Question 1

How do I book a wedding?

Accepted Answer

Use our Calendar to verify we have dates available. Set up a venue visit by using our "VISIT" link.  Tours are 30 minutes and are usually weekdays if we have events on the weekends.  We do not hold dates without a deposit and signed contract. If you decide to book, we will provide you with a copy of the contract, and a list of preferred vendors to help get you started with your planning.  The list includes coordinators, photographers, House DJs, officiants, and bakers that have been vetted by other couples and are already familiar with the venue.   Please see our frequently asked question regarding payments and deposits.

Question 2

How are payments made?  How much is the deposit?

Accepted Answer

Saturday Wedding - $3,500 Deposit = $500 - nonrefundable, due with signed contract  1st Payment = $1,500 + $150 for damage deposit  2nd Payment = $1,500 + $150 for damage deposit  ($300 will be returned after the event if there are no damages)   Friday or Sunday Wedding - $3,000 Deposit = $500 - nonrefundable, due with signed contract  1st Payment = $1,250 + 150 for damage deposit 2nd Payment = $1,250 + 150 for damage deposit ($300 will be returned after the event if there are no damages)   Cash or check is prefferable.   Venmo/Credit card carries a 3.5% charge.

Question 3

What is your maximum occupancy?

Accepted Answer

We cater to small intimate weddings of 100 or less.     100 is the max capacity that we can seat in the pavilion.  Anyone sitting down to eat at the reception is considered a guest.  Your caterer, DJ, bartender etc are not included, but your bridal party/children are.  If you are close to or slightly over the 100 max capacity, we suggest creating an A list of 100 guests and send out your invites first.  For those that don't RSVP, go to your B list and invite them until you have 100 RSVPs.     Your RSVPs will vary based on if your guests are coming in from out of town, the time of year, and whether you've chosen a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.     If you don't want children increasing your numbers, include "we have reserved two seats in your honor" or "due to the presence of alcohol all guests must be 21" on your invitation.

Question 4

Do you have a layout of the venue?

Accepted Answer

Best viewed on PC. 2nd Floor dressing rooms not shown.  Click here for printable version.

Question 5

What if we live out of state?

Accepted Answer

If you live out of state and are unable to visit the venue we recommend asking a friend or family member to check out the venue for you, and if possible face time with you during their tour.  If that is not possible we can set up a video tour for you.

Question 6

What is wedding insurance?  Is it required?

Accepted Answer

Wedding and Event Liability: Covers liability at the venue for property damage or injuries to guests that you may be held responsible for.  Host Liquor Liability: Will protect you against liquor-related incidents.  Cancellation or Postponement: Reimbursements of any nonrefundable lost deposits up to the limit of the policy. Cost depends on which company you choose and runs from 125 to about 180.   Windsor Manor requires client's to obtain wedding insurance   Travelers Wedding Insurance: Best Overall Wedsure: Best for Customized Options & Change of Heart WedSafe: Best for Wedding Liability Coverage Markel Specialty: Best for Keeping It Simple Event Helper: Best for Local Friendly Service (USA) USAA: Best For Members of the Military

Question 7

How do rehearsals work?

Accepted Answer

Rehearsals are on Thursdays and are complimentary.  There is no charge and it is not included in our rental price. Times are typically 4-5, 5-6, or 6-7.    Not all couples have a rehearsal at Windsor Manor. If your bridal party is not in town on Thursday, you may choose to use another location and then go to dinner.  Some couples will also do a dry run when they arrive at the venue, or rely on a coordinator or friend to line everyone up and send them out the door.    How do we know we even need a rehearsal?  If you have a large bridal party you may want one, if it's a simple ceremony with just the couple you might not.   Any tips?  Tell your party to be on time.  If someone is late, you will be delayed in starting and there might be a rehearsal after yours.  Most weekends in the Spring and Fall are triple booked with weddings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.   How does the processional work?  From the DJ booth the DJ can see both the front door and the pergola where the cermony takes place.  From the front door, someone in your party will give the DJ a thumbs up to start the music for the bridal party, who are waiting inside the Manor.  The bridal party will begin the processional, and once seated/in position, the DJ will turn the bridal party's song down.    The DJ will then start the song for the bride who will be waiting in the foyer and probably watching the processional.  When the bride is in place, he will turn the bride's song down and the officiant will begin.    After the ceremony the DJ will play an exit song and the newly wedded couple and bridal party will exit the ceremony area to the side garden for photos.  Guests will be asked to gather at the pavilion for drinks by either the officiant or the DJ.   Does the DJ come?  Never Does our officiant come?  Sometimes   How long do we have?  An hour on a non event day Do we need a coordinator?  That is really up to you.  Some of what Windsor Manor provides and what coordinators provide such as set up and break down overlap.  If you have someone in your party that wants to organize everyone that is also an option.   What time are rehearsals?  It depends on the time of year, but usually they are from 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, but remember in the late fall it gets dark earlier.

