Call for appointment:
920-984-3307

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please email us at:

info@windsong-gardens.com

Garden Wedding Questions

When is the best time to schedule a garden wedding?

Our gardens are at their best from mid-July through the first week of October. By the beginning of August, the weather becomes more stable and there is less chance of mosquitoes. While some flowers are past bloom by the end of September, fall color will usually be at about peak the first week of October. The average date of the first fall frost is around the middle of October, but can be highly variable. The first frost will kill most flowers. You may want to put a note in your invitation informing guests that it will be an outdoor wedding and to dress accordingly. Also add directions on how to get here.

When and how can we make our reservations?

You may reserve the gardens up to one year before your wedding. You will be asked for a deposit to hold your date. Call for an appointment to view the gardens and visit with us so you can tell us your plans. The gardens may be visited at any time, even in winter, so that you can see the property layout.

How do we park and where?

You will be parking on the grass next to Grady Road in front of the gardens. Parking attendants will be on hand to direct guests. The wedding party and handicapped guests can be dropped off in front of the house and the cars returned to the parking area. All others will walk from the parking area through the covered bridge to the gazebo.

How about a limousine or horse-drawn carriage?

Limos will have to park at the entrance gate as there is not enough turn-around space inside the gardens. The wedding party will then need to walk about 800 feet to the gazebo. Carriages may fit under the covered bridge.

What if it is raining at the time of the ceremony?

If the ceremony is underway, and it just begins to sprinkle lightly, most often people will delay the ceremony for a few minutes. The wedding party will be under the gazebo but the guests will be seated on the grass in front. Usually rainfall is in the form of a summer shower, over in about 15 minutes. If there is lightning in the area, guests will be directed indoors to the guest house.

Will other garden visitors be present during our ceremony?

No, the gardens are reserved for only one group at a time each day.

Who can marry us?

Wedding ceremonies in Wisconsin can be performed by minister of any church, a lawyer or a judge. The proper papers must be obtained from the courthouse in your county, signed at the time of the ceremony and filed back at the courthouse. You will need to provide your own officiate: we do have a few names of persons who have performed weddings here. If you would like a Christian ceremony and do not currently belong to a church, there are non-denominational ministers that will perform the ceremony. Catholic priests will not perform outdoor ceremonies. Make sure you ask your minister if he/she will do that.

Can we decorate?

Yes, you may add flowers, etc: to the gazebo area. However, decorations really are not needed. At your request, we provide you with a table and tablecloth on the gazebo for candles, etc. We will set the table up for you on the day of your wedding. Provide us with what you would like on the table the night before at rehearsal.

How about photographs?

There are many photo sites in the gardens. Have your guests bring their cameras, Allow about one and a half hour for pictures after the ceremony. Tip: mid range colors photograph much better than pastels, so consider this when choosing dresses.

Music?

A sound system is on the gazebo that is equipped with outdoor speakers and a large library of wedding music. If you are using recorded music we will operate that for you. Hook-ups are available for keyboards, guitars, etc. Microphones are provided.

Will staff be there to help us?

Yes, the garden owners will be there form your rehearsal to the time you leave on the day of your wedding to provide assistance and guidance.

Are there banquet hall in the area?

Yes, there are many to choose from. Some of the closest are Romy's Nitingale, just south of Black Creek, Doxbees, west of Seymour, Crystal Springs Gold Course, Seymour, the River Rail in Shiocton, and Crystal Falls in New London. In addition, there are facilities in DePere, Oneida, Appleton, and Green Bay.

Are there dressing facilities?

Yes, the owner's lovely home will be provided for that. Only the wedding party and those whom the bride specified will be in the house. Ladies and gentlemen will have separate areas.

Please call to discuss costs. We do all we can to provide a lovely, affordable experience.

Planning

Make sure everyone knows how to get here. If you are providing musicians, have them come for a sound check at least one week in advance. If your photographer has never been here, ask him/her if they will stop out to see the property some time before the wedding. Feel free to call or e-mail at any time with questions!

Safety

Remember , there are several water features on the property including a one-acre pond. Small children will need to be supervised by their parents or someone you assign at all times. Each person is responsible for their own safety.