WEDDING PACKAGES

Which one is for you?

Imagine the perfect reception setting, a wedding feast that truly lives up to the name, advice you couldn’t do without and the service you’ve always dreamt of. We asked Damian Sant Fournier, of Villa Arrigo, how you can find it.

WHAT SHOULD A COUPLE LOOK FOR IN A TOP WEDDING VENUE?

Make sure that the venue is versatile, and is well kept. We at Villa Arrigo have an elegant house, a large fully air-conditioned and soundproof marquee, purposely built (with service corridors) for all functions, a beautiful garden, and a state-of-the-art sound system throughout the premises. These would be some of the most important items to look for at the first visit.

AND WHAT IMPORTANT DETAILS SHOULD THEY ALWAYS CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING THEIR VENUE?

What is included with venue like, bars, bistro tables, carpet, furniture etc. also, the elements, depending on the month. Is there is shelter from rain, sun and wind, or even heaters if needed.

HOW DOES A GOOD EVENTS ORGANISER GUIDE A COUPLE WHO ARE CHOOSING WHERE TO HOLD THEIR RECEPTION?

It is all of the above plus the size of venue and number of guests, so that everything fits comfortably. But most important is that the organiser listens and understands what the couple really wants and likes. Many times, they start to give advice and ideas (which would be good), but are they what the couple really what? The most important thing is to listen.

AND HOW IMPORTANT IS THE LIAISON BETWEEN A WEDDING VENUE AND THE PLANNERS, DECORATORS AND ENTERTAINERS A COUPLE CHOOSES?

This is of utmost importance as they all need to be organised and synchronise, with timings and setup,according to each other’s schedule. This is most important for how the couple would like the wedding to proceed.

THE PAST TWO YEARS HAVE TAUGHT EVERYONE INVOLVED IN A WEDDING TO EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. HOW CAN COUPLES BE SURE THAT, NO MATTER WHAT, THEY WILL HAVE THE WEDDING OF THEIR DREAMS?

The last two years have been very fraught. However,at Villa Arrigo we have nearly all that is needed on sight, such as tables, table covers chairs, chairs covers and all furniture and equipment needed. Also we were restricted by the health department, on the number of serving staff and guests per table. Menus had to be adapted for sit-down meals meaning that most of the couples finished above budget. So we removed most of the extra charges to help continue working and to help the couple too.

THE RESTRICTIONS ON SERVING FOOD AND DRINK MEANT BUFFETS AND COCKTAIL SERVICES WERE OFF THE MENU. GUESTS WERE SEATED AT TABLES AND SERVED SET MENUS OR SELECTIONS OF THEMED FOOD. MANY COUPLES AND THEIR GUESTS WERE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT HOW SUCCESSFUL THIS TURNED OUT TO BE. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT WAS?

When you see full tables laid out, the venue looks beautiful. I don’t think there is a nicer setup,it looks amazing.

Also, there is more bonding as people have much more time to socialise among themselves, with low background music creating a more intimate wedding. And for cocktails, we had trolleysto go around giving each table special attention.

SO DO YOU THINK, ESPECIALLY FOR SMALLER WEDDINGS, MORE COUPLES WILL CHOOSE A SEATED WEDDING FOR THEIR WEDDING CELEBRATION? I would also consider a sitdown wedding for a small group, as most guests will be family and just a few close friends, who would like to socialise together, then sit-down for a very good meal and afterwards dance the night away, with good entertainment.So the chemistry is perfect.

NOWADAYS, COUPLES ARE VERY AWARE OF THEIR GUESTS’ FOOD CHOICES AND DIETARY ISSUES. CAN A WEDDING VENUE WHICH IS ASSOCIATED WITH JUST ONE CATERER BE SURE THAT ALL GUESTS WILL HAVE THE SAME STANDARD OF DELICIOUS FOODY TREATS? Yes, for sure, we can cater for all intolerances, and menus will be prepared according to intolerance and preferences.

EACH NEW YEAR I DO LIKES TO LOOK AT UPCOMING TRENDS, AND WEDDING CAKES OFFER A HUGE SCOPE FOR COMBINING NEW AND DELICIOUS FLAVOURS AND ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES. WHAT TYPE OF WEDDING CAKES HAVE YOU SEEN BECOMING MOST POPULAR AND WHAT ARE THE TRENDS FOR THIS SEASON? The traditional three tier is still the most popular, however some couples decide to have different flavours, like almond at the bottom, bacio in the middle and lemon,poppy seeds,or vanilla cake on top. We normally like to offer almond on the top tier, as this can be taken home by the couple and frozen for their anniversary or any other special occasion.