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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:11:47 PM
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| Hi everyone, Any thoughts on the the Riverbend Inn? Has anyone held a wedding here? They break their costs down quite a bit (and completely rob you with bar prices) so just wondering what people's experiences were. Was it worth it? Were costs relatively comparable to other such wedding venues? I've looked at Pillar and Post and Riverbend looks like its quite a lot more expensive. Any comments? Thanks!
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 9:20:04 PM
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I haven't been to a wedding there but I have had wine in their restaurant. It's a beautiful venue but I think you are going to pay extra for it! However I think Niagara on the Lake is generally a bit more expensive. I had looked into the Vintage Inns (Pillar and Post, Queen's Landing, Prince of Wales) when I first got engaged.
Sarah and Shawn 08.01.09
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 1:21:37 AM
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I also looked into them and found them quite pricey..... it is a stunning inn from the looks of it, but if I recall correctly, unless you're doing a small more intimate wedding (where you could justify the cost) you will have to have it outdoors in a tent anyhow - which will only add to your cost... I want an outdoor wedding so badly but feel like it's silly to rent a beautiful property/venue based on how beautiful the actual building is, when you're just going to rent a tent and only use their "yard" so to speak anyhow. I mean once you're in that tent, you could be anywhere, so is it really worth the cost?
I say, if you love the venue and get a good feeling from the on-site coordinator, and are going to have a smaller wedding (maybe 60 guests or less or whatever their max. capacity is, or less) then go for it. Otherwise if you're only going to have it in their yard in a tent you might as well go somewhere cheaper unless budget is not a concern.
2 B Wed in June 2009!
Me (29) + FH (32) + his son (12) = 9.5 years together
Done so far:
-Wedding party chosen
-Put brainstorming into overdrive
-Considered every venue in South-Central Ontario and narrowed down to a short-list (I think)
-Started dress search
-Hired a planner/coordinator
-Compiled lists of vendor services (photography, decor, cakes, etc.)
-Booked NOTHING! But getting close........ I think?
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:11:47 PM
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| Thanks for your comments. Good points. We also had a second look at their costs and although we have quite a big budget I can't justify paying Riverbend Inn's highway robbery alcohol prices ($165/40z bottle of vodka, $44 for house wine, $3.75 for a glass of pop!). It is very beautiful but you are right. Once it gets dark and you are in a tent you could be anywhere and I'd rather spend money on amazing food and other neat little extras (like a cool lounge area) On to other venues now...
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 1:21:37 AM
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Too bad - the place is so nice. But you have the right mindset. Good luck - let us know what other places you check out and what you decide on! Does it have to be in NOTL or are you also looking in/around Toronto/GTA?
2 B Wed in June 2009!
Me (29) + FH (32) + his son (12) = 9.5 years together
Done so far:
-Wedding party chosen
-Put brainstorming into overdrive
-Considered every venue in South-Central Ontario and narrowed down to a short-list (I think)
-Started dress search
-Hired a planner/coordinator
-Compiled lists of vendor services (photography, decor, cakes, etc.)
-Booked NOTHING! But getting close........ I think?
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:11:47 PM
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| Yes we're pretty set on the Niagara area (where my family is and a good location for the plenty of out-of-town guests who will be flying in). We're now thinking of maybe putting up a marquee (tent) at the Fort George site (next to the Navy Hall). This way we can have full control over everything (caterers to alcohol to decor). We're not 100% on it so we're open to any other ideas. We are very much leaning towards an outdoor location though and it would be great if we could do ceremony/reception at the same place I've already checked out the following venues but have ruled them out for one reason or another (ranging from high likelihood of bad food to not getting the venue until quite late in the day (6:30pm for a ceremony is not my cup of tea). Hernder, Chateau des Charmes, Pillar and Post/Queens Landing (these are still on our list but we'd prefer an outdoor wedding), Reif Esates (Victorian Inn), Riverbend Inn. Many places which look beautiful do not allow weddings: Hillebrand and Peller Estates to name but two Other places which look great are a bit too far for people to travel (we dont' want to encourage drinking and driving and hiring a coach for guests seems a bit contrived in a way if that makes sense): Ancaster Mill, Vineland Estates, East Dell Estates Have I missed out any venues? We're not at all interested in halls or hotels other than the Vintage Inns (P&P/Queen's Landing)
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 8:15:47 PM
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| There's a winery called Caroline Cellars in Virgil..they just started doing tented receptions. We wanted the loft, but it was too small. http://www.carolinecellars.com/
Kerrie & Tim- September 20, 2008!
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