Chat Archive April 20, 2010

obxbrides.com live chat archive with Kerri Catino-Nason, wedding site coordinator for The Whalehead Club in Corolla, NC.

Kerri says Hi Everyone: This is Kerri from the Whalehead Club. I'm glad you could join me today and look forward to chatting with you.

Question:  What should a bride know about booking a wedding at The Whalehead club?
Kerri:  I think the number one thing to know is that it is a beautiful location with almost 360 degrees of water views and spectacular sunsets.  The Whalehead Club is a unique outdoor wedding venue that provides a historic setting for any wedding. Besides the water, we have the beautiful, historic house in the background, my favorite, the bridge, the boathouse and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in the background.  The Whalehead Club also provides a location for larger weddings - we can accommodate up to 400 people!  Because the Whalehead Club itself (the house) is a museum, all weddings take place outdoors on the sweeping lawns. Couples have can opt for the south side of the property which features the porch side of the house (many brides love the porch) or the North side of the property which features the historic bridge and views of the boathouse and the lighthouse in the background.

Question:  Is the inside available for receptions or for photo opportunities?
Kerri:  No, the inside is not available for the reception itself. But you do have photo opportunities.
We are excited to offer, for the very first time, 2 packages that will allow a photo shoot in the entrance hall and library of the house itself. This is really a treat and the first time that the inside of the Whalehead Club has been incorporated into the wedding day.

Question:  I am thinking of having a fall wedding, what if it rains?
Kerri:  Because all weddings take place under tent, you will be covered if it rains. If you are planning to do your ceremony on the grounds, you can move your ceremony inside the tent, or book the Corolla Chapel located just past the lighthouse in the historic Corolla Village. The chapel is a Plan B for many brides.

Question:  Do you need to purchase event liability for events and weddings?
Kerri:  Yes, Special Event Liability Insurance is required for all events where alcoholic beverages are served. This insurance protects you in the event that your guests are injured or property damage results from alcohol consumption. Park policy requires security for all events where alcohol is being provided and security will be provided as part of your reservations fees.

Question:  Hi, I'm thinking of doing some of the decorations myself for my wedding (or with help of friends). If I chose the Whalehead Club, how would I know what I can and cannot do for decorations?
Kerri:   I think it is great that you will do some decorating yourself! Here is what you need to know: No restrictions apply to lawn decorations; however, waterfront breezes should be considered when planning. For example, delicate flowers, ribbons, candles, vases and other fragile items could blow away. In decorating the wooden structures on the grounds (decking, footbridge, gazebo, or the finger piers around the boat basin), nails, tacks and/or staples are strictly prohibited. Tied ribbon, nautical roping, fishing line, etc. are recommended since these items are easily removed. Please do not decorate any of the trees or shrubs on the grounds.

Question:  Do you all allow multiple weddings to take place on any given day?
Kerri:  All couples should know that there will be no more than one wedding reception on any day. A wedding ceremony only, (not a reception), may take place on the opposite lawn at the same time another wedding reception or other wedding ceremony is taking place.

Question:  Are fireworks permitted at Currituck Heritage Park?
Kerri:  Fireworks are not permitted, however, sparklers that comply with Currituck County and state laws are allowed. They cannot be lit inside the tent and must be disposed of once they are done.
Comment:   I am happy to hear about the sparklers b/c I've seen photos of that for a bride and groom send off and it's such a cool look!!
Kerri:   I agree!

Question:  How late can a reception go at the Whalehead club? Is there a cut off time? How long does you "typical" reception last?
Kerri:  Due to Park ordinances, the latest any reception can last is 10 pm. The typical reception is 6 hours. Our contract allows that 6 hours for your reception itself (this does NOT include setup).

Question:  Are live bands permitted at The Whalehead Club?
Kerri:   Yes. Music is a very personal choice and while some couples have string quartets playing softly while the sun sets, others bring in big bands to play live jazz, country, or rock and roll and dance for hours. Currituck Heritage Park’s sweeping lawns are waterfront and provide the perfect setting for a great celebration!

Question:  I don’t know where my 2011 wedding is going to be yet. Can we take photos at the park if our ceremony and reception are in another location? We got engaged on the bridge and really want photos there.
Kerri:  Yes, you can take photos in the park. Please call ahead (252-305-0401) just to let us know what day and time. We do this so that any bride and groom who have booked their wedding with us will not be surprised to see another couple. Everyone wants their special day!

Question:  I was thinking about having my little dog in the wedding. Are pets allowed at the park?
Kerri:  Yes, leashed pets are welcome every day in the Park. The photos will be great.

Question:  I have heard nightmare stories about mosquitoes and biting flies on the Outer Banks. Will that be a problem? If so, what have you seen that helps to minimize them?
Kerri:  Bugs can be a problem, but it depends on the time of year, time of day, and part of the Outer Banks. Usually, the bugs are not too bad because of the breezes blowing from the Currituck Sound will blow the bugs away.  Many brides use citronella candles and lanterns to shoo away any pesky bugs.  If you find there is a particular problem on your wedding day, we do allow you to hire Terminex or some other pest control company to spray the tent.

Question:  What about throwing rice or rose petals as we come down the aisle? Is that allowed?
Kerri:  Rose Petals are fine - they are natural.  Rice is ok too, but not as pretty!

Question:  Thanks for all this great information. My last question is about on site assistance. Is there a person from the Whalehead Club on site during weddings in case there is a problem with power, or some other type of emergency?
Kerri:   Absolutely! The Wedding Site Coordinator or other staff will be there when guests arrive and stays until all guests have left. Someone will drive the golf cart that is also included in the reservation fee for any reception package. Security is also provided for each reception and is included in the package fee.

Question:   Do you provide a wedding coordinator or do I bring my own?
Kerri:  We do not have an on-site wedding planner and we encourage all brides and grooms to hire a wedding planner. You can find a great planner on obxbrides.com and on the Outer Banks Wedding Association website. We do provide a limited option for Day-of planning services if you are interested. Our contract, including a description of services, is on the Whalehead Club website.

Question:  How far in advance do you book weddings?
Kerri:  I have booked a wedding 18 months in advance and I have booked one 5 months in advance. The fall, September and October, are by far the busiest months for weddings.

 Kerri:  Looks like that’s all the time we’ve got for today.  If you need any more information, feel free to give me a call at The Whalehead Club and I’ll be happy to help you out!  Thanks everyone!