Anyone who's from the local area (and even many who just come to visit), knows that the Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel has a reputation for providing excellent banquets and hospitality for over thirty-five years. They've continually expanded and renovated their facility in order to host a myriad of occasions from corporate parties to business meetings and thousands of wedding receptions for ten to 500 guests. But it's not just the venue itself that's reputable among the community, it's also the long term, dedicated staff whose experience and commitment to Waterloo Inn's clients that allows the Inn to live up to their high standards of quality in making memorable weddings.

When we visited Waterloo Inn, we discovered that it has much more than just one of the Region's largest, most luxurious Ballroom, it's also an all-inclusive venue that allows couples to enjoy the whole wedding experience, worry-free with ceremony and photo shoot options on-site, guestrooms, free parking, a rehearsal dinner restaurant, and even a post-wedding brunch venue. We also learned how experienced Catering Sales Manager, Wendy Dallner, works closely with couples to attend to every detail and help coordinate and customize the "wedding of a lifetime". Not to mention, we found out why the exquisite menus are just one (of many) reasons that Waterloo Inn comes highly recommended. Let us tell you more...

One of the finest...

For over thirty-five years, the Waterloo Inn has been providing banquet and hospitality services that are second to none. They've undergone expansions, additions and renovations and continue to impress with their facility, staff and delectable food.

We were told that President & Managing Director, Mary D’Alton, has been instrumental in putting Waterloo Inn on the map as a premier hotel and gathering place in Waterloo region. "She has overseen multi-million dollar renovations throughout all areas of the hotel since joining the independently owned and operated hotel in 1983." There's also a staff of long term, dedicated employees and department managers who have been with the company equally as long and add to the stability and commitment that Waterloo Inn strives for with each client.

Included on staff is Wendy Dallner, the Catering Sales Manager and Wedding Specialist extraordinaire who comes with over 25 years of experience of helping brides create the wedding of their dreams.

This was the case for Jamie Scott whose fairytale wedding dreams came true on June 26, 2010 at the Waterloo Inn where she held her ceremony and reception. She says that Wendy was amazing to work with. "From day one she was welcoming, professional, good-humoured, and extremely helpful," Jamie says. "Wendy gave us our first tour of the building and right away I could tell that she really cared about making people happy. She just seemed like someone who I couldn’t wait to work and plan with. She made the whole process stress free and easy."

Waterloo Inn has hosted literally thousands of weddings of varying sizes from ten up to 500, and they say that "pride in our facility, our products, our services that we provide" is what keeps them inspired and dedicated to their engaged couples. And that "Positive feedback from the brides themselves after their big day makes everyone proud and inspired."

It's not just Waterloo Inn's banquet facility that's reputable in the community, though, as the on-site Rushes Restaurant is one of the Region's finest dining rooms, and has an extensive, award-winning wine cellar that's recognized year after year with the “Wine Spectator Award”.

The whole wedding experience all in one location

When we toured the Waterloo Inn we were impressed to discover that their Viennese Ballroom and the Regent Room are two of K-W's largest and most luxurious, though with capacity up to 500 and elegant, regal décor, we aren't surprised that this is true.

Jamie's favourite memory of her wedding at Waterloo Inn is when she sat at the head table and looked out onto the stunning, glowing ballroom with grand chandeliers on the ceilings. And she thought, "so this is what it’s like to feel like a princess bride. It was like being plunked right down into a beautiful, carefree fairytale. The atmosphere was perfect. No glitches."

But, it's not just receptions that can be hosted at Waterloo Inn because with their on-site (and award-winning) restaurant (Rushes), Traders Exchange bar & lounge and various other smaller banquet rooms, you can also host engagement parties, showers, ladies' nights, rehearsal dinners and post-wedding brunches.

As well, Waterloo Inn is surrounded by unique outdoor settings for on-site ceremonies and pictures, and when the day comes to an end, you and your guests can leave your vehicles in the ample (free!) parking lot and just take the elevator up to your guest rooms, including a honeymoon suite for the bride and groom. You could even give your attendants gift certificates for the on-site restaurant as a thank you, making Waterloo Inn truly an all in one location that's both convenient and conveniently located - to area attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping, as well as the highway.

The convenience of an all in one location was just one reason why Jamie chose Waterloo Inn for her wedding as her out of town guests were able to spend the night. Plus, she loved the ballroom so much that she decided to hold both the ceremony and reception there. Jamie and her new husband also stayed in the honeymoon suite and had their morning after brunch at Waterloo Inn and say that it was all amazing.

Mouth watering selections...

Customized wedding menus and receptions at Waterloo Inn allow you to create a five-star wedding of a lifetime from beginning to end. We (and you) already know that Rushes Restaurant is one of the area's finest dining rooms, but unless you've attended a wedding at Waterloo Inn, you may not know how that translates to their receptions.

We learned that Waterloo Inn can customize specialty menu choices of many flavours from traditional to Indian to Kosher, and more. "Our Chef and expert catering executives can help you compose a truly memorable meal for you and your guests," we were told.

You also have the option of having a plated meal or buffet-style. Warning: do not make the same mistake as we did and read some of the menu options (below) on an empty stomach.

