WeddingDay Pro Spotlight: Taylor Sauer, The DoubleTree by Hilton South Bend

Located in the heart of downtown, The DoubleTree by Hilton South Bend is an incredible space to host your wedding. Your guests can seamlessly transfer from ceremony to reception and tuck in for the night without ever having to leave the building! But, if they do decide to head out on the town, they will be welcomed with a plethora of places to eat and things to do.

With a staff full of professionals who have worked in the wedding industry for multiple years, the DoubleTree will make your planning process stress-free. Their experts know all the tips and tricks of the wedding industry and can provide you with an extensive checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your big day. We talked with Taylor Sauer, the Catering and Sales Manager at the DoubleTree in South Bend, to learn more about all they offer.

Tell us a little about the history of DoubleTree as a hotel/venue.

"The hotel was built in 1981, originally as a Marriott. We were renovated and switched over to a Hilton in 2011 and are up for another new renovation in 2023!"

Why should a couple get married at the DoubleTree? What attracts couples to your venue/hotel?

"The DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown South Bend has an extremely unique feature with the atrium available to rent out as a private event space. The atrium landscapes extremely tall ceilings and all glass windows giving the illusion as if you are outdoors. The all-inclusive wedding package makes the budgeting stress free and easy to calculate."

Give us an overview of your services.

"The DoubleTree offers a full-catering service and a trained banquet staff to help execute the wedding of your dreams!"

DoubleTree is located in a bustling part of the city. What nearby activities make it a memorable stay?

"There are so many restaurants and bars that are within walking distance, but my favorite is Howard Park which is just a few blocks away! It features an ice skating rink with multiple fire pit areas and a restaurant and bar along with a gorgeous, modern park!"

What benefits can a bridal party receive when booking with the South Bend DoubleTree?

"A bridal party can expect a free bridal suite, two free dressing rooms, free centerpieces and chair covers included in the package (along with linens and parking)."

Do you work with preferred vendors or offer your own exclusive services?

"We are a full-service hotel, so we have our executive chef in-house, making the planning process even easier. We have all tables, chairs, etc., but we allow outside vendors for anything the couple may want or need!"

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

"My favorite part of my job is taking the stress out of a couple’s planning. I pride myself in being extremely organized, and I have done weddings for nearly a decade now, so I think that helps in guiding couples. I have learned A LOT along the way, so I am able to give them a lot of tips and tricks."

What do you love about the industry you work in?

"My favorite part about the industry is meeting genuine couples. I have met some of the most incredible people over the years and being able to say I was a huge part in the success of their wedding is such an honor."

What’s the most common question you get from couples?

"The most common question I get is how they can make their wedding more affordable. I love giving my tips and tricks. For example, if they love the look of a beautiful tiered cake but do not love the price tag, they can get a faux tier cake and only have the top be real to do the cutting—and the rest can be sheet cake."

What are the best tips you have for helping couples prepare for their day?

"I have put together a finalization checklist that is roughly six pages long! It started only being one page, but the more weddings I did, the more I learned and the longer my list got! Couples tell me my finalization checklist has saved them and has made the planning process so much easier for them, and that is my ultimate goal! Finally, soak it all in. The big day will come and go SO fast. You will wake up the day after your wedding and you will not believe it is over. So, walk slow down that ceremony aisle and don’t sweat the small stuff. I guarantee your guests have no idea if something isn’t the way you wanted it. Only you will notice, so don’t let it ruin your night. Enjoy every single moment because you deserve it!"

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