Wayzata Country Club

Overview:

From DJ Mike H:

Wayzata Country Club is one of the most high-end wedding venues in the state. People pay a lot of money to have their wedding there and when people are spending a lot of money on their wedding, they have higher and different expectations than a client who is spending an average amount.

Be sure to call the venue before and create a good rapport with Katherine who is the venue's coordinator. She sends us a lot of business and has had a great relationship with Bellagala.

The venue is pretty big, but shouldn't be overwhelming. Do a good microphone check beforehand to ensure the people farthest from you can still hear you without any problems. Usually, the dance floor will be right in the middle of the room, meaning your speakers will be too, which is always good.

If you're doing a ceremony, it will likely be outside in the courtyard, just next to the main ballroom. Call ahead of time to ensure they have a table for you. After the ceremony, the cocktail hour often times happens both outside in the courtyard and inside where the main ballroom is. You'll have to talk with the client to see what their expectations are in terms of the music during this time. It's possible you may be playing music in both locations, which would mean you'd need to plug the laptop directly into the speaker that's outside and play through the laptop in the main ballroom inside. You'll then make the dinner announcement in both locations as well. Use the wired mic outside and just plug it directly into the speaker.

It's not a terribly difficult venue by any means. It's a rectangle room and the speakers are usually put in a spot where it's easy for all guests to hear.

Load In:

A cart will help. Don't park directly in front of the door. Park about ten yards behind the door so other people can get through if they want to use valet parking. The door to your set-up space is a decent walk. Once you move your gear from the car to your space, move your car and then set up. 

Special Considerations:

This is a high-end wedding venue. Be on your A-game. 

Our relationship with this venue is great. They recommend us and Matt is friends with Katherine who is the venue's manager. Be sure to be polite to the venue and continue to strengthen our relationship. They're very helpful and kind.

Challenges:

The cocktail hour could be both outside and inside. You'll have to set up a speaker outside and plug an iPod or laptop, then have the other speaker at your main set up. You'll be playing different music both inside and outside, but there will be music for both and it will be all good. 

It's not a challenging venue. It's a nice size and you are right in front of the dance floor in the middle of the tables and not far from the head table.

Extra Venue Call Questions:

Do you have a cart I can use?

Where is the cocktail hour taking place?

Website:

http://www.wayzatacc.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=281071&ssid=156442&vnf=1

The Knot:

https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/wayzata-country-club-wayzata-mn-323437