• Because we aren’t trying to make all of our money from just one event.  While it’s not required in most cases, most of our weddings also reserve rooms and add other services that are not just wedding related.  We are family owned and operated so offering a good value is important to us.  You can literally save thousands of dollars by choosing Forrest Hills.  Our research shows, that for larger weddings especially, you can include entire group lodges for two nights including breakfast daily for all of your guests and still pay less than you would for just the ceremony and reception at other locations.  Not only are our prices great, but our reception rooms are spacious (they actually seat as many as we say they do comfortably) AND we have the chapel as a back up in case of rain, heat, snow or just because you want it there.  It’s not too good to be true.  Have a wedding weekend for the same price as others charge for a few hours.  Take the Forrest Hills challenge and dare to compare.
• We suggest you sign a contract now before we change our minds. LOL
  

What happens if it rains on the day of my wedding?

• Not to worry.  Our chapel is conveniently located next to our larger wedding gazebo and worth its weight in gold when it comes to times like this.  It’s also open and available to your guests that may arrive a bit early giving them a controlled climate on warmer or cooler days until it’s time for the ceremony.  Restrooms are also located inside the chapel.  For weddings that are to take place at our Secret Garden, early arrivals can wait in the Hideaway Dining Room situated next to the garden.

How much time do I have at the ceremony site?

• You have a minimum of two hours.  Time may vary depending on whether or not we have another wedding scheduled for that particular location.  If we don’t have anything else scheduled for that day we do not put limits on your time there. 
  
• With two outdoor wedding gazebos, and 140 acres, there are plenty of areas for photo shoots and sharing ceremony space is never a problem.

What exactly does the wedding coordinator do?

• She makes sure you have everything you need, when you need it to insure your special day runs smoothly.
• She will orchestrate your ceremony and make sure your ceremony and reception areas are set up just the way you want it. 
  
• Not only do you have a wedding coordinator, you have an entire staff willing to do whatever it takes to make your event perfect!

How does the horse drawn carriage deal work?

• The carriage will either pick you up where you get dressed or anywhere on the resort that is convenient for you 10-15 minutes prior to your ceremony time.
• Typically the father of the bride will ride with the bride to the ceremony but it can be anyone you choose such as your maid of honor, child, mother or you can simply arrive in style on your own.
• After your grand entrance the carriage will sit perched at the top of the hill until the ceremony is over.
• The carriage will pick up the bride and groom, pause for pictures then whisk you away for a few private moments together before returning.  This gives the guests that are not in pictures the perfect opportunity to exit and head to the reception.  If you have not finished with pictures the carriage will bring you back to the ceremony site and wait until the photos are complete (in most cases), then take the two of you on a ride to your reception provided the total carriage time does not exceed two hours.  Delays in ceremony times and photography delays may take longer than two hours. 

Does Forrest Hills provide decorations?

• The natural beauty of our outdoor wedding gardens requires very little (if any) additional decorations.  We do provide an aisle runner carpet plus tulle and seasonal decorations at the front of our large gazebo. 
• Live flowers in a bud vase are provided for all of the tables in the Secret Garden reception area.
• Hurricane globes and charger plates in an assortment of colors are available at no additional charge to use as centerpieces in the Rose Garden or Blossom’s reception halls. 
• White linen table cloths and napkins are provided in all reception rooms.

How long is the reception?

• Rose Garden Dining Room receptions are four hours.  Additional time is $200 per hour.
• Secret Garden receptions must conclude by 4pm. 
• Receptions at our Blossoms Dining Room are typically 4 hours long but can last all night if you wish at no additional charge provided you rent a minimum of eight suites located next to this reception room. 
• NOTE:  Reception time starts one hour after the official ceremony time unless arranged otherwise.

How much does it cost for the food at the reception?

• Catering is included in all of our package prices.  We try to make that clear in our package details but with our prices people don’t seem to believe it.  We are a family owned and operated business and it’s important to us to provide a good value.  It always amazes us every time we get asked this question.

Do you use plastic cups or glassware for bar set-ups?

• We use all appropriate glassware for beer and wine or full bars. 

Which cake designs do I have to choose from?

