Finally!  Your boss said it’s time for a change of scenery and you are in charge of planning this year’s off-site meeting!  There’s no denying that the world looks a little different than the last time you all gathered together and there are a few new considerations in your planning process.

Here are five pandemic era corporate event planning considerations.

Photo courtesy of Hillary Muelleck Photography.

1. Let’s Eat!

   A venue that allows you to choose your own catering plan offers maximum flexibility. Pre-packaged boxed lunches, snack breaks and dinners are more popular than ever and having a choice of caterers allows for you to find the exact menu and budget that you need for your function.

Photo courtesy of Hillary Muelleck Photography.

2.       Fresh Air for Everyone

Planning a 100% outdoor corporate event comes with its own set of challenges that might be more than you and your colleagues are willing to take on.  Instead, look for a venue with ample opportunity for doors to be propped open and with convenient areas for your clients and guests to step outside.  Walking trails nearby?  Even better!  An activity break is just the thing to keep energy up and creativity flowing!

3.       What the Tech?

Zoom. Livestream. Satellite Input.  If you are only vaguely aware of how these tools might come into play at your next corporate function, then leave it to the experts!  Your venue manager can connect you with the best Audio/Visual professionals in your area to make sure you deliver the impressive multi-media experience your attendees expect.

Photo courtesy of Hillary Muelleck Photography.

4.       It’s a Set-up

Creative use of space is essential in helping your colleagues, clients and guests feel comfortable at an off-site retreat or conference.  Does your venue provide a variety of table sizes and styles that allow for a wide choice of event design options?  Maybe you need 16 people to each have their own table, six feet apart?  Or maybe you need a large boardroom style square with space in the middle for product display?  Be sure to inquire about set-up flexibility when you have your site visit.

Photo courtesy of Hillary Muelleck Photography.

5.       Clean As A Whistle         

The venue you pick for your event should be one that follows safety protocols very strictly. Even though all venues claim to do this, you can easily differentiate between the ones that are committed and the ones that aren’t. Be sure to ask questions about their cleaning routines such as how frequently they clean, which areas they clean, and the number of people they have designated for cleaning duties. In addition to cleanliness factors, do they have hand sanitizer and complimentary cloth masks available?  Some states have certification programs that require a venue to meet certain requirements - does yours?

As you and your team find yourselves ready and willing to get back out in the world for retreats, meetings, fundraisers and conferences, a little bit of research will go a long way in finding just the right place for everyone to feel comfortable and inspired!

For more information about hosting your corporate event in historic Reynolda, click here.

New year, new beginnings and a new date on your calendar – your wedding!  Whether it’s six months away or two years from now, there are a few steps to take right away that will ensure a stress-free planning process down the road.

Photo courtesy of Megan Travis Photography.

First, enjoy the moment!  I know, that may sound obvious. Of course you’re enjoying the excitement of being engaged, having a shiny new bauble to show off and everyone’s well wishes. Yet it can be tempting to jump right in to venue visits and Pinterest boards galore! And while you may be surprised to hear this, coming from a venue, take a deep breath first and *don’t* visit any venues or caterers just yet.

Give yourself and your partner time to just enjoy the romance of this time together… the newness of a future being created by two people who are joyful about being together forever. Sharing this time, just for the two of you, will serve to strengthen your bond for the days ahead when the wedding planning is in full swing!  How long this period lasts is up to you and will obviously vary based on how far off the big day is.  But even the most condensed timeline has room in it for a week or so of engaged bliss!

Photo courtesy of Olivia Suriano.

Ok, now it’s time to get down to business!  Plan a “wedding dreams date night” and bring a pad of paper and a pen!  Having an honest conversation about some of the larger wedding topics in the early stages is always a good idea.  Be sure to take notes so that you can refer to them later to stay on track.  Here are some of the topics to delve into:

·       Choose your new best friend.  Set up meetings with potential wedding planners early so you have the best chance of hiring the one you love for your date.

