Gone are the days when a venue is just a venue, at least for some local venues that are taking a more seamless approach to hosting weddings. A new “package deal” is being presented to couples who choose venues like Linden Place, Blithewold, and Mount Hope Farm. 

Picking a package means the venue handles more than just providing a location for the wedding. Karen Tungett, owner of Blackstone Caterers, discussed how Blackstone shifted its focus in 2019 when she and her husband took over. They decided to invest more in the planning of weddings to ensure a seamless process. 

She cited the venue’s contract with Blithewold as one of the driving factors. “It’s such a large property with a lot going on every day, which makes it important to have caterers and vendors who know the ins and outs, rules, regulations, and schedules,” Tungett said. “Having everyone involved be knowledgeable of Blithewold is integral to making the wedding a well-planned event,” she added. 

Tungett said 90 percent of couples who choose Blithewold also get married there. “It’s important to encourage couples to use the specific recommendations from Blackstone’s list, as those vendors will help make the wedding seamless,” she said. 

Linden Place Mansion follows a similar model with Russell Morin Catering & Events, which began handling wedding plans post-pandemic. “We’ve used Russell Morin as a preferred caterer for years, but we entered into an exclusive agreement with them in December of 2020,” said Cara Massey, executive director of Linden Place. 

“Post-COVID, we partnered with Russell Morin because they have more resources to offer, which makes the entire experience better for everyone,” Massey explained. “They also provide the couple with a list of trusted vendors, like florists and musicians, to help them find exactly what they need.”

The type of things that Russel Morin and companies like Blackstone are helping with are the elements of the wedding that are correlated with the couples venue of choice.

“First and foremost we are a caterer, but we also help plan the timeline, floor plan and design of the wedding venue — even finding appropriate linens that will fit the venue,” commented Maggie Shields, the director of event success at Russell Morin Catering & Events.

The mocktail makes its debut 

The “package deal” doesn’t limit the couple’s choices. “It’s not like this is the package you have to have,” said Melissa Avedisian, director of special events at Blithewold Mansion and Blackstone Caterers. The venue offers lists of caterers, florists, and photographers who are familiar with the venue and can help couples throughout the planning process. Shields of Russell Morin echoed her statement, saying “Even though we show our couples our list of recommended vendors that know the space well, that doesn’t mean they have to choose from that list.”

Having options limited is not the goal of companies like Blackstone and Russell Morin. It is still very much about what the couple wants to see on their special day. Incorporating as many trusted vendors that know the venue space well is simply a tool to make the day run smoothly. Couples are still encouraged to make choices and incorporate their wishes into the planning process.

When a new trend pops up, or a wedding party wants a family-style dinner with personal recipes, Blackstone and Russel Morin make every attempt to incorporate it into the planning of the wedding event at the venue of choice. 

One trend Russell Morin is seeing these days is the addition of an espresso martini, so that is being added whenever requested. Blackstone is seeing a trend with cocktails, as well — with more of its couples opting for a cocktail-style party instead of a sit-down dinner. Guests mingle, snack, and enjoy drinks.

More recently, mocktails have become a popular addition to these cocktail-style parties. Signature mocktails crafted with berries, ginger, and other flavors are becoming a staple. When couples express a want to be added, behind the scenes work gets done to make that occur, by seeking out trusted vendors that can assist in adding it into the wedding — seamlessly, of course.