Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
When Whistle Bear first opened its doors in 2001, their team knew there were three things that would set them apart...excellent service, phenomenal outdoor views and freshly prepared food. Their approach worked and today, brides come from all over Ontario (and beyond) to be one of the 100+ couples who get married at Whistle Bear every year.
When The Ring contacted past Whistle Bear brides, we were truly blown away by the response. From, “Way above and beyond any other venue I looked at” to, “Better food, better service and a better venue than I could have ever imagined on my wedding day,” it was clear that the team at Whistle Bear puts the kind of care and attention into each wedding that makes for the most memorable wedding day possible.
Here's more on this stunning golf club...
From fabulous staff to weather proof ceremonies
Whistle Bear offers an all in one location, so you can have your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and photos in one gorgeous spot. And if you've always dreamt of an outdoor ceremony, you won't have to worry about the weather. Special Events Consultant Amy explains, "We have a gazebo on a grass covered hilltop and a covered terrace on a stone covered balcony for rainy days. Both options allow any wedding to be conducted outdoors."
Joel and Verity Suntz had their reception at Whistle Bear for their June 2012 wedding, "Our biggest reason for choosing Whistle Bear began when we first pulled up to the driveway. The grounds were beautiful, the building was unique, and then the deal was sealed when we met the staff. We dealt with Amy during our time at Whistle Bear, and she knew exactly what she was doing. She was so helpful and extremely flexible for our times, food options, etc. We had no concerns with the venue leading up to our big day. On the day of we were greeted by Whistle Bear staff at the front entrance who genuinely congratulated us. Whistle Bear holds its own, and the staff are the icing on the cake."
Tammy Zappitelli & Greg Harroitt say they instantly fell in love with Whistle Bear and knew it was the ideal venue for their July 2012 wedding, "Our guests told us that when they walked into our reception hall they could feel the warmth and love we had for each other. The décor was complimentary…any brides colour scheme would work well in the hall. The layout of the reception room was conducive to dancing and having a great time. The entire experience with Whistle Bear from the initial consultation to the wedding was great, and planning the wedding is something we will never forget."
Your Special Events Consultant
Part of what makes Whistle Bear so special is their team, including Amy Orendi, the Special Events Consultant at Whistle Bear. Amy has four years of experience in corporate sales and has been helping brides plan their weddings for the past two years. For Amy, a happy bride and groom keep her motivated to create the best experience possible, "Knowing that people are expecting the best experience when they arrive keeps me inspired. Making all their requests come true takes my best efforts every day. Each day is a new experience, with new challenges. Being able to assist people brings me so much gratification. Knowing that I am able to give people exactly what they are looking for and make their wedding dreams come true [inspires me]."
Joel and Verity Suntz rave about their experience with Amy and the Whistle Bear team, "Working with Amy and the rest of the Whistle Bear team was fantastic. Amy is so knowledgeable when it comes to weddings and is one of those organized people that we all strive to be. She is friendly, outgoing, and always very calm, despite the stress I'm sure she experiences in her job! Whistle Bear has the ultimate checklist that they go over with you to ensure that everything is prepared for your day. If you haven't thought about it, they have."
Jeff and Nicole Ingram say they completely agree, "Amy and her staff were great and we are so appreciative of everything they did for us. It was a wonderful day and they made it their duty to get to know us, and make sure everything went off without a hitch...which it did. They are wonderful people to work with...very helpful and they care about what the couple wants for their day.”
During your wedding, you'll also have your own personal Maître ‘D that oversees a number of different tasks during the entire day; the rehearsal, meet and greet, pictures and your dinner- to name a few.
Brad & Michelle Jones told The Ring about their favourite memory from their June 2012 wedding day, "My favourite memory is of our Maitre'd, Minnie. On the rehearsal day we were quite busy and were having the rehearsal dinner after our run through at Whistle Bear. So I hadn't eaten for quite a few hours. When we were out at the gazebo (where we held our ceremony), I was suddenly feeling quite weak and someone had to go get me a snack. On the wedding day, just before my dad and I were about to go out to the gazebo for the ceremony, Minnie came to me and said she had brought me some cookies, to make sure that I had a snack before I went out there. That was the kind of service we received through the entire process. They were always going above-and beyond. Brad would say his favourite memory is also of Minnie, who was there with water or appetizers for him before he had to ask, every time he wanted them!"
