Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in your Package Price for 2010?

Exclusive use of the Estate for 8 full hours, full service organic catering (to include hor d'oeuvres, two entrees, side dishes, non alcoholic beverages),  "Camelot" style (pole) tents for your event, linens (in your choice of approximately 50 colors), chairs for both your ceremony and reception sites, tables, cake cutting service, professional event planning, and gratuity. See package pricing tab of the website for details.

May I hold both my ceremony and reception on site for the convenience of my guests and is there an additional charge?

There is no additional charge to hold both your ceremony and reception on site.  Since Eden Try offers you exclusive use of the venue for 8 hours, there is ample time to do both without feeling rushed.

How many people can Eden Try accommodate?

Since we are an outdoor garden venue on 12 acres, there is virtually no limit to the number of guests you can invite.

I'm just beginning my search.  What sets Eden Try apart and what questions should I ask of other vendors?

Hours.  Eden Try offers 8 full hours at no additional cost.  When you reserve your date with Eden Try, the Estate is exclusively yours for the day so you don't have to worry about feeling rushed or having to "share" your day with another event.

Gratuity.  Gratuity is included in Eden Try's Package Price.  Typical gratuity at other vendors' venues is 18-20 percent which is then added to the price they quote you.  Tax is typically added on to the price they quote you as well, so ask!

Cake Cutting Service and Equipment.  This sounds simple but costs add up.  Typical fee at other venues is $5 per person, or less per person plus china and flatware.   It is included in Eden Try's Package Price.

Alcohol.  Eden Try allows you to bring in your own alcohol for obvious cost savings.    Our only restriction is that the alcohol be served by a licensed bartender (who is provided by the caterer).  The caterer will also process a "day of event" type ABC license on your behalf.  The additional cost per person if you bring in your own alcohol is $5.25 per person which covers the cost of the bartender(s), glassware, ice, and mixers.  This compares very favorably to the "full bar" priced by other venues.

Unique.  Eden Try is truly unique.   Eden Try is a living testament to "A Try at the Garden of Eden".  It is rich with history, romance, and elegance which naturally lends itself to a truly memorable event of distinction.  As you're considering other venues, ask yourself if the venue is "worthy" of a momentous occasion such as yours.

Eden Try shows a number of picturesque settings on the website.  Is there a designated area for weddings?

We do not dictate where to have your ceremony.  Therefore, each wedding is a unique event based on our couples' personal preferences. Since there are 12 acres on the Estate, 7 of which are groomed, the possibilities are endless.

What we have found as a common thread is that couples are choosing to separate the ceremony, cocktail, and reception areas and spread them among the Estate in order to take full advantage of the Estate's beautiful Grounds.   In this way, guests can "flow" from one area to the next which gives the appearance of a much larger, grander, event.  The guests' ability to stroll the Estate Grounds and meander between areas also keeps them pleasantly "entertained" while the bridal party is occupied with the photographer.

I noticed your price includes a Professional Event Planner.  Why do I need one?

We love this question!  Let us share a "real life" experience.  One of our event planners (with 500 weddings and decades of experience under her belt) decided she could "handle" her own daughter's wedding which was being held in the Planner's own back yard.  Long story short, ten minutes before the ceremony the event planner was still not "gown dressed" as she was rushing between caterers, guests, vendors... all with the inevitable last minute questions.  Everything went seamlessly through the day with her diligence and expertise but at the end of the day she sadly realized she didn't have TIME to visit with friends and family that she hadn't seen in many years and who had traveled great distances.   She also didn't have time to have FUN and enjoy the day with her daughter which she had worked so hard to create.  The lesson here is the bride's "job" is to be beautiful; mom's job is to be a good hostess.  Even if you don't hire a full event manager, please consider a "day of" event manager regardless of which venue you choose.

What's not included in the Package Price?

Eden Try prides itself on no "hidden" costs, a common practice in the industry.  Our package price does not include personal items because we don't insist on charging you for items you might not need or items that are often provided by family and friends or "at cost" from local suppliers.    Our package price does not include alcoholic beverages, a DJ, photographer, cake, dance floor or other tent upgrades, or floral items.  Taxes are also not included.  Fortunately, the tax rate is only 5% and it is only charged on the non service portion of the event such as tents, equipment, etc.

Eden Try is a Formal Outdoor Garden Venue.  What happens if it rains?

If it rains, you simply move your ceremony under your "Camelot" style tent that is already set up for your reception.  Since we provide chairs for both your ceremony and reception sites, there is no "scurrying" to move equipment.  In addition, the reception tent makes for a very romantic backdrop with your centerpieces (some use candles) and linens with your personal choice of colors in full display around you.  The tents are put up days in advance so there is no issue with wet ground.

I'm getting married in 2011.  What changes can I expect?

In 2011, Eden Try anticipates construction of a dramatic new indoor/outdoor Great Hall, architecturally consistent with the Manor House.  If you book your event in the first part of 2010, we will honor our 2010 prices into 2011, regardless of whether it is a tented event or a "Hall" event.  The Hall will be strategically placed on the property so you can still erect the Camelot style tents as a backdrop if you prefer the romantic effect of the tents to the historic Williamsburg style of the Hall.  Of course, prices will increase once the Hall is built for those who did not book in 2010.

I see pictures of the inside of the Manor House on the website.  To what extent do you open the Manor House for an event?

The formal room pictured on the website is open to the bride for an hour before the ceremony for bridal portraits.  Once the ceremony starts, the Manor House is closed to the bride and all guests.  After the Great Hall is built (~ 2011), the Manor House bridal suite will be available to rent by the hour.

I see an established "package" price per person on your website...how does that work?

The price per person includes quotes from several vendors.  To simplify the process, you will be signing only two contracts:  one for the venue and equipment and one for the catering.  If you do not choose upgrades to your package, your budget will come within the established price per person.

How is your Honeymoon Registry different from a typical bridal registry and do I need to book with Eden Try to take advantage of it?

Our Honeymoon Registry is different because you can take the value of the gift in cash as soon as it pledged...then pay for the honeymoon, or portions of it, at a later date.  The Registry is a self service "Travelocity" style website so it is independent of Eden Try.