·       Budget.   Nobody’s favorite topic but an essential item to have a grip on to avoid major disappointment later.

·       Date. If you’re thinking April, May, June, September or October – your search for a venue might need to start a little sooner.  Planning to take advantage of off-season perks? Talk about the pros and cons.

·       Style. If you’re thinking boho and your partner wants traditional, now’s the time to talk about compromises and how to blend styles.

·       Size.  This subject should happen organically while you discuss budget but be sure to include a conversation about bridal party size, flower girls and ring bearers, etc.

·       Location. Will you be asking guests to travel? In this day and age, there’s no such thing as too much advance notice.

·       Guest list. Every one of your sorority sisters, his 12 fishing buddies, cousins twice removed or only your immediate family and closest friends? Decide and commit early so you are a united front on this subject later.

·       Engagement party? This can be as casual as BBQ and board games or an elegant evening of champagne toasts. Has someone offered to host? Now’s the time to accept their offer or graciously decline and move forward with planning the bigger day.

Photo courtesy of Megan Travis Photography.

Whether you and your true love are planning for a spring garden wedding for 200 or a cozy candlelight ceremony for 20, take a deep breath and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that neither of you will ever forget!

Start your venue research by completing a short inquiry form at The Barn at Reynolda Village. Or give us a call at 336.758.BARN. Of course you can also find us on Pinterest and Facebook.

It’s that time of year… there are resolutions to make, diets to start, and goals to be set. Amid all this planning and looking ahead there are subtle nuances and changes in the air that will forever separate 2021 from 2022.

And not just the pages on the calendar. But feelings and themes and trends. The unique characters of a time period that will have us looking back someday and saying “that is so 2022!” Of course, it’s hard to know what trends will fade and which will stay… which will become classics and which will evaporate for a while, only to reappear to another generation in the future. (ie: bell-bottoms… yes, I know, we can’t believe it either!)

To get a sense of what fellow event professionals in our region are experiencing in event trends, we asked a few of our most beloved colleagues in the industry this question:

What new wedding trend do you see emerging and what do you love or not love about it?

Here’s what they had to say.

Hillary of Hillary Muelleck Photography said:

“One trend that I really like is the cocktail style reception seating with lounge areas and food stations instead of formal tables and a seating chart. I think it helps keep guests moving during the reception and provides more opportunity for dancing photos and candid photos that aren't at tables.”

Photo courtesy of Hillary Muelleck Photography.

We couldn’t agree more! The Barn at Reynolda Village offers multiple ways to explore this style at your next celebration! From a custom tent on The Village Green to a cozy lounge inside The Barn’s Silo, creative options abound.

Photo courtesy of Heather Beerman Photography.

It’s no secret that being on the other side of a pandemic has affected how we plan events. Check out this terrific insight from Becca Atchison of Rebecca Rose Events:

“I believe we'll see a continued focus on intimate gatherings for wedding celebrations in 2022. The pandemic taught us all to be more intentional, more resourceful, and to value and prioritize human connection with the people we love most. While there is certainly a resurgence of large weddings, many couples are choosing to curate their guest list so that they can allocate greater resources to providing a more exceptional level of hospitality. I love the way that couples are choosing to infuse their events with thoughtful and meaningful details that are authentic, purposeful, and really serve to elevate the entire guest experience.”

Photo courtesy of Perry Vaile Photography

“Bringing the outside indoors is a new trend I’m seeing and I love it because it allows us to get super creative” says wedding planner Faye Conlin of Coordinating Dreams. That is a trend that we have experienced often thanks to the exposed beams inside the The Barn at Reynolda Village. As pretty as they are by themselves, adding some ethereal greenery adds an instant garden vibe!

Photo courtesy of Ryan and Alyssa Photography

Jennifer Brannon with Green Bee Floral Designs has a unique perspective into what the flower future might look like! “I think a big trend, for floral designers and clients alike, will be buying local and a huge shift to local flower farms. With a floral/greenery and general supply shortage extending into 2022, buying from and supporting our local flower farm will be more important than ever!

