Wedding FAQs

St. Pete Wedding Receptions

These are just some of our most frequently asked questions regarding weddings. Feel free to contact one of our wedding specialists (weddings@twresort.com) if you are unable to find answers to your questions here or if you want additional information.

Booking Process

We want to have my ceremony at the TradeWinds but want to have the reception elsewhere or not have a reception; can we book a ceremony without reception? 
In order for us to reserve space for a wedding ceremony; it must be booked in conjunction with a wedding reception from our Wedding Planner. Please ask one of our Catering Sales managers about options for groups with less than 25 guests.

Can we have a small wedding?
Yes, TradeWinds will be happy to reserve ceremony and banquet space for weddings with 25+ guests; please ask one of our Catering Sales managers about options for groups with less than 25 guests.

Can we do an outside reception instead of inside?
Yes, we do many outdoor receptions and we always reserve back up space in case of inclement weather.  However, please keep in mind that all outdoor events must end at 10:00 PM due to the city’s noise ordinance and all outdoor functions must be buffet style.

Are we able to host a destination wedding at TradeWinds?
Yes, TradeWinds actually hosts many destination weddings throughout the year; we will be happy to help you plan a long distance wedding via fax, phone, and e-mail.

Is a deposit required to reserve space?
Yes, a non-refundable $1,000.00 deposit is due with the contract. Additional deposits will be required before the wedding date and the total balance must be paid in full 10 days prior to the wedding.

Are the services of a Wedding Coordinator included in our package price?
Your Catering Sales Manager is available to assist with any Resort arrangements; however, they are not wedding coordinators/planners; they are responsible for providing the space for your ceremony and/or reception and for the food/beverage served.  The Resort highly recommends you hire a wedding coordinator/planner to arrange and manage your wedding ceremony and/or reception.  If hiring one is not an option, request a family member or friend be in-charge of these events.  This will help convey your vision for your day, while you are busy preparing the many other aspects of this special day.

Room Reservations and Registration

Is there any room discount offered to my guests? Can we set up a room block for them?
Absolutely, we will offer your guests a 15% discount based on availability. Your Catering Sales Manager will also be happy to check a discounted group block rate as well as give you more information regarding room discounts.

We have welcome bags for my out-of-town guests; can the Front Desk hand out gift bags for at check in?
The front desk is able to hand out a card or note at check-in, but not a bag or gift; gifts can be delivered to your registered guests for a fee of $4.00 per gift per room/suite.  To make delivery arrangements, contact the Bell-stand (x2554) at least one week prior to the delivery date.

What is check in and check out time?
Check-in time at the TradeWinds starts at 4:00pm.  We cannot guarantee early check-in, unless you reserve your room for arrival the previous day.  An additional night fee will apply.  Check-out time is at 11:00 AM.  Arrangements can be made to store luggage for required later departures. Please advise your guests accordingly.

Our pet is an important part of our lives and we want him to be part of our wedding day; is our pet allowed at the ceremony/reception?
We welcome small pets as overnight guests of the resort, however, pets are not allowed in any of our banquet rooms/spaces and the city forbids any animals on the beach. Please check out our pet policy online or ask your Catering Sales Manager for additional information regarding pets at the resort.

Rehearsal

Will a member of the TradeWinds staff direct our wedding rehearsal? Is space provided?
We do not have staff that can attend your rehearsal; your officiate should help direct the rehearsal for you. If the space is not reserved for another function you are welcome to use it for your rehearsal but space for this is not reserved and cannot be guaranteed. Please check with your Catering Sales Manager as to availability for a rehearsal prior to your rehearsal.

Can the TradeWinds host our rehearsal dinner?
Yes, we will be happy to host a private dinner in our banquet rooms or outdoor areas, or a more intimate gathering at one of our restaurants; please see your Catering Sales Manager for options and pricing.

Wedding Reception

Is the wedding cake included in the package price? 
Our packages include cutting and serving of the wedding cake but the cake itself is not included; your Catering Sales Manager will be happy to recommend a bakery for your cake.

Is parking provided for our guests?
There will be a parking charge for each vehicle.  Overnight guests have their self-parking included in the Resort Amenity Fee. A one-time flat fee can be arranged for all non-overnight, self-parking guests.  Ask your Catering Sales Manager for more details.  Valet parking will be an additional $10.00 and must be paid by the guest individually

Do the menu prices include a cocktail hour?
Yes, packages include 3 hours of bar and some type of hors d’ Oeuvres.  We typically use one of the three hours of bar during cocktail hour and serve the hors d’Oeuvres that are included with your menu selection at this time. You also have the option of adding hot and/or butler passed hors d’Oeuvres to your cocktail hour.

We want our bar to be open for longer than what your package includes; can we add more time to the bar?
Yes, each additional hour for the bar adds $8.00 to the per person package price. We can also have your bar go to a cash basis after the time included in your package is up.

Your packages all include an open bar, but most of our guests don’t drink; can I take out the alcohol from the wedding reception package?
Yes, this would take $8.00 off of your dinner per person package price. Please note that this discount does not apply to luncheon or brunch events which include less than 3 hours of bar.

Does the resort provide any decorations?
Yes, for indoor reception we provide mirror tiles and votive candles. Some people use these in addition to a floral centerpiece provided by an outside vendor.

Can I bring my own decorations?
Yes, you can bring your own decorations or arrange these through an outside vendor; however you or your vendors would be responsible for set up and break down of any decorations.

Does the resort provide chair covers & linens for each table?
The resort provides double white linens and white napkins for your banquet as well as white skirting for all additional tables.  The resort does not own any chair covers; you can order them from a linen company if you like, we’ll be happy to recommend one for you.

We have a large number of children attending our wedding; are there discounts for children attending the wedding reception?
Yes, guests under 21 receive a $12.00 discount off the package price.  In addition there are further discounts and options for guests 12 and under; please check with your Catering Sales Manager for additional information.