I met Teri Stellato, General Manager for the Links at Union Vale, several years ago and liked her 
instantly. With a contagious smile and bucket loads of energy, she makes loyal friends of brides and wedding vendors alike.
Teri has produced numerous bridal shows and planned hundreds of events over the years, so I can’t wait to pick her brain for Hudson Valley wedding tips! Jeff and I give her a call to get the goods.
What advice would you give to a couple about bridal shows in the Hudson Valley?
“Well, there are many bridal shows and each has its own characteristics,” Teri says. “The very small ones can limit your options. A bridal show is great because it can be an all-in-one source for your appointments, which can save a lot of time.”
When attending a bridal show…
Be prepared. Focus in on the services you’re looking for so that you don’t get distracted by the chaos and fun of a bridal show.
Put the businesses cards of the wedding professionals you like in a separate place. You’ll be meeting so many people and getting so many cards that it’s hard to keep them straight! Put them aside as you gather them so you’ll know who to contact later.
Before you attend a bridal show, find out which wedding professionals will be there. Choose the shows with the vendors you’d like to meet.
I heard about this “Mock Wedding” coming up at the Links. What is it and why would I want to go?
“Well, I’m always greeting guests at the Links and so many people tell me they’ve never been here before and have never heard of it. The mock wedding gives them a chance to explore by opening up our doors to people who are looking for a venue.”
What happens at the Mock Wedding and how much does it cost?
“The mock wedding gives you a trial run of your own wedding…and it’s FREE for engaged couples who haven’t booked a venue yet,” Teri explains.
It’s happening on Saturday November 13th at 5pm and includes…
- A cocktail hour with cash bar and passed and stationary hors d’oeuvres, just like you’d have at your wedding.
- Introduction of the Bride and Groom by a real DJ…minus the bride and groom.
Doreen and I are going to be introduced.” Teri laughs. “We promised the vendors there was no First Dance required.”
- A 3 course sit down dinner so you can sample the food and service and meet the staff.
- You’ll get to enjoy music and meet some of the Links’ top recommended wedding professionals in a very low key setting.
- Exclusive offers will be available…and you can save up to $2,500 on a wedding package.
(My brother and his girlfriend just got engaged and I’m excited to tell them about the Mock Wedding because they definitely qualify!)
What couples are likely to be interested in the Links? I’m thinking of my bro and his fiancée now…
“Someone who prefers to be the only wedding that day, who wants the ability to get married onsite under the arbor or the covered patio with a view of the gorgeous green…” Teri pauses a moment. “The Links is perfect for a couple who doesn’t want that ‘wedding factory’ feel and wants the ability to customize their day.”
“We’ve always had great parties at the Links,” Jeff says thoughtfully. “Some venues lend themselves to great parties, and the Links is definitely one of them!”
What advice would you give someone who’s looking for a wedding venue?
- Have a realistic budget and guest list. You need real numbers you can work with to make a decision so that you don’t
get blind-sided by costs later on. - Select a venue that gives you a variety of options and an opportunity for you to show your personalities.
- Don’t feel pressured to make a decision. Make sure the venue is a right fit for you.
- Make sure the venue has a minimum that’s not too high for your guest list or a room that’s not big enough for your group.
- Check the staff to guest ratio. “At the Links, we have a 1 to 20 guest to staff ratio,” Teri explains. “Make sure it’s not more than a 1 to 24 ratio or it’s difficult to keep a high level of performance.”
- Make sure the venue is air-conditioned and comfortable. Your guests are going to appreciate it on a 95 degree summer day!
- Have an acceptable Plan B if it rains. Make sure whatever venue you select offers a good, acceptable Plan B for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- Use the venue’s recommended professionals. Don’t go with someone who has no references and no one has ever heard of, or it can destroy an otherwise fabulous day. It’s just not worth the risk.
You mentioned choosing a venue you can customize for your personality. Can you give me an example of that?
“Suppose your venue serves three courses. You can customize your meal by combining appetizers to eliminate a course, which frees up 25 minutes of time for dancing,” Teri suggests. “You can also eliminate items you don’t want or make substitutions.”
“One of our couples wanted a candy buffet, but not an elaborate Viennese hour. We have a package that includes cannolis and strawberries, so we incorporated candies and ice-cream into a mini-Viennese dessert table with only a minimal expense.”
“Another example,” Teri’s warming up now, “is that a lot of couples like sparklers around the Fourth of July. We cut the cake, invite the guests outside to light their sparklers and when they come back in the cake is served.”
What’s your favorite thing about a wedding?
“The bride and groom, of course!” Teri gushes. “This is the most important day of their lives…We’re part of the memories they’ll have forever. When the dust settles and I get that phenomenal letter thanking me because everything happened exactly the way they wanted…it’s such a feeling of pleasure!”
Jeff asks his very favorite question, “So, Teri. Tell me something no one knows about you.”
“If I tell you that, Jeff, then everyone will know,” Teri teases. “How about this…Working at the Links keeps me on Weight Watchers for the rest of my life. The food is just too good!”
Stephanie Padovani is a Hudson Valley wedding insider, freelance writer and wedding business consultant. Need help with something? Just ask-- she loves to give it!
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Great article Stephanie and Jeff. I've always loved shooting at the Links and working with Terri has been a pleasure every time.
Oh, and that Roasted Pear and Gorgonzola salad?
OUT of this WORLD!!!!
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|Registered |2010-11-09 13:57:39 anleena1127 - Thank You
I am recently engaged and extrememly nervous about everything involved in making my wedding day everything I dreamed it would be. I stumbled upon your site, then the offer for Saturday. I am happy to say that my mother and I will be at the links for their special event on Saturday. This article truly helped me out