WeddingDay Pro Spotlight: Richelle Gingerich of Four Winds Casinos

An appealing quality of wedding venues is that they can be all-inclusive. Many couples love the idea of their guests attending their wedding, dancing the night away and being able to stay all in the same location. If the venue can also provide catering and/or rentals, that also helps alleviate some stress for the happy couple!

Four Winds Casino South Bend is your one-stop-shop for tying the knot. From an on-site catering crew to AV services and in-house coordination, Four Winds has it all. With their unique wedding venue addition to the casino, your guests can turn your wedding into an entire weekend getaway! You can, too—from hosting your rehearsal dinner at one of their six on-site restaurants to reducing your pre-wedding stress at the Cedar Spa before your big day begins! Read on to hear from Richelle Gingerich, Event Sales Manager, about all that Four Winds has to offer.

Tell us a little about the history of Four Winds Casino South Bend.

"Four Winds Casino South Bend Hotel opened March 1, 2023. The hotel is a 23-story tower attached to the casino that features 317 guest rooms. The guest rooms include 83 suites, of which only 7 occupy the entire penthouse floor. Four Winds South Bend Hotel also features an outdoor pool on the third floor, the Cedar Spa, six restaurants and Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center. The Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center provides 24,000-square-feet of space for concerts, live entertainment, banquets, meetings, weddings and conferences. This includes a ballroom with seating for 600 guests, 16 meeting rooms, two bars and a business center."

Why should a couple get married at Four Winds? What attracts couples to your venue?

"We can make a couple’s fairytale wedding dreams come to life. Couples will love the thought of being married at Four Winds due to our unique one-stop-shop. They can have their rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception with us. Spa appointments and luxurious hotel rooms are available to complete their day to remember. Our menus are just a starting point for building a unique one-of-a-kind dining or catering experience. At Four Winds, the party never stops, we’re a 24-hour facility for those that don’t want the night to end. The casino floor boasts the C Bar and live entertainment to keep the night alive."

Give us an overview of your services. What makes your business unique?

"We offer bridal party suites, special hotel room rates for your wedding block, complimentary valet parking and ample self-parking, a wedding consultant to coordinate your wedding, cocktail hour with a selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, exquisitely prepared three course dining options, premium brand bar, children’s menu (for guests under 10 years old) and new state-of-the-art RGB lighting with in-house AV and audio needs. Our team of experienced Catering Specialists are eager to customize your wedding to make it a truly memorable event."

What nearby activities make hosting a wedding at Four Winds Casinos a memorable stay?

"Guests can attend a South Bend Cubs game, visit the Potawatomi Zoo and the new Dinosaur Museum (opening soon), eat at the South Bend Chocolate Factory, tour the Studebaker Museum or University of Notre Dame and check out the South Bend Farmers Market. Plus, there's plenty of local shopping and golfing opportunities including Notre Dame Warren Golf Course and Blackthorn."

What benefits can a bridal party receive when booking with you?

"The couple will have the benefit of a hands-on personal coordinator walking them through the whole process from start to finish. From the initial tour, tasting and design meetings and the day-of service, we will have every detail of their dreams in mind. Four Winds also has our tranquil Cedar Spa on property to help relax the day before or after the big day. There are several locations for the perfect photos, multiple restaurants for the rehearsal dinner or brunch the next day and the well-appointed hotel for their stay. Special room rates for the bridal party and wedding guests are also available."

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"I love that every event is different and unique just like every guest; no two are the same. Having the ability to plan a wide range of events allows for creativity, design, different religions, unique and custom food items as well as ethnic and cultural elements, each customized and equally amazing. I get to create memorable experiences that provide an opportunity for families and friends to come together and make memories."

Do you work with preferred vendors or offer your own exclusive services (catering, rentals, etc.)?

"We do have preferred vendors if you would like suggestions, but we can also work with vendors you select. However, AV is provided in-house with our top-of-the-line equipment."

Tell us about your favorite part of your job. What keeps it fun for you?

"Every event is special, and should feel unique to the couple and their families when getting married. My favorite part of the job is getting to know the families and what is important to them while helping them to create memories to last a lifetime and building those relationships that will last for years to come. I have had families come back with siblings and other family members to get married! I also love seeing my past brides and grooms grow when they step into the next chapter of life and have a family of their own. We want to make it personal and provide next level of service every time."

What’s the most common question you get from couples? What’s your answer to it?

"A common question is, 'Do you have off-season rates in the Midwest?' Our rates remain consistent throughout the year, we can make any season look gorgeous. Another popular question is, 'Do you allow outside catering?' We have an amazing banquet chef that creates custom menus. We aren’t able to accommodate outside catering. Finally, 'Can I bring in a cake from an outside baker?' is asked often. The answer is yes, you can bring in a wedding cake from an outside bakery. We just need a signed outside food waiver."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their big day? Any other words of wisdom to share?

"There is no right or wrong when it comes to weddings—your day should be exactly what you dream it to be. Also, a wedding website sharing all your wedding details makes it easy for guests, especially those traveling. Be sure to give yourself extra time to collect RSVPs and menu/food choices. Don't forget to do what feels right to you! A great photographer is the key for capturing your memories for a lifetime. Make a list of important photos ahead of time to give to your photographer. This will help expedite things so you can enjoy your cocktail hour. Trust in your team of vendors, you have selected them for their expertise. Relax as much as you can and know that you are in good hands. Finally, take five minutes at the end of the night as a couple to look around and see all of your friends and family enjoying themselves and celebrating YOU! The day/evening goes by so quickly, savor every moment!"

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