Question 8

What about planning for our wedding?

Accepted Answer

We offer two optional planning visits to all couples.  Planning sessions are booked through our website based on our availability.   Your first planning visit, you will want to bring family, planners, florist, and your caterer to see the space.     Some brides like to come out a second time to see the venue a month or two before the wedding to tie up any loose ends.

Question 9

Do you have a bar?

Accepted Answer

We have a bar with a sink and chest freezer for ice in the pavilion.  We have a few drink dispensers and several silver urns which are great for putting champagne or white wine in with ice which guests are welcome to borrow.

Question 10

Does Windsor Manor have dressing rooms?

Accepted Answer

We have a beautiful Bride's Boudoir with five makeup tables, separate changing room where dresses can be hung, and a private restroom with shower.  There is a mini fridge with a compartment for ice so you can keep your drinks cold.     We have a changing room and lounge with TV for the groom with an additional restroom across the hall.  There is also a mini fridge with a compartment for ice.  The guys are welcome to use the hall bathroom shower.

Question 11

What does your Venue Attendant do?

Accepted Answer

During your event, someone will remain on the property and this is included in the rental price. Attendants will:  1. Check trash cans and empty them when necessary.  2. Make sure the bathrooms are in working order.  3. Answer any questions vendors have while setting up. 4. Set up and break down our tables, chairs, linens.

Question 12

What other amenities do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We have a coffee bar downstairs and a wet bar in the pavilion. We have a set of corn hole boards that guests can use. We have 2 mini fridges upstairs and provide complimentary ice and sodas for the bridal party as they're getting ready, with plenty of room for your drinks as well. We have an optional selfie nook that guests enjoy and a camera you can use.  You only need to supply the film.  Guests sign the photos for you to put them in a guest book at a later time. If it's cold, we have gas patio heaters free of charge

Question 13

What about parking?

Accepted Answer

We have 70 designated parking spots for our guests.  A typical wedding of 100 results in about 35 or 50 cars since most guests travel in pairs.

Question 14

What do your centerpieces look like?

Accepted Answer

We provide crushed ivory taffeta linens as seen in the picture at no additional charge, as well as black lanterns & LED candles (see picture) that can be used as table centerpieces.  We also have wood slabs to set them on, and artificial greenery if you choose not to bring your own.  We have gold chiavari chairs for the reception and white padded folding chairs for the ceremony area.

Question 15

What kind of decorating do most couples do?

Accepted Answer

Most couples do very little decorating and some none at all.  There is already quite a lot to see.  Couples typically use our linens (crushed taffeta in ivory), cake stand, centerpieces, chairs, tables, and allow us to set it up for them.  We also provide linens for the buffet tables and DJ table.   There is no extra charge for using our decor and we setup the tables, chairs, linens for you.   Some couples might rent their own linens, add a table runner in their color, do their own centerpieces, or hire a florist to do centerpieces for the reception tables.     Those who want to go all out will add sheers/flowers to the pergola, and maybe shepherd's hooks/bouquets up the aisle.

Question 16

Do you have measurements or other details?

