If you’re looking for an uber contemporary, gallery-style venue with high ceilings and design possibilities to die for, Opus Banquet Facility in Kitchener-Waterloo is going to blow you away – or at least have you asking yourself how you didn’t know about this location before… With space for up to 220 guests, a second location in Guelph, plenty of menu options via the Opus Executive Chef, this venue is incredible. Opus weddings and events are coordinated and run by KW Guelph Weddings, the same team that handles the many wedding, event and concert details of this and other clubs (including both Kitchener and Guelph Opus locations, Elements, Wax and Dallas in Kitchener).

We sat down with Stephanie Van De Ven, Marketing & Events Coordinator at the company behind the club-style wedding locales, KW Guelph Weddings, to find out exactly what a bride can and will love about Opus Banquet Facility. Check it out…

Personally speaking…

KW Guelph Weddings is an extension of CMG Entertainment and has been planning and coordinating weddings, events and everything in between for over twenty years in their venues in Kitchener and Guelph. "Our company has been involved in events, weddings, marketing, concerts, and more… it’s simply what we do, and it’s what we do best!" says Stephanie.

Included in their list of venues are Opus (in Guelph, and newly added to Kitchener), and Elements, Wax and Dallas in Kitchener.

The Marketing & Events Coordinator – or as we like to call her, the Wedding Specialist, Stephanie, has a degree in Marketing & Event Management. Stephanie meets with couples from start to finish. In order to meet the needs of detail-crazy events such as weddings, Stephanie says she makes sure to successfully complete every task meticulously.

Through KW Guelph Weddings' venues, Stephanie works closely with Executive Chef Tim Halley, who has his Red Seal Chef's papers. Tim meets with couples to discuss the food aspect of the event and prepares a sensational menu based on their needs, wants and budget.

Together, these two experts work with the rest of the KW Guelph Weddings team, who have over twenty years of combined, on-premises experience with events, weddings and catering. "We have enough experience and passion to make any event perfect," Stephanie told The Ring. The event staff and venue managers are also present on the big day to help make sure everything runs according to plan.

KW Guelph Weddings has catered to the likes of big time celebrities like country music star Dierks Bentley, hip hop mogul, Wyclef Jean, and rock stars, Our Lady Peace and Collective Soul, to name just a few. They've also worked with large local companies for special events and fundraisers.

Whatever a bride wants…

With all of the events that Opus hosts, we wondered what keeps them raring to go for more. Stephanie told us that it's the "satisfying feeling of making our clients happy." And with their easy going and flexible attitudes, we'd be surprised if clients weren't satisfied.

Stephanie has noticed that brides and grooms want to focus their day more on providing their guests with a "chic, unique venue where everything is modern but tradition still comes into play." She adds that Opus loves modern, but can also do traditional and classic. "We can accommodate any style with the amount of venues we have – we’re a one-stop shop!"

Offering everything from venue to menu, it seems that Opus can help brides and grooms with whatever it is they want. Whether that's sound, lighting, DJ, décor, or more, Opus can use their preferred vendors, or help you find ones that are more suitable for your needs. Plus, Stephanie adds that they're always willing to negotiate prices depending on your budget. "We help you secure and explore options with the extras like flowers, music, favours, etcetera."

New to Kitchener…

The Kitchener Opus location (pictured on the right) is an uber contemporary, gallery-style venue with high ceilings and design possibilities to die for. According to Stephanie, Opus has been the host of many events from personal parties to concerts and galas, first in their original Guelph location and now in their newly built Kitchener venue that's located at 138 King Street West in Downtown Kitchener. After many other events, Opus wants Kitchener to envision weddings in their chic venue.

"We are seeing a trend in brides wanting a unique location for their wedding – something modern and fun," says Stephanie. "We are proud to provide that, along with the tastiest kinds of food you have ever sampled at incredible prices."

We were also impressed by the inviting atmosphere at Opus and the contemporary and modern design of the décor. The room itself overlooks Kitchener City Hall.

Catering to everything from bridal showers to dinners to full receptions (during the day or evening), Opus in Kitchener can host 40 to 220 people, with prices ranging depending on your net sales (which include food and bar sales before taxes). Stephanie says that the average couple spends between $5000 and $8000 on their reception at Opus, with taxes and gratuities extra.

Prices include chairs, tables, linens and dinner plates, and Opus offers the option to have an open or cash bar.

Daytime room rentals, which are available Monday to Friday until 4 pm, are $250 and also include tables, chairs, linens, menus and staff, bar service, and more!

Opus in Guelph…

Located at 92 MacDonell Street in Guelph, this Opus location stays true to the flexible attitude of KW Guelph Weddings but has a different kind of atmosphere for Guelph brides.

Downtown Guelph is known for its historical stone architecture and Opus is no exception for embodying this warmth and history. They also boast of having chefs who specialize in European and continental menus, but are also more than happy to accommodate your regional and international menu choices, if desired.

Check out the KW Guelph Weddings website for photos of the Guelph location, and inquire within for more venue details.

Walking you through it...

As soon as you know you want to host your wedding reception at either Opus location, Stephanie says to contact her by email. You can set up an appointment to meet at the venue, check it out, ask questions, and tell Stephanie all about your wedding day plans. She recommends booking at least six months before your wedding, but sooner is even better since they're always busy with events and weddings.

"From the moment you decide to work with us for your wedding day, we provide non-stop, constant support, help, advice, suggestions, and complete organization from start to finish," says Stephanie. "We can meet as often as you like." Aside from checking out the venue before the big day, you also get to sample the menu!

To secure your day, a deposit is required, but, like most of KW Guelph Weddings' services, this is also flexible. "We’re always willing to work with you," says Stephanie.

Throughout the process, even after the wedding, Stephanie likes to keep in contact with couples. During, Stephanie makes sure everyone is on the same page, and after the wedding, she follows up to make sure everything went smoothly.

With this flexibility, dedication to their clients, and unique venues that KW Guelph Weddings offers – including Opus in Kitchener and Guelph – we wouldn't be surprised if they became the talk of the bridal community.

Contacting KW Guelph Weddings

Stephanie Van De Ven, Wedding Specialist at KW Guelph Weddings can be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 519-743-5657. You can also visit KW Guelph Weddings online at www.kwguelphweddings.ca.

KW Guelph Weddings also offers other venues in the area: Dallas and Elements and Wax.