As far as design.... smaller, petite posey bouquets instead large imposing bouquets that cover up your gorgeous gown!”

Photo courtesy of Ally & Bobby Photography.

A few other trends that we at The Barn at Reynolda Village are keeping our eye on and looking forward to being a part of are:

• Weekday celebrations - more availability, discounted rates

• Multi-day Experiences

• Bold color palettes

• Statement details - the cozy lounge furniture is NOT going away!

• BIG First Anniversary parties

• Coral is the new Pink!

• Sharing the white - bridal parties wearing the same color as the bride!

• Monochromatic floral design

• Emphasis on lighting - cafe, neon, twinkly!

Photo courtesy of Ariel Kaitlin Photography.

Whatever your style, if you are a trend follower or a trend setter, The Barn at Reynolda Village is the ideal backdrop for your celebration! Hope to hear from you soon!

336.758.BARN or sales@reynoldabarn.com

Happy New Year!

As we enjoy the cooler temperatures and warm hues brought on by autumn sunsets and pumpkin spiced everything, wedding trends of every kind are lining up to be “the” hottest of 2022. And flowers are not exempt from the excitement.

I think we can all agree that nothing brings life and energy to an event like fresh flowers! (faux flowers have their place too but that’s another article altogether!) Fresh flowers have a way of taking a venue from nice to WOW and always delight guests who may not often experience well thought out, curated floral design otherwise.

So, looking ahead, here are some of the floral design trends that seem to be sticking around and some you can expect to see breathing new zest into event design!

Photo courtesy of Hillary Muelleck Photography.

Floral design by Green Bee Floral Design

1. Mixing It Up

   The blending of dried elements with fresh blooms was popular in 2021 as events fired back up. This combination opens up the door for such unique texture combinations that it’s clear to see why wedding planners and their clients are carrying this into the next season!

2. Letting the Venue Rule the Day

   By choosing event venues that are already lush with blooms, greenery, trees and garden elements, wedding couples in particular are making the most of those existing elements and carrying them over into their event design. Getting married in a garden? Your backdrop is already flowered for you - you might just add a dramatic design or two to tie it altogether.

Photo and florals by Twin City Floral

2. Never Too Much Green

With so many varieties to choose from, greenery is a fabulous design tool that will never go out of style! Most greenery types can be happy without water for extended periods of time making them the perfect choice for architectural adornment.

Photo courtesy of Hillary Muelleck Photography

Floral Design by Green Bee Floral Designs

Photo courtesy of Hillary Muelleck Photography

Floral Design by Green Bee Floral Designs

3. Adding Attention Grabbers

There’s just something top-notch about an event that surprises you with fresh floral arrangements in unexpected places! The Bar, the guestbook tables, the restrooms… adding your colors and chosen blooms to all the nooks and crannies of your celebration says that every detail mattered.

4. Simply, One

A monochrome floral design featuring just one favorite color displayed in a variety of blooms is always a joy! It’s a simpler option for someone who may be intimidated by the never-ending choices of flowers yet it still invites creativity because of the types, shapes and textures available in your chosen palette.

Photo and florals by Twin City Floral

5. Walking in Nature

Well…. nature that you create, that is! It cannot be denied that the last 18 months reignited a love of nature for many of us who took to the parks, trails and fields to find peace and sustenance. Introducing the current trend: aisle meadows! Lining your ceremony or reception space with low, on the ground designs envelop you and your guests in the colors, aromas and joy of the natural world. (Not to mention great social media content!)

Photo courtesy of Julia Wade Photography

Floral Design by Green Bee Floral Designs

6. Arches and Geometrics

For ceremonies taking place in a church or synagogue, an altar is already in place. However, with more couples opting for locations or venues that aren’t necessarily designed specifically to accommodate ceremonies, a flowered arch or shape is a great way to set the ceremony location apart and make it your own. Either with traditional flowers or with big, bold hues that beg for attention. There is no ‘wrong’ way.