Accepted Answer

Ceremony Area The white ceremony pergola is 16 feet wide and 9.5 feet high. There are nine hooks at the top of the pergola for hanging garland or flower arrangements, and they are spaced 24 inches apart.  There are curtain rods on the right and left front sections and they are approximately 3 feet wide.  If you want to hang sheers they should be approximately 92 inches in length to reach the ground.   We recommend tying them to the column so they don't blow around during the ceremony.   Tables  For the buffet we provide 2 eight foot tables with black linens inside Windsor Manor where the caterer may setup their chafing dishes.   There is an additional 8 foot table in the pavilion used for appetizers or gifts, and a small four foot table typically used for sweet tea or water. There are up to 10 dining tables which are five feet wide and 29.5" high. Each seats 8- 10.  10 x 10 = 100 and that is our max occupancy rating. Our dining table linens are ivory crushed taffeta and are 120 inches wide and fall all the way to the floor.  If you are using our optional sweetheart table, it is a half round, four feet wide.  We also have a standard 6 foot rectangular table that can be used in its place. We have several pub tables with stools on the dance floor with black linens.  Dance floor Our dance floor is approximately 40 x 20 and is lighted with Edison lights.  Decor Our gold metal round cake plateau is 18” Our square metal silver cake plateau is 16” We have several 2 gallon drink dispensers you may use We have all the wedding signs you would ever see at Hobby Lobby such as "Welcome to our Wedding", "Reserved", "Pick a Seat Not a Side" as well as table numbers.

Question 17

What do your cake plateaus look like?

Accepted Answer

Gold round 18"      Silver Square 16"     Cupcake stands

Question 18

Do you have an easel we can borrow?

Accepted Answer

Yes...

Question 19

Can we choose our own DJ? Caterer?  Photographer?

Accepted Answer

House DJs In the beginning we had many complaints about various DJs showing up late, leaving early, not playing the music that was requested, or being difficult to work with.  As a result we decided to create a list of client recommended DJs that run anywhere from $400 all the way up to $1400.  Only DJs on our list that have signed an agreement with Windsor Manor are allowed to DJ events.      Caterers, Florist, Etc. You are free to choose whomever you like for caterers, florists, photographers etc.  We have a list of vendors which includes DJ, caterer, photographers, cake etc. that is included with a signed contract to help you get started.

Question 20

Will we need an off duty police officer?

Accepted Answer

Richmond county requires an officer at any event where alcohol is being served no matter the number of guests.  Usually you will need an officer when guests start drinking till the end of the event at 10pm.  On average it's about 4-5 hours @ $30 per hour payable to the officer at the end of the night.  We will arrange this for you.  If you are having a friend provide this service, they must be Richmond county and in uniform.     The officer will not be able to leave until all of the alcohol is put away.  We recommend having the DJ announce a last call around 9:30pm, and having a friend or two that can help put the alcohol away for you.

Question 21

I'm a decorator/coordinator.  What do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

Guests will assume you work for our venue so please always be courteous and friendly. The use of nails, tape, glue, command hooks, or anything sticky is forbidden.  Use florists wire or zip ties.   We are unable to lend ladders. We do not allow the packing up / removal of linens or centerpieces until 10pm or all the guests have left.    If a flower girl or guests are throwing rose petals they must be artificial.  Real rose petals no matter the color leave oil stains.  Bouquets/table centerpieces can be real of course. If you are lining the processional stone path with flower petals, those will need to be artificial as well and you will need to be pick them up or a cleanup fee will be taken from the damage deposit.   Anything you bring with you will need to be taken the same night. Moving furniture, artwork etc is not allowed.  Cutting our greenery or flowers is forbidden.  Candles on our linens are not allowed, but if you bring your own linens and they are in an enclosed container it is not a problem. Silly string, confetti, or sparklers are not allowed.