The Rooms
Amy describes the venue as, "A fun and relaxing place to celebrate with friends and family. We offer an experience that can be considered rustic and outdoors oriented. We are accommodating, respectful and creative.”
Whistle Bear can accommodate every type of wedding, from a small group to a lavish party with up to 300 guests. Here's a breakdown of the spaces at Whistle Bear...
FOREST VIEW ROOM
The largest room, located on the second floor, includes casement windows on three walls, offering breathtaking views of the spectacular country setting. Exposed hand-carved pine beams enhance the twenty foot ceilings and a private terrace runs the length of the room.
Capacity Seated: 350 | Cocktail: 400 (includes use of second floor terrace)
REGIONAL ROOM
Located on the main floor, this room's unique floor plan offers endless possibilities. Knotted pine throughout, twenty foot ceilings with exposed hand-carved beams and windows on three sides create a rustic charm.
Capacity Seated: 160 | Cocktail: 200
NORTH DUMFRIES
Located on the main floor, the North Dumfries room offers a walkout to a private terrace.
This versatile room features hand-carved pine beams and windows on two sides.
Capacity Seated: 50 | Cocktail: 120 (includes use of outdoor terrace)
Packages & pricing
Amy says that while there are many options available at Whistle Bear, the all inclusive wedding reception is the most popular package for brides. "It offers a place to have your ceremony, photos, dinner and reception all at the same facility, at a set price.”
To give you an idea of pricing, all inclusive seasonal packages start at $79 dollars per person. Other packages start at $102 per person and increase based on special requests.
No matter which package you choose, each includes a custom menu consultation, a personal Maitre'd to oversee your entire day; service staff and bartenders; white table linens and napkins; china, flatware and stemware, and complete set up and service for the event.
Once you've chosen your personalized food and beverage package, you can start to take a look at the fun extras that you can add on to your package.
When it comes to a wedding at Whistle Bear, Amy says there are options for any budget, "Whistle Bear is a venue for everyone. We are here to offer an experience that is accommodating to your budget. Whether you are looking for the experience of a lifetime with an unlimited budget, or a place that is considerate of your needs and respectful of limited budgets. Whistle Bear truly is a club for everyone."
Jeff and Nicole Ingram had their rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception at Whistle Bear for their May 2012 wedding, "Whistle Bear is a one stop shop. You can have all the "big" stuff there - ceremony and reception, and hotels are close by. We didn't want our guests traveling from one place to another. The prices matched the value we received on the wedding day. FOOD was very important to us...it was fantastic and the menu tasting proves that! And they have an exceptional onsite route for pictures - our pictures were wonderful. Instead of two or three hours in between the ceremony and reception for pictures, it was only an hour. It was a very amazing, memorable day. "
Booking your Whistle Bear wedding
To get in touch with Amy at Whistle Bear, send her an email or give her a call. From here she'll set up your first appointment to give you a tour of the venue.
During your first appointment, you'll be able to tour the facility. Amy will get to know you and find out about your wedding day vision. Next, she will create a proposal for your wedding and go over it with you.
If you decide to book, you'll put a 20% deposit down and review your booking agreement. You'll also have an appointment to go over the details about three to four months before the wedding day to review the day, tentative floor plan and any questions that may have arisen since your original booking. Amy takes care of all the arrangements for your food, wait staff, shuttle and your DJ, as well as any special requests that you might have.
About two to three months before the wedding day, you'll choose your menu. You'll also have one more final detailing appointment two weeks before your wedding.
