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 Few wedding locales rival the picturesque setting of a golf course. The rolling fairways, hillsides and water features orchestrate the perfect backdrop, and a well-trained staff takes care of the rest. But can it really be that easy? While not every bride has an unlimited budget, and most face a few hiccups along the planning path, local golf course wedding and banquet experts can help facilitate the process. Before you sign on the dotted line or scrap plans to celebrate at a golf course in fear of cost, be sure to read these 10 tips. If you’re flexible, your dream wedding can come true. And if you’re planning an over-the-top celebration, event planners are happy to meet your requests. Just don’t ask to arrive in a helicopter. SET A BUDGET Many golf courses have a minimum food and beverage fee that could affect the size of your guest list and the extent of special touches. “If you’re looking for a $60,000 wedding for $20,000, that’s not realistic,” said Monika Wotherspoon, catering and special events manager at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles. “Think about what you want. For us, it’s all about making a bride and groom’s vision work with the resources they have available.” KNOW WHAT’S INCLUDED Golf courses charge separately for the ceremony and reception site. While music, flowers and the photographer are typically not included in the price, chairs, tables, china and linens usually are. But what about the wedding coordinator and clean-up costs? Be sure to ask for a breakdown of what’s covered in the fee — and what’s not. ORGANIZE AND PRIORITIZE Use a club’s wedding coordinator when possible. “They’re familiar with the site and it’s absolutely worth it,” said Milene Young, wedding assistant at Temecula Creek Inn. While some clubs offer this service, which ranges from planning every detail to event-day assistance, keep in mind that some charge a fee. If you choose to forgo the help, you’ll want to designate a family member or close friend to make sure everything goes smoothly. “You need someone to follow a timeline,” Young said. “It takes more than 20 minutes, for example, to snap photos of the wedding party. These things need to be coordinated with the deejay.” STAYING POWER Some golf clubs are affiliated with hotels that offer room discounts and special bridal suite rates for the honeymoon night. Some wedding packages also include transportation between the hotel and venue. “Always ask about that,” said Robyn Cole, director of marketing for Tustin Ranch Golf Club. “It can be a negotiation tool for the bride.” PLAN AHEAD Wedding planners agree you should book your venue at least one year in advance. This is especially true if you’re planning a December wedding — you may face a shortage of dates during this month as company parties fill up a golf course’s date book. May, June and July also are popular for weddings. “Once you choose your date, you’ll want to book your site right away,” Cole said. PLAN FOR GUESTS Think twice before planning a late summer wedding. “A lot of families go on vacation in August, before school is back in session,” Cole said. “Consider your guests’ schedule when choosing your date.” And in locations such as Temecula, where temperatures rise in July and August, guest comfort can become an issue. BE FLEXIBLE There’s no shortage of golf courses in Southern California, so keep your options open. Many clubs will negotiate their fees during the off-season and on short notice. “This is great news for anyone on a limited budget,” Wotherspoon said. “As long as you know just what you want — because you don’t have a lot of time to make decisions — you can afford a beautiful golf course wedding.” HAVE A PLAN B While Southern California’s temperate climate offers beautiful conditions most of the year, there might be a chance of showers during the off-season. Be sure your venue can accommodate guests indoors if you’ve planned for an outdoor event. This includes the ceremony and reception. TEE IT UP If there are avid golfers in the wedding party, incorporate a round into the festivities. Golf course personnel are happy to set up tee times during your wedding weekend, and many extend green fee discounts. Clubs such as Tustin Ranch include free golf with a couple of its wedding packages, so be sure to inquire. GET CREATIVE Personal touches shouldn’t break the bank. “You don’t have to serve lobster tail at the end of the night,” said Wotherspoon, who recently set up a station at one reception that had regular fries, curly fries and tater tots. “You could also serve milk and cookies.” Some wedding packages include flowers and party favors. “Ask to see what each of the packages include, and compare,” Cole said. If your budget allows for more fun, consider ideas such as specialty cigar rollers, a lemonade stand, red carpet theme with paparazzi and valet parking and a photo booth stocked with wigs, hats, sunglasses and more. Remember that while event planners are eager to customize your golf course wedding, not all requests can be accommodated. “We had a groom who wanted to land at the wedding in a helicopter,” Wotherspoon said. “It was a great idea, but we don’t have a permit for that.” |
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