What is your favorite flower or color and how will you work it into your celebration? Are you hoping for show-stoppers that create a conversation starter for your guests or are you planning for a more demure, bespoke backdrop? In either case, you will find yourself feeling a joy that can only come from a successful celebration where Mother Nature nature has been given a starring role.

The Barn at Reynolda Village welcomes one of our longtime friends, John Tate from Holly Tate Fine Catering, as our guest blogger for September! We know you will enjoy his article and learn from the terrific advice it contains! Bon appetit!

The most important step in selecting a caterer is to find the one that is right for you…early!  The best caterers in every price point are in demand.  Here’s how we suggest going about that:

1.       Think about what’s important to you.  Every couple has a set of priorities.  For some it’s the ten-piece band from a major city.  For others it’s the venue, flowers and decorations.  Some couples are most concerned with the guest experience and hope to present their guests with great tasting food and service.  These priorities will have a significant impact on your catering budget.

Photo courtesy of Heather Beerman Photography.

2.      The absolute best way to select your caterer is to rely on your venue’s recommendations.  They have had constantly good experiences with the ones they recommend and can tell you a lot about them – how expensive, how good is the value, how good the service is, etc.  And you will know that your caterer is familiar working at your venue and knows how to take care of it, which can prevent some major mishaps.

Another great resource for selecting caterers are the two primary wedding sites – WeddingWire and The Knot.  These websites not only present you with a wide range of possibilities, but contain meaningful reviews on past catering jobs posted by the caterer’s clients.

a.      Try to determine the location of caterers whose site and reviews appeal to you.  Most caterers don’t cook on-site, so if they are coming from a long distance your food will spend much time in a hot box, which doesn’t improve the food.

b.      Read the reviews in detail to try and find the really passionate ones.  The little things clients write can be telling.

c.       Don’t be afraid to ask the caterer for client references. 

Photo courtesy of Heather Beerman Photography.

3.      There are caterers at many different price points.  Price doesn’t necessarily mean quality, but if you are on a tight budget you really want to understand what you’re getting with the caterer you choose.

a.      How will they handle the food?  Do they cook on-site?  If not, does the type of meal you want lend itself to traveling in hot boxes (for example – good barbeque does.  Fresh asparagus and beef tenderloin do not).

b.      What is the service experience you expect?  Some caterers will drop and go, which means you’ll need to arrange clean up with the venue.  Will they arrive early and set tables?  Are they bringing sufficient staff and the quality of staff needed to execute your vision for your guests’ experience?

c.       How many events do they take in a night?  Are they overstretched?

4.      If you are looking for bar service as well, you should evaluate the caterer’s experience and standards with bar service.  Catering staffs have been known to lack knowledge of how to open wine bottles or have abandoned the bar early, leaving guests to self-serve to excess.  Do they carry liquor liability insurance?

We strongly suggest that you insist on purchasing your own wine, beer and liquor.  Caterers/restaurants which cater will mark up the alcohol they sell to you 3 -4 times.  This is money that could be spent on better food.  In the case you are willing to purchase it yourself, you should expect quality caterers to advise you on quantities you will need.

Photo courtesy of Heather Beerman Photography.

5. The Tasting.  Tasting policies vary by caterer.  Some will have you into their kitchen to taste a few bites of things they have pulled out of their freezer or refrigerator before even knowing what you will have for your meal.  Remember that just because they could fix bites of 5 things and make them very tasty is no guarantee they can do the same for 150 of your guests.  At the other end of the spectrum, the best caterers will want you to taste the most important elements of your meal in full portions to adjust things to your taste – more salad dressing/less salad dressing, meat too rare/too well done, etc. – to insure your meal is served the way you want it.

Finally, remember when you select a caterer you are not only deciding on the food experience. You are also deciding how your guests will be treated all evening. Ask questions of the venue and read the wedding site reviews not just for great food, but for how guests and the client felt about how they were cared for throughout the reception.

Photo courtesy of Holly Tate Fine Catering on Facebook.