To give you an idea of some of the dinners Waterloo Inn can prepare with locally grown ingredients...
Waterloo County roast pork loin: wild mushroom, prosciutto and a Marsala demi glaze, country-style roast potatoes and seasonal vegetable medley ($29.50).
Chicken supreme: with sundried pear, pecan, chive and stilton crumble with a port reduction ($29.50)
Filet of salmon: Roasted salmon with a shallot and tarragon crust served with a fennel and leek compote, buttered long grain rice and seasonal vegetables (market value).

Meals also come with soup or salad options ranging from market greens to bistro salads, and vegetarian options, organic and kids' menus are available.

Desserts (our fave!) range from triple chocolate mousse cake to white chocolate raspberry truffle cake and apple crumble tart, or upgraded selections of crème brûlée cheesecake and flourless chocolate volcano.

You can also serve guests buffet-style with a range of options that include the basics with the option to add extras. Buffet choices include the elegant buffet, traditional buffet, southern comfort, Russian buffet, Southwest Ontario's best, and festive buffet.

For cocktail or late-night receptions, Waterloo Inn also offers a myriad of party platters that can include anything from fancy crudités and dips or sushi to more casual and midnight-craving-worthy pizzas and sandwiches, among many others.

With an annual wine award under their belt, Waterloo Inn also offers many selections of red, white and sparkling wines from around the globe as well as the option for a cash or host bar, and punches both of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety.

The Willow Spa

The Waterloo Inn is thrilled to announce the opening of their brand new spa, The Willow Spa. Diana, the Spa Manager, told The Ring, "it's beautifully decorated with serene rooms to promote relaxation and allow you to de-stress. Calm music, candles, low lights, salt lamps and water features all set the tone for your pampering to begin."

The spa has tons of wonderful services and packages to choose from, including popular options like manicures and pedicures, RMT massages and body massages done by trained Aestheticians. We absolutely love the Chocolate Spa Party, which includes everything from a chocolate facial to a chocolate hand and foot massage to a mini mani and pedi...pure heaven!

The Bridal Package is a fantastic option for the bride as it includes everything you might need to look fabulous on your wedding day- all in one location. From a manicure and pedicure to make-up and hair on the day of ($350 plus tax).

The options at The Willow Spa really are endless. Book a bachelorette spa party for you and your girls or, give your groom a treat with the Groom's Package. They also offer a Flower Girl Package and a Bridal Party Package so that your entire wedding party can relax and get ready together.

Another favourite thing about the spa is the flexibility in locations where you can have your service done. There are two RMT's at the spa who can do services at the same time, so couples can have a massage side by side. You can rent a hospitality suite at the hotel and the team at The Willow Spa will create the ultimate spa atmosphere for your group. Or, have a manicure done in the courtyard, a massage poolside or have everything done in the comfort of your hotel room. It's truly all about you!

Diana and her staff come with years of experience and are all certified in their fields. Diana graduated from Gina's College of Aesthetics in Waterloo in 1998 and also owns a local mobile spa. "We all graduated from well known schools and colleges in the area and are all passionate about providing our clients with the best possible service in a calm and serene atmosphere."

Diana recommends that you book at least three months before your wedding to ensure that your date is available.

Walking you through it...

Contacting the Waterloo Inn through email or phone is the best way to set-up an appointment to check out their facility. Rooms are usually previewed based on your size requirements and budget. The Wedding Specialist (which in this case is Wendy) takes you on a tour of the hotel, including guestrooms and suites, hotel facilities, and restaurant. Menus, prices, decorating needs, and any other details are presented at this time.

When you're ready to book, the contract is signed. Since wedding costs at Waterloo Inn vary depending on the number of guests, room décor and menu selections, totals vary, too. This also means that the deposit required to book also varies, but is usually around $500 to $2000. To give you an idea, though, the Waterloo Inn has introduced new All Inclusive Wedding Reception Packages that are prices on a per person basis, starting at $110 per person. The package includes a welcome reception, dinner, host bar and evening finale.

"The prices fell right within our budget and actually came to less than we had originally planned," says Jamie. "There were no surprise costs or fees; everything was up front, clear, and reasonable."

Throughout the planning, all details of the day are reviewed by the Wedding Specialist and the couple and other needs like outside decorators, music and entertainment are coordinated.

An experienced Banquet Manager is assigned to your wedding and is available on-site the day of from start to finish. "From Duty Manager to Front Desk staff, and set-up to serving staff, there is an enormous amount of support staff behind the scenes making sure all details are perfect."

Details, details, details

• From rehearsal to ceremony, reception and morning after brunch, the Waterloo Inn's all-inclusive venue and packages can host 10 to 500 guests from engagement to honeymoon.
• Friday/Sunday/off-season weddings sometimes incur significant cost reductions.
• Customized wedding packages at Waterloo Inn range from $2000 to $40,000 depending on the options you wish to include.
• It's recommended to call or email the Wedding Specialist as soon as you know your date to tour the facility and discuss contract details
• A signed contract and $500 to $2000 deposit is required to book the Waterloo Inn, with the remaining balance due 7 days before the wedding.
• HST (13%) and gratuities (15%) are in addition to quoted prices.