Planning a Wedding in the Sauk Valley area?

Selecting a venue for your wedding and reception isn’t just deciding where you’ll dine and dance. It’s setting the tone for your event. Will you have an elegant dinner or a casual meal? Will you have a multi-tiered cake or slice your aunt’s prized pies?

“We had a couple that told us breakfast was their favorite meal so their wedding was a breakfast buffet,” said Holly Davis, venue coordinator for Deer Valley Banquets in Deer Grove.

With more than 20 years of experience in the wedding industry Davis understands no two weddings are the same. As the coordinator between the venue and couples her role is to make dreams come true, and sometimes pull off a few miracles too.

It starts great communication between the couples and the venue’s event coordinator who is there to answer questions, help the couple stay on track and in some cases, help direct the big day.

“We want to make sure communication is open and we want to make sure we’re all on the same page,” Davis said.

Planning starts with determining a wedding style and party size. Will it be a large gathering or something on the smaller size? Looking for outdoor space, a romantic barn, a traditional banquet hall or even use of a local restaurant are some of the great options in the region.

“We can do smaller parties or 15, 30 or we can accommodate your party of 600 people,” said Matt Prescott. He owns several businesses including the Candlelight Inn restaurant and he is a business partner with Sauk Valley Events which includes the new McCormick Event Center in Rock Falls as well as other regional venues that each have their own style and occupancy for use. Prescott said the wedding coordinator with Sauk Valley Events can help couples navigate several venues by size, style and costs which can range from room rental fees to catering and set up services.

“Couples need to make sure they look into everything,” Prescott said. “Planning a wedding is such an exciting time. It’s also one of the largest expenses as you start your married life.”

Marion Younger, owner of The Loft at K’s Korner said she wants couples to have a beautiful day and make sure it’s one that doesn’t break the bank. She enjoys helping couples plan their wedding celebration in the renovated dairy barn that has an elevator to access the room and is climate controlled as well.

“It’s always wonderful to see how each party is set up,” Younger said. “It’s so beautiful.”

And with room rental price of $300 it makes it an affordable option for a couple that’s interested in a do-it-yourself option. At The Loft, couples supply their own décor, tables, chairs and can select to cater or prepare their own foods as well.

While a budget-friendly room rental may seem attractive at first glance, Davis cautions it’s worth considering what’s included in full-service venues that provide set up, clean up and what can be considered extras such as tables and linens.

“It’s about budget versus convenience and having a full-service venue you’re going to get everything in one location and in the end, it may be more cost effective,” Davis said.

Full-service includes having either Davis or her fellow coordinator, Brianna Martinez serve as wedding directors helping to keep each event on pace and handling last minute items from buttons that need sewing to weather issues. She even manages the growing trend couples have of offering a late-night snack to their guests, serving up burgers, pizza and other casual options.

“We try to work as hard as we can for couples and with good communication we can make that dream come as close to perfection,” Davis said.

Looking ahead many venues already have a crowded 2021 calendar that is already spilling into 2022. Local venue coordinators said there are still many options, including hosting a weekday event. Prescott cautions to read before signing any contract and understand each venue’s policies on deposits, refunds and date changes. The last year has shown that uncertainty can be costly and it’s essential to understand what happens if a couple needs to postpone or change dates.