• You are free to pick from cakes you see in magazines or online. Cake size may be adjusted depending on your guest count.
• ELEGANT CAKE choices are size appropriate and do not include fillings, rolled fondant or gum past flowers. 
  
• PREMIUM CAKE choices are size appropriate & include any or all of the above.
• Our cake baker has been making cakes for us since 1994 without one complaint.  They taste as good as they look and when given creative freedom for groom’s cakes you would be amazed at what she can do.

When can I access the reception hall to decorate?

• Secret Garden:  11:00AM
• Blossoms:  The night prior to your event if you have reserved 8 suites or more at the Mountain Laurel Inn.
• Blossoms:  2:00PM (or earlier if avail) on the day of your event if less than 8 suites have been reserved.
• Rose Garden:  A minimum of 2 hours is guaranteed before your reception time however, 90+% of the time earlier access is available, and is frequently available the night before your event.  We typically know this a month or more in advance of your event date.

How many people can each dining room seat?

• Secret Garden:  40-50 depending on whether you need a dance area.  Additional seating outside.
• Blossoms:  Up to 75 comfortably with a dance area.  100 w/out dance area.  Additional seating outside.
• Rose Garden:  Up to 200 comfortably with a large dance floor.  Additional seating for 30 available if dance floor is not used.  Additional seating outside available.
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  Our seating space count is based on every guest having a full place setting and seat at a table.  We do not expect your guests to stand.  However, if you are looking for a cocktail atmosphere in which not all guests need a seat we can accommodate even more.  Additionally, our Blossom’s and Rose Garden Dining Rooms are large open spaces without dividers or walls allowing you and your guests the ability to see everything that’s going on at all times during your reception.  Room dimensions available.

How can Forrest Hills have more than one wedding a day?

• Very easily.  With two wedding ceremony locations and three reception halls, our wedding guests often feel like they are the only ones here that day.

Where does everyone get dressed & ready?

• Instead of increasing our wedding packages to include a dressing area, we leave that option to you.  While there is a dressing room at our chapel, it is not intended for all-day use.  It is used for changing into your gown and make-up touch-ups. 
  
• You can choose to either continue saving the money, and get ready at home or rent a room, cabin or group lodge. 
  
• Weekend rates start at just $79 per night and can be even less than that on short notice when group lodge rooms remain available.

Can I have my reception outdoors?

• We are not set up to do outdoor receptions.  However, all of our reception spaces have large outdoor decks and plenty of windows to give you the best of both worlds without worrying about the weather.

Is there a place to have an after-party?

• Our group lodges are designed for just such a thing!  Each lodge has a large hospitality room with a kitchenette making it easy for you to finish your night there and the best part about it is you only have to walk across the street to get there (or down the hall when renting our Mountain Laurel Inn when your reception is at Blossoms'.

What are the benefits of renting a group lodge?

• IT IS PURE FUN, it is safe when you have an open bar, convenient as your guests can walk across the street to their room, and it’s completely affordable.  It’s like renting your own private hotel as each room has a private bath and it is the perfect way for the two families to get to know each other.  Have the wedding party stay there too and you won’t worry about where they are or when they’ll arrive on your big day. 
  
• There’s a big hospitality room for informal get togethers and large rooms for getting ready in. 
  
• It’s also great for an after-party and you can BYOB plus whatever food items you want there. 
  
• Even if your friends and family live locally, it’s fun to have them spend the weekend together in one place. 
  
• We can arrange your rehearsal dinner for you and there are plenty of things for your guests to do without even leaving the property. 
  
• You will be amazed at how relaxed you are on your wedding day just because you are already settled in to the environment and you know that all is taken care of.  While you are obligated to sign a contract, guests typically pay for their own rooms or you can use all the money you saved on the ceremony and reception and pay for their rooms too.  Contracts are not required for individual cabins.
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Where can we stay on our wedding night?

• Forrest Hills offers private cabins with a hot tub and fireplace in “rustic” and luxury styles.  Cabins do require a two night minimum so you can either spend your first two nights together here or brides will frequently use the first night for a bridesmaids slumber party and as an area to get ready in for the big day.  Then use the second night for the honeymoon!  Our housekeeping staff will re-clean your cabin and prepare it for you honeymoon night with advance notice ($25 surcharge applies).