Question 22

I'm a caterer.  What do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

Welcome!!! As part of our business model, we welcome all caterers, but in order to keep an open door policy ask you to remember that guests do not understand that you are separate from Windsor Manor.    Guests will assume WM is providing the food, and if there is a problem, it reflects more so on Windsor Manor than it does you.    We ask that you are always friendly and courteous to guests and do your utmost to provide good service.  Failure to comply with these rules or any complaints from guests will result in a permanent ban from servicing any future events at Windsor Manor.   All catering staff should be dressed professionally and wear name tags or shirts with the name of your business. All deliveries, pick-ups, setup and breakdown must occur during the client’s rented time from 11am to 11pm the day of the event.  Any equipment must be taken with you.   Do not block open or leave doors ajar. All drinks should be set up outside at the bar or on a table to avoid spills in the house. We have an 18 pan warming oven you are welcome to use, however it is against fire code to cook or use the range/oven.   All food should be cooked/prepared before bringing it to the venue. Windsor Manor does not provide ice, flatware, napkins, cups, plates, chafing dishes, drink dispensers, etc. The caterer is responsible for the cost of repairing any damage done to the floors and rugs due to leakage or items being dragged or pushed across the floor.   Caterers are responsible for taking out their trash to the dumpster.   The venue will take care of the guest's trash in the pavilion.  CLEANUP The kitchen and sunroom should look as clean as when you arrived. All trash/food debris must be contained in appropriate waste bags and removed in a manner that prevents spillage or drips on the way.   Cleaning Checklist   ________ Microwave has been wiped out ________ Refrigerator shelves if used have been wiped down ________ Kitchen floors have been vacuumed ________ Sink is cleaned ________ Counter tops wiped down ________ Any tables used have been wiped down ________ Kitchen trash has been removed ________ Sunroom floor has been swept or vacuumed/spills wiped up ________ Kitchen carpets are wiped clean of spills or stains ________ Leftover food has been placed in containers ready for guests to take with them

Question 23

Will we need a wedding coordinator?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what the venue provides, the complexity, and size of your wedding. 
Because we cater to smaller weddings and manage the setting up and breaking down the tables, chairs, linens, and centerpieces, it is up to you to decide if you feel you need help with the rest.  At the very least you will want someone in charge of lining up the bridal party.  It could be a family member or someone in the bridal party.     Coordinators vary in what they offer but their main services include helping to choose vendors, creating a timeline, and organizing the bridal party for the procession.

Question 24

What is the inclement weather plan?

Accepted Answer

Our covered pavilion is 60' x 25' and was built for intimate weddings of 100 or less.  Think of it as a permanent tent.       1) It's raining all day and it's not stopping:   When we built the pavilion, we made sure it was centered on the side door.  The wedding party would come out the side door directly into the pavilion, and would proceed up the middle of the pavilion to the carved panels at the end.  Guests would be seated at tables.  We do have clear plastic curtains that can be lowered to help keep out wind and rain.     2) It's patchy rain and we're not sure what's going to happen at the time of the ceremony:   We would set up the chairs in the garden and if necessary dry them off before the guests arrive.  We've delayed a few ceremonies a few minutes to catch a break in the weather.  In this scenario we usually open the bar so guests can enjoy a glass of wine and socialize in the pavilion.  When the bride is ready we ask the DJ to ask guests to make their way to the garden area.     We have separate sets of chairs for the pavilion and garden so there is never any need to move chairs.

Question 25

What is a typical timeline?

Accepted Answer

The contract for the venue is from 11am to 11pm.  The gate opens at 11 and that is when your florist, baker, or planner are welcome to come start setting up.  At this time, Windsor Manor will begin setting up tables and chairs for the ceremony and reception.   Typical timeline:   11:00am - Bride arrives to do hair and makeup / dress 2:00pm - Photographer arrives / cake arrives 2:30pm - Groom / groomsmen arrive to get dressed 3:00pm - Caterer arrives to set up 3:30pm - DJ arrives 4:30pm - Guests being to arrive / optional cocktail hour before ceremony 5:00pm - Ceremony  (garden is in shade by this time) 5:30pm - Photos / Cocktail Hour 6:00pm - Buffet / Social time 7:00pm - Cake Cutting / Dancing 10:00pm - DJ & Bar service ends / Guest Begin Departing / Cleanup begins 11:00pm  - End of contract time   In the summer we recommend a ceremony time of about 4:30 or 5:30 to ensure the garden is in full shade.  In the Fall, we recommend a ceremony time of 4pm to 5pm.  This is especially important if you are having a wedding after the time change in November as it gets darker earlier and you will want time for family photos after the ceremony.

