Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of questions most commonly asked by our Lakeside Brides. Contact Weddings & Events today to ask questions of your own.
Who will be in charge of my wedding?
At Lakeside Inn you will work closely with our Director of Special Events who assists in the booking process and with details related to the venue. Though she can provide you with assistance and guidance, we strongly recommend that you work with a wedding coordinator who will partner with our Director of Special Events to ensure your wedding runs smoothly. If you do not have a wedding planner, we do ask that you assign a “point person” who is in direct contact with the bride and groom regarding details of the day.
May I customize the wedding packages by adding food items, upgrading the bar, or including specialty drinks or desserts?
Yes! We offer a number of options for personalizing your wedding. These unique experiences are a wonderful way to be creative with your event. Please contact the Director of Special Events for additional prices, ideas and availability.
What menus do you have to offer?
We offer a la carte wedding menus including Brunch, Lunch, Dinner in both Plated and Buffet options. You will work closely with our Director of Special Events to make individual selections from the a la carte menu based upon your personal preferences
Do I have to select the menu today?
No, take your time and choose a menu that is right for you! Your menu selection and event details will be requested 30 days prior to the wedding date. If specialty items are of interest to you and are not part of our menu portfolio, please work with the Director of Special Events, and we will be happy to investigate availability and pricing.
Can I plan a welcome reception, rehearsal dinner or brunch with you?
Wedding weekend celebrations are very popular and we can organize an entire custom themed weekend for you.
Do you have a local vendor list available?
Yes, we have prepared a listing of providers who can support and augment your experience.
Do you coordinate all of our vendors for us?
We do not contract your vendors because of the importance of your personal relationship with them to create your special day. However, our onsite team of wedding specialists will communicate with your vendors as necessary to ensure that your event is organized properly.
Will you be present for our function?
Your Director of Special Events will be on-site for the beginning of your wedding to ensure everything is ready to go. She will then leave you in the capable hands of your Banquet Manager, who will be your contact for the remainder of the evening.
If I book my wedding and reception outside, is there an indoor back up space in case of inclement weather?
Yes, and you will work with the Director of Special Events on a specific plan for your event. We strongly recommend any outdoor receptions of 75 or more guests take place under a tent. Tents may be set up one day prior to the event date and must be taken down the day following the event. If the tent is not taken down the day following the event, an additional full day site fee will be charged.
Is there a minimum amount of people we have to guarantee to hold our wedding at your Inn?
No. There is a Venue Rental Fee should you choose to hold your ceremony with us. Please connect with our Director of Special Events about which location would best suit your party size.
What is required to ensure we reserve our event at your Inn?
A signed contract and non-refundable deposit will guarantee your date and space. Once received, you can begin planning your special day!
What linens do you provide?
The Lakeside Inn provides complimentary white linens and white napkins.
Do you have staff to help decorate?
No. Venues will be ready approximately 2 hours prior to the event for your friends and family to decorate. All decorations must be approved by the Sales Catering Manager ahead of time.
Can I extend my wedding reception and/or dinner past four (4) hours?
Yes. However, additional charges may apply.
Are there multiple events/weddings scheduled on property for any given date?
Yes, we are able to service multiple events on the property on any given day or evening.
Do you provide food tastings?
Yes, with a signed agreement. Arrangements require three (3) weeks’ notice. Food Tastings are set up for two (2) guests for $50.00. There will be an additional fee incurred for additional guests, based on the menu selected. Payment for the tasting is due on the day of the event.
What is the staff to guest ratio? Can extra service be provided?
We provide one (1) server per fifteen (15) people if the meal is plated and one (1) server per (30) people for a buffet style meal. Extra service can be provided at a cost of $125 per bartender/server.
Do you provide a wedding cake?
No. You are allowed to bring your own wedding cake. We do provide desserts at an additional cost.
When is the final guest count due?
An estimated headcount will be due 1 month prior to your event date in order for the Inn to appropriately staff and order food items for you event. This guest count may not decrease, but may increase 2 weeks prior to event.
Is there a special price for children?
Yes, children’s meals are available for those under 12 years. For those 12 and older, the adult menu is offered and the bar is discounted if included in the package price.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your deposit is non-refundable; thereafter follow the cancellation policy in your contract based on date of cancellation.
Can we distribute our leftover food to our guests?
No. Due to food safety and sanitation regulations mandated by the state of Florida, we are not able to distribute leftover food other than the wedding cake. We will gladly provide a topper box for taking the top tier of your cake home.
Is electricity provided to our musicians?
Yes, we can arrange power for any type of entertainment. Please contact your Catering Sales Manager for high voltage requirements and charges. An electrical fee will apply for a power panel required by most bands.
Can we use birdseed, rice or rose petals at our outdoor ceremony?
Only birdseed or rose petals can be used, as long as they are biodegradable.
Are special guestroom rates available to our guests?
Yes. Your Catering Specialist can arrange a discounted rate for your guests.
Is there a fee for welcome baskets to be distributed to our guests?
Yes. Each amenity must be labeled with the Wedding Party name. There is a nominal delivery fee per room delivered to.
Can we leave our wedding items after the event to be picked up at another time?
No. All items related to the wedding, including outside vendor material, need to be removed from the reception room the night of the function. Our banquet staff or bellman is available to assist you. The hotel will not be held responsible for any items left in the reception area, by the wedding party once the event has concluded.