Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the earliest time at which I can schedule my evening reception at Waterford?

A. At Waterford at Springfield, your evening reception may start as early as 4:00 p.m. At Waterford at Fair Oaks, the earliest time for an evening reception is 5:30 p.m.

Q. Do you schedule more than one event in the same evening?

A. On a Saturday night, almost always. However, the arrival times for wedding receptions are staggered by at least 30 minutes. Therefore, you will be in your ceremony, cocktail party or ballroom if another party is coming in.

Q. Since Waterford is not a hotel, where would our guests stay?

A. At Waterford at Fair Oaks we recommend the Fairfax Marriott. At Waterford at Springfield we recommend the Springfield Hilton. These are beautiful properties that offer our guests outstanding weekend rates. Plus, they will shuttle your guests to and from your event at Waterford at no extra charge.

Q: May we have our ceremony at Waterford?

A. Yes, many of our bridal couples have also had their ceremonies at Waterford. There is a $6.00 per person fee for the ceremony.

Q. Do you offer a tasting?

A. Our Chef is happy to do a tasting for you. This usually takes place at your 90-day meeting (three months before your event), when you will also be finalizing some of the other plans for your event. Select two or three of the entrees that you would like to taste and the Chef will choose the accompanying vegetables and starches.

Q. One hotel told us that under some circumstances they might have to bump our event. Can that happen at Waterford?

A. No. Unlike the policy at some properties that reserve the right to bump you for a conference or other event, we will never bump any event that has a signed contract with up-to-date deposit(s) for any reason.

Q. May we bring our own food?

A. Our Chef provides some of the most delectable food, from scratch, that you will ever taste. For this reason, and for liability reasons as well, we do not allow guest to bring their own food. However, there are a few exceptions.

• Events that require specialized international or cultural dishes. We contract with some select, local restaurants to cater the dishes.
• Cakes and other baked goods. Guest can bring their own or we can help you connect with a local vendor. 

Q. What is your deposit policy?

A. A non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit is due upon booking ($1,200 for groups under 200 in size, $2,000 and up for larger parties).  All rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis and are not held on a tentative basis without a deposit.

You will also have a 35% (of the anticipated total) payment due 90 days before your event. The balance is due with your final head count Friday a week before your event.

Q. Do you supply centerpieces?

A. Yes, a round mirror (11 ½” diameter), three votive candles and a vase (6” opening on top, 6 ½” tall, 8” diameter).

Q. Is there a minimum amount to book a ballroom on a Saturday night?

A. Unlike many facilities, we do not have a $12,000 or $20,000 minimum for a Saturday night event. At Waterford at Springfield, the smallest reception we can handle on the weekend is 60 guests.

Q. Is there a price break for kids?

A. When kids eat from the buffet, meals for children 5 and under are free of charge and kids ages 6 to 12 years old are $28.  When a plated dinner package is selected, we offer kids plated meals of Chicken Fingers, Mac and Cheese or Mini Pizzas for $28 per plate.

Q. Is there a price break for vendor meals?

A. Vendor meals are $20 per person.

Q. Is there an outdoor area for pictures or ceremony?

A. Neither Waterford facility has an outdoor area for events or photos. However, the facility has several beautiful backgrounds for photos, including a fireplace, fountain, floral displays and at Waterford at Springfield, a beautiful water wall.