Details, details, details
• The average bride spends $20,000 to $30,000 on their wedding at Whistle Bear
• 15% gratuity and 13% HST applies
• There is a 20% deposit required to book your wedding at Whistle Bear
• It's best to book at least six months to one year ahead to secure your date
When Whistle Bear first opened its doors in 2001, their team knew there were three things that would set them apart...excellent service, phenomenal outdoor views and freshly prepared food. Their approach worked and today, brides come from all over Ontario (and beyond) to be one of the 100+ couples who get married at Whistle Bear every year.
When The Ring contacted past Whistle Bear brides, we were truly blown away by the response. From, “Way above and beyond any other venue I looked at” to, “Better food, better service and a better venue than I could have ever imagined on my wedding day,” it was clear that the team at Whistle Bear puts the kind of care and attention into each wedding that makes for the most memorable wedding day possible.
Here's more on this stunning golf club...
From fabulous staff to weather proof ceremonies
Whistle Bear offers an all in one location, so you can have your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and photos in one gorgeous spot. And if you've always dreamt of an outdoor ceremony, you won't have to worry about the weather. Special Events Consultant Amy explains, "We have a gazebo on a grass covered hilltop and a covered terrace on a stone covered balcony for rainy days. Both options allow any wedding to be conducted outdoors."
Joel and Verity Suntz had their reception at Whistle Bear for their June 2012 wedding, "Our biggest reason for choosing Whistle Bear began when we first pulled up to the driveway. The grounds were beautiful, the building was unique, and then the deal was sealed when we met the staff. We dealt with Amy during our time at Whistle Bear, and she knew exactly what she was doing. She was so helpful and extremely flexible for our times, food options, etc. We had no concerns with the venue leading up to our big day. On the day of we were greeted by Whistle Bear staff at the front entrance who genuinely congratulated us. Whistle Bear holds its own, and the staff are the icing on the cake."
Tammy Zappitelli & Greg Harroitt say they instantly fell in love with Whistle Bear and knew it was the ideal venue for their July 2012 wedding, "Our guests told us that when they walked into our reception hall they could feel the warmth and love we had for each other. The décor was complimentary…any brides colour scheme would work well in the hall. The layout of the reception room was conducive to dancing and having a great time. The entire experience with Whistle Bear from the initial consultation to the wedding was great, and planning the wedding is something we will never forget."
Your Special Events Consultant
Part of what makes Whistle Bear so special is their team, including Amy Orendi, the Special Events Consultant at Whistle Bear. Amy has four years of experience in corporate sales and has been helping brides plan their weddings for the past two years. For Amy, a happy bride and groom keep her motivated to create the best experience possible, "Knowing that people are expecting the best experience when they arrive keeps me inspired. Making all their requests come true takes my best efforts every day. Each day is a new experience, with new challenges. Being able to assist people brings me so much gratification. Knowing that I am able to give people exactly what they are looking for and make their wedding dreams come true [inspires me]."
Joel and Verity Suntz rave about their experience with Amy and the Whistle Bear team, "Working with Amy and the rest of the Whistle Bear team was fantastic. Amy is so knowledgeable when it comes to weddings and is one of those organized people that we all strive to be. She is friendly, outgoing, and always very calm, despite the stress I'm sure she experiences in her job! Whistle Bear has the ultimate checklist that they go over with you to ensure that everything is prepared for your day. If you haven't thought about it, they have."
Jeff and Nicole Ingram say they completely agree, "Amy and her staff were great and we are so appreciative of everything they did for us. It was a wonderful day and they made it their duty to get to know us, and make sure everything went off without a hitch...which it did. They are wonderful people to work with...very helpful and they care about what the couple wants for their day.”
During your wedding, you'll also have your own personal Maître ‘D that oversees a number of different tasks during the entire day; the rehearsal, meet and greet, pictures and your dinner- to name a few.
Brad & Michelle Jones told The Ring about their favourite memory from their June 2012 wedding day, "My favourite memory is of our Maitre'd, Minnie. On the rehearsal day we were quite busy and were having the rehearsal dinner after our run through at Whistle Bear. So I hadn't eaten for quite a few hours. When we were out at the gazebo (where we held our ceremony), I was suddenly feeling quite weak and someone had to go get me a snack. On the wedding day, just before my dad and I were about to go out to the gazebo for the ceremony, Minnie came to me and said she had brought me some cookies, to make sure that I had a snack before I went out there. That was the kind of service we received through the entire process. They were always going above-and beyond. Brad would say his favourite memory is also of Minnie, who was there with water or appetizers for him before he had to ask, every time he wanted them!"