Question 26

What is the breakdown process?

Accepted Answer

There is no addtional cleaning fee so long as there is nothing out of the ordinary.     You: We ask our clients to make sure all trash both inside and out are in trash cans, and any personal items have been removed.  Any leftovers, cake, alcohol, or decorations need to be removed before 11pm.  Sometimes the caterers will clear tables during the event for you but that depends on your agreement with them.   I would ask someone in the family to help with this process so you can enjoy the night.      Caterer: The caterer is required to clean up after themselves and remove any of their equipment before 11pm.   As we often have several events in a row, leaving equipment is not an option.    Us: We will put away the chairs, linens, and any of our decorations.  We will wipe down the tables, vacuum, and mop.     Officer:   Last call is usually announced at 9:30, last dance at 9:45 and all alcohol must be put away by 10pm for the officer to be able to leave.

Question 27

What have we forgotten?

Accepted Answer

We recommend bringing:   A box for the cake if the baker is not providing one A cake knife set and a designated person to cut the cake (we have a vintage cake cutting set you can borrow). Saran wrap / to go boxes for leftovers Comfortable shoes for after the ceremony Someone to help organize your bridal party and line them up if you are not using a coordinator If you're having alcohol, cash for the officer at the end of the night A towel if you plan on taking a shower

Question 28

I'm a guest.  What do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

We are an outdoor venue so you will want to dress according to the weather.  Our reception pavilion is partially enclosed but not heated or cooled.  We provide fans/gas heaters for these areas, but only the manor itself has heating and cooling. We also recommend bringing an umbrella if it is raining and an extra pair of shoes if you are wearing heels as you will be required to wear shoes at all times.      We do not allow pets.  Guests may not smoke or vape inside the facility or within 10 feet of any entrance, but they may smoke away from the pavilion so long as the couple that has rented the day doesn't mind.     The venue is very secluded so you will want to use GPS to find it.  The most accurate GPS is google.  If it tells you "you have arrived" and you don't see anything, look across the road for the 4x8 pink sign that says Windsor Manor on the corner of Windsor Spring and Crosscreek Road.  We are in the middle of several hundred acres at the end of the dirt road directly behind the sign.   We do have 2 handicap accessible bathrooms behind our reception pavilion.   If you are bringing children, anyone under 16 must be supervised at all times.

Question 29

What about alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Police If you are having alcohol a police officer is required by the county.  As part of our contract, you can select to have us arrange one for you and you will pay them directly at the end of the night depending on how long they stay.    Bartenders Some couples bring their own beer and wine and set it up self serve, however if you are planning on mixed drinks with liquor then you will need a bartender.   A license is not required unless you are selling alcohol.     Other Tips Beer bottles are sometimes dropped and make the trash very heavy, so we ask that if you are not doing a keg to do always do canned beer.  We also recommend a couple twelve packs for your soda drinkers/mixed drinks and the small 6 ounce clear tumblers so that people don't waste wine.   We do not supply ice however we do have a freezer in the bar for ice storage.  Most couples will usually task a family member or groomsman with picking up some ice.  There is a sprint gas station across the street, and a Twice the Ice up the road.

Question 30

What is your pet policy?

Accepted Answer

Trained service dogs must display their official Service Animal attire, must be leashed and remain with their owners at all times.    Dogs or pets whose sole function is providing comfort (emotional support dogs) do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and for insurance and liability reasons are not permitted.    For more information on what qualifies as a service dog, please see https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

Question 31

What about children at our wedding?

Accepted Answer

Children under 16 must be supervised at all times.    If you want to include children but are worried about having children unattended, we recommend hiring a sitter.     If you feel your wedding should be an adult only event here are some tips from previous brides on how to handle it:   We have chosen a small venue with limited occupancy and have reserved 2 seats in your honor.  -or- Due to the presence of alcohol, all guests must be at least 21 years old.

W

M

WINDSOR

MANOR

Couples looking for something unique and off the beaten path will find it here at our historic cottage hidden in the woods. Built in 1921, our history, architecture, and charm make for an amazing wedding experience!

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