed by your event manager. It is our goal that during this time you are in the bride & groom suites, getting ready, relaxing and building memories that will last a lifetime.
After your event we will review all paperwork, including notes from your event manager, our security and our cleaning crew. We will compile all information, and begin processing your end of event paperwork.
Your deposit will be returned 2-6 weeks following your event. Most deposits are returned very quickly, however please allow for a little more time during wedding season (May-October).