Our family attended a wedding this weekend at the arboretum. My "stay away" star is strictly for some staff
PROS: the scenery is lovely. Also, huge shout out to the wait staff busing tables - very prompt and courteous.
CONS: the staff
1. Th...e restrooms for the patio venue are extremely limited. Bringing in large groups for weddings, there is inevitably lines. Big downside in Texas, it is also NOT air conditioned. Very hot, humid and sticky. Not a deal breaker as it is a public arboretum.
2. Our group arrived with the groom's mother, all dressed in formal ware. It is still open to the public at 4:00 pm at which time you can arrive to unload wedding things you are bringing in. BEWARE: the traffic was extremely slow getting into and out of the venue. We were immediately met at the road by staff on radios and golf carts. The groom's mother was told adamantly "no" you may not unload here and then go park. Therefore,all in formal attire, we lugged in several large items thru the parking lot, thru the arboretum and into the patio venue. Ok, it is open to the public,that I can understand. What I couldn't figure out was why they didn't offer to help her at all. Load it on the golf carts for us, help us carry it? Drop it at the fence line? Anything? No- Not even strike one for us yet.
2. If Savannah is your coordinator - run don't walk - run away. Savannah honey, change jobs. When you tell a co-worker to "watch out for the groom's mother, she has a temper" in front of her family and friends? Seriously? Anyone in attendance that overhears you KNOWS the people you are talking about !!! Are you kidding me? You my dear never saw temper, I assure you, I was standing there the whole time! Strike one.
3. As more than half the guests were already seated for the wedding. The staff still has a ladder in the ceremony space installing the decorations for the ceremony. Really?
4. The ceremony...the minister referred to an event that was supposed occur during the ceremony. Then he had to back track as it had not been set up. Um, wasn't that the coordinator's job? The ceremony continued without. Ok, do plans change? Sure do. Not a deal breaker. Still a beautiful ceremony.
5. Cocktail hour/pictures. The entire congregation stood to walk to the cocktail area, by this time it is dark outside. There are steps and winding paths everywhere. Where was the coordinator/someone/anyone to tell 150 people where to go? No where. No lights, no signage, no directions , no help. Nothing. Guests kept asking where to go, no one was able to help. Most guests just wondered around. Not a good look for a "wedding" venue.
6. Head table for the wedding party. One on the groomsmen was left off the table seating and had no where to be seated for dinner. Savannah apologized and did absolutely NOTHING to accommodate him to be seated for dinner. Get another place setting, get a stinking chair for him? No, she did nothing, completely unacceptable. Strike two.
7. Two guests chairs for the dinner were placed in the grass, 3 feet from any table with their name cards in the seat. Are you kidding me? The lady had to go find staff to figure out why their seats were in the grass not even at a table. Not a good look for a wedding venue. Strike three.
8. The ladies restroom needed attention into the evening. Savannah was verbally informed at which time she simply nodded her head and did absolutely nothing about it. Not a good look for a wedding. Strike four.