Frequently Asked Questions about Chetola Weddings

You’re engaged! Congratulations! This is a very exciting season of wedding planning, but don’t feel like you have to jump in right away. There are a lot of decisions and things to consider when planning a wedding. It can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. To make things a little easier on you, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions when planning your wedding at Chetola. 

  1. Do you require a day-of coordinator?
  • We do require a day-of coordinator for weddings with over 100 guests. Otherwise we would recommend having one to make sure your day is running smoothly. 
  1. What does Chetola include with the venue fee? What am I responsible for?
  • Included in the cost of the venue fee, Chetola provides tables, chairs, linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes. We also have special event enhancements, listed in our Wedding Guide. 
  • Florals, photography, hair & makeup, music, and cake are all up to you!We do have a list of vendors that we have worked with and recommend as well. 
  1. Is there a food and beverage minimum?
  • There is, that is dependant on the venue you select. 
  1. Do you offer tastings?
  • If you book we offer free tastings for up to 4 people
  • If you want to have a tasting before booking, there is an additional cost. But that payment will go toward your event costs if you end up booking.
  1. What is the overtime policy?
  • Typical wedding event contracts are for 4 hours. Each additional hour is $250. 
  1. What if it rains?
  • We always have a plan! It depends on the guest count and if there is a space being used for a reception. 
  1. Is outside catering allowed?
  • Timberlake’s, our onsite restaurant will take care of all your food and beverage needs. Outside food and beverage is not permitted unless approved by General Manager
  1. Is liability insurance required?
  • Not required but recommended. 
  1. What information do you need for a quote?
  • To provide you with an estimate, we need to know your venue(s), food selection (plated dinner, buffet tier, or stations), alcohol selection (beer, wine, liquor tier), and any event enhancements you may want to add on.
  1.  How does paying a deposit work?
  • The first deposit payment comes after signing the contract. The cost of the first deposit is the amount of the venue fees. The payments afterwards will be the food and beverage cost, and any enhancements, divided up. 
Photo Credit: Dawn Marie Photo

 

Questions for your Venue

  • Is it available on your chosen day?
  • Will it accommodate your guests?
  • Is it close to your ceremony venue?
  • How long is the rental for?
  • How much does it cost for the space itself and how much are the food and beverage minimums?
  • Is the price within your budget?
  • Does it have in-house caterers with menus you like?
  • Will there be other weddings taking place on the same day?
  • Can you move furniture and pictures?
  • Is there accommodations for guests, and will they be offered a discount?
  • Are you able to have a marquee/band/candles/fireworks?
  • If you want, can you have a full bar?
  • Does the quote price include the service charges?
  • Who will your main point of contact be and who will be on site that day?

    Photo Credit: Dawn Marie Photo

Questions for your Caterer  (for Chetola Weddings, all events are catered by Timberlake's Restaurant)

  • Can menus be mixed and matched?
  • Can they alter menus to fit your budget and requirements?
  • Do they offer menu tasting service as part of the consultation?
  • What does the service include? Do they provide wait staff?
  • Do they provide alcohol?
  • If you do provide your own wine, will the corkage costs offset your savings

 

Planning your dream wedding at Chetola Resort? The Weddings Team at Chetola Resort has created this wonderful checklist for you to help plan your special day from start to finish!

18-12 Months Before

  • Decide on budget
  • Narrow down dates & check with Chetola Weddings Manager to see availability
  • Pick one of the beautiful venue locations at Chetola Resort
  • Research vendors
  • Guest list first draft

12-10 Months Before

  • Book vendors 
  • Take engagement photos
  • Decide on bridal party
  • Send save the dates

10-8 Months Before

  • Registry
  • Order your dress 
  • Book DJ/band
  • Cake tasting & order cake
  • Plan decor

8-6 Months Before

  • Book honeymoon
  • Purchase wedding bands
  • Order bridesmaids dresses
  • Create song list
  • Hotel block
  • Book rehearsal dinner

4 Months Before

  • Confirm vendors
  • Order groomsmen attire
  • Order invitations
  • Bridal party gifts
  • Dress fittings
  • Apply for marriage license
  • Hair and makeup trials
  • Finalize timeline
  • Finalize menu with Chetola Resort & Timberlake's Restaurant
  • Send invites

2 Months Out

  • Finalize seating chart
  • Review ceremony with officiant
  • Write/decide on vows
  • Review songs with DJ/band
  • Purchase day of accessories
  • Confirm day of transportation
  • Confirm details with vendors

1 Month Out

  • Bachelor/Bachelorette parties (Chetola Sporting Reserve is a great spot to enjoy the day with friends)
  • Final fitting
  • Order Thank You cards

2 Weeks Before

  • Final dress fitting
  • Review music
  • Haircut/color
  • Organize outstanding payments
  • Give final guest list/food allergies
  • Must have images to photographer

1 Week Before

  • Finalize seating chart
  • Send out day-of schedule
  • Confirm with vendors

2 Days Before

  • Pack day of essentials
  • Mani/pedi at the Spa at Chetola Resort (advance reservations required)

Day Before

  • Get excited

Ready to start planning your wedding celebrations at Chetola Resort? Inquire with us about your dates by visiting https://chetola.com/weddings/

And to help you plan, download our Wedding Timeline Checklist Here: