Cover photo by Azul Photography. Poppy Belle, Durham florist.
As a Durham Florist, I know the importance of finding the perfect venue. The venue sets the tone, captures the theme, and frames the memories being made for any event. Each couple has a vision of their ideal wedding and finding the right space to make that dream a reality is very important. This week I would like to share a venue spotlight on River Ridge Golf Club located in Raleigh, NC. and an interview I did with Miranda E. Day, River Ridge’s Sales and Events Director. But first, mark your calendars for their open house on April 23rd from Noon – 3:00 PM. I’ll be there showing off some blooms to inspire you for your big day!
Venue Location:
Surrounded by blue Carolina skies and sweeping green landscapes, River Ridge Golf Club is sure to offer an intimate stage for your love story and create memories that will last a lifetime. When asked if River Ridge had both outdoor and indoor ceremony and reception sites available, Ms. Day commented, “River Ridge hosts both ceremonies and receptions. Typically, our events are outdoor only, but we can host events in our ballroom or ceremonies on our covered outdoor pavilion.” When asked about the maximum capacity, Ms. Day said, “Approximately 300 guests between our outdoor pavilion space and indoor ballroom or 215 located on our outdoor pavilion. We provide 150 chairs for reception and ceremony. Our ballroom is a gorgeous 10,000 square foot space. In the event of rain, if a couple chooses an outdoor ceremony, we can also accommodate a tent.” River Ridge is also ADA accessible with a ramp.
Price of Venue:
When it comes to venue selection couples want to know how much a venue will cost and what is included in the fee. When asked this question, Miranda was very detailed and I just loved that. No couple wants hidden fees. Miranda shared with me that at River Ridge Golf Club, they do not charge a fee per guest. Instead, they base their charges on whether the couple is interested in the wedding ceremony only ($1200), a wedding reception only ($2800) or both ( $3200). Prices don’t vary based on day of the week or time. This is great for couples that wish to have a weekend wedding. Most locations charge more for a weekend date.
What’s Included:
When asked what the price included, Ms. Day commented, “Our rental fee includes the use of the outdoor pavilion and indoor ballroom, use of our indoor clubhouse, ceremony chairs as well as reception tables and chairs for 150 guests, 48 hours use of storage space, access to a certified wedding planner to meet with you and discuss your visions of your special day, 10-hour day of event coordination from our events staff, flexibility to decorate our neutral space to reflect your personal taste, complimentary one hour for rehearsal, and complimentary use of venue for bridal portraits before your event. Staff will also help transition from ceremony to reception.”
The fee also includes the use of (15) 72” round tables that can accommodate up to 10 guests each, (150) white resin reception chairs, (150) white ceremony chairs, (10) 8 ft. banquet tables, (5) 30” tall cocktail tables,(1) 36” round cake table, (1) 48” sweetheart table for bride and groom, and (2) 6′ banquet tables. There is no additional charges for water, electrical, or parking. Parking is ample and there is no need to rent additional rest rooms.
Set Up and Decoration:
At River Ridge Golf Club, you can be in the venue at 7:00 am if you’d like to get ready onsite. Club staff will arrive between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm. If you would like staff to be on the premise early to help with additional setup, there is an additional fee. All tables and chairs will be setup the day before so your vendor setup can begin at 7:00 am.
When asked if there are there restrictions to the space with decorating, Ms. Day replied,”Our elegant neutral spaces can be decorated with your personal style any way you like. However, you will want to have centerpieces with a heavy base because the pavilion is elevated and there is always a slight breeze blowing through. Candles should be sheltered from the wind as well. Also, we ask that you do not put holes into walls and ceilings and use command hooks instead.” Occasionally, River Ridge will host multiple weddings on the same weekend. It can affect tent rental pick up and drop off but it will not affect rehearsal. Staff will coordinate these times.
Catering:
River Ridge Golf Club does not have an in-house caterer. They do, however, have a preferred vendor and caterer list you can choose from. If a couple prefers to use someone outside of that list… it is welcomed as long as the caterer or vendor is approved by Miranda. There is no fee for using your own vendors. The next questions are always asked by couples. What is the alcohol policy? And what kind of bar options are offered? Miranda is happy to provide insight. River Ridge has both Beer & Wine Licenses and all beer and wine must be purchased through the Club. There are several options for you to choose from that will suit your personal preference best and accommodate your budget.
Open Bar:
With our open bar option, we invoice based on consumption. While other venues charge per person, we charge per drink, so clients only pay for what is used. The prices listed below are the fees for the open bar option:
- $3.00/ domestic beer
- $4.00/ import beer
- $4.00/specialty beer
- $5.00/ glass of wine
- $20 per hour for bartender fee + hour clean up/set up
- 20% gratuity added to all beverages sold
*According to the NC Consumer Tax Law, there will be an Alcoholic Beverage Tax charged for all beer and wine consumed.
Open Bar with Limits:
If you choose to forego the open bar option, you have the choice to control consumption and spending by setting a monetary limit or by using a ticket system.
- Monetary Limit: Set a limit for how much you want to spend on alcohol at your event. *This set price does not include tax, bartender fee or gratuity.
- Ticket System: The preferred and equitable option of the two, open bar with ticket limit ensures that every guest can enjoy complimentary drinks, without breaking your budget. Each guest is allotted a certain number of tickets at your discretion (usually attached to the programs or name cards) When guests have used all their allotted tickets, they can purchase alcohol from the bar with cash.*This set price does not include tax, bartender fee or gratuity.
Cash Bar:
Our cash bar option is great for couples on a budget. Your guest will pay for their own drinks. The only charge you are responsible for is the bartender fee, which is $20/hour + clean up/set up.
Liquor Bar:
Liquor is an option! You must obtain a 24-hour special occasional alcohol permit from ABC. Once you are granted your permit, you will be allowed to bring in your own liquor and mixers and our bartenders will make the drinks for your guests. There is an additional corkage fee of $3 per person that will be added to your final invoice.
Entertaining spaces at River Ridge
Entertainment:
Next Ms. Day and I discussed entertainment… after all…what’s a wedding and reception without music? Bands or DJs are welcome and must provide their own equipment. All noise and guests must be packed up and out of the venue by 11:00 pm. to respect noise ordinances. Miranda added that there are no photo or video restrictions or fees, but guest are at their own risk on the golf course.
Miranda Day is your point of contact at River Ridge Golf Club; She will be there for the 10-hours of day-of coordination. Accommodating and friendly, you’ll love working with her! I’m very excited to provide floral decor for their clients! For more information or to view the River Ridge Golf Club gallery click here .
Interested in what I can do for your wedding? Contact me here!