The Rooms
Amy describes the venue as, "A fun and relaxing place to celebrate with friends and family. We offer an experience that can be considered rustic and outdoors oriented. We are accommodating, respectful and creative.”
Whistle Bear can accommodate every type of wedding, from a small group to a lavish party with up to 300 guests. Here's a breakdown of the spaces at Whistle Bear...
FOREST VIEW ROOM
The largest room, located on the second floor, includes casement windows on three walls, offering breathtaking views of the spectacular country setting. Exposed hand-carved pine beams enhance the twenty foot ceilings and a private terrace runs the length of the room.
Capacity Seated: 350 | Cocktail: 400 (includes use of second floor terrace)
REGIONAL ROOM
Located on the main floor, this room's unique floor plan offers endless possibilities. Knotted pine throughout, twenty foot ceilings with exposed hand-carved beams and windows on three sides create a rustic charm.
Capacity Seated: 160 | Cocktail: 200
NORTH DUMFRIES
Located on the main floor, the North Dumfries room offers a walkout to a private terrace.
This versatile room features hand-carved pine beams and windows on two sides.
Capacity Seated: 50 | Cocktail: 120 (includes use of outdoor terrace)
Packages & pricing
Amy says that while there are many options available at Whistle Bear, the all inclusive wedding reception is the most popular package for brides. "It offers a place to have your ceremony, photos, dinner and reception all at the same facility, at a set price.”
To give you an idea of pricing, all inclusive seasonal packages start at $79 dollars per person. Other packages start at $102 per person and increase based on special requests.
No matter which package you choose, each includes a custom menu consultation, a personal Maitre'd to oversee your entire day; service staff and bartenders; white table linens and napkins; china, flatware and stemware, and complete set up and service for the event.
Once you've chosen your personalized food and beverage package, you can start to take a look at the fun extras that you can add on to your package.
When it comes to a wedding at Whistle Bear, Amy says there are options for any budget, "Whistle Bear is a venue for everyone. We are here to offer an experience that is accommodating to your budget. Whether you are looking for the experience of a lifetime with an unlimited budget, or a place that is considerate of your needs and respectful of limited budgets. Whistle Bear truly is a club for everyone."
Jeff and Nicole Ingram had their rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception at Whistle Bear for their May 2012 wedding, "Whistle Bear is a one stop shop. You can have all the "big" stuff there - ceremony and reception, and hotels are close by. We didn't want our guests traveling from one place to another. The prices matched the value we received on the wedding day. FOOD was very important to us...it was fantastic and the menu tasting proves that! And they have an exceptional onsite route for pictures - our pictures were wonderful. Instead of two or three hours in between the ceremony and reception for pictures, it was only an hour. It was a very amazing, memorable day. "
Booking your Whistle Bear wedding
To get in touch with Amy at Whistle Bear, send her an email or give her a call. From here she'll set up your first appointment to give you a tour of the venue.
During your first appointment, you'll be able to tour the facility. Amy will get to know you and find out about your wedding day vision. Next, she will create a proposal for your wedding and go over it with you.
If you decide to book, you'll put a 20% deposit down and review your booking agreement. You'll also have an appointment to go over the details about three to four months before the wedding day to review the day, tentative floor plan and any questions that may have arisen since your original booking. Amy takes care of all the arrangements for your food, wait staff, shuttle and your DJ, as well as any special requests that you might have.
About two to three months before the wedding day, you'll choose your menu. You'll also have one more final detailing appointment two weeks before your wedding.
Details, details, details
• The average bride spends $20,000 to $30,000 on their wedding at Whistle Bear
• 15% gratuity and 13% HST applies
• There is a 20% deposit required to book your wedding at Whistle Bear
• It's best to book at least six months to one year ahead to secure your date
