Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How many people does the Reception Barn seat?

We have seating for 288 guests. There are three hand-crafted gorgeous Farm Tables for the Head Tables that seats 14-16. Your rental includes floor length House white round linens and white folding chairs at no additional cost.



Can I bring my own food or caterer?

Yes! We are vendor friendly. You may choose your own licensed caterer, although we have wonderful partners who offer discounts! Your Licensed and Insured caterer may use our caterering prep area. There is water and electricity in the prep area. It is NOT a commerical kitchen, so all cooking will need to be done prior to arriving at the Venue. We will provide 6 ft. rectangle tables for caterer use. Linen's may be rented for $10 per linen by the Catering company payable at time of use.



What about alcohol?

We allow the HOST to bring their own alcohol. All alcohol will be served by one of our provided friendly, professional bartenders. For insurance reasons we cannot allow guests to BYOB or self-serve. One-two bartenders are included in the Rental price depending on the number of guests. The Host will need to provide disposable cups, mixers, pop, stir sticks, ice (if not purchasing from Westbrook), napkins or any speciality items to be served. Westbrook has 3 Taps. Host will need to bring barrels for Keg's. We allow coolers to be placed behind the bar and aluminum cans. Any glass containers MUST be behind the bar and will be dispensed in disposable cups. We have a decorative "wash bin" and galvanized barrels for self-serve of non-alcoholic drinks for your use. *NOTE: A two day Host Liquor Liability Insurance Policy MUST be in force with Westbrook Farmstead named as an additionally insured for alcohol to be served. A link to purchase insurance is located on our website, along with details instructions on how to purchase. Outside Bartenders are not allowed. NOTE: However, you may use the Bartender's from your licensed and insured Catering Company. *See Staff for Details.



How long can we stay at the property?

The rental time is from 9:00am to Midnight the day of your event. We will stop serving spirits at 10:30pm and guests shall depart by 11pm. A cleaning crew may stay until Midnight to be sure all food and drinks are cleaned out of the gathering barn and around the property. Friday Rentals must have items removed same day as event. For Saturday Rentals ONLY: Decorations and remaining spirits may be picked up the next day following day from 9:00am-11am on Sunday.



Is there a place to get ready?

Yes! We have a separate Man-cave with heat and air-conditoning. There is a TV, racing couches and games for the men. The ladies will be getting ready in the Westbrook Mansion. Up the spiral staircase are 2 large gorgeous rooms that are both heated and cooled. One room is for the Bridesmaids and another private room for the Bride with a very large en-suite bathroom. You may leave all of your belongings upstairs for the day. NOTE: Both dressing areas will be secured once the ceremony commences for security purposes.



Where are the ceremony areas?

We have both indoor and outdoor ceremony sites. The Indoor Chapel will seat 150 and the Open-Air Corn Crib Chapel seats 215. Westbrook Farmstead's staff will deliver the chairs at either site. You may arrange the chairs in a fashion that suits your plans and dreams! You may also wish to have the ceremony in the front lawn under the "Old Oak Tree". We will set chairs out on a pallet and may be placed as wished for the ceremony. Note: Chairs in front lawn must be removed the same day as event.



What else is there to do at the Farm?

We have complimentary yard games for you! Yardzee, Corn-hole, horse-shoes, and Washers! We also have a "Grain Bin Fire Pit"! This is a huge fire-pit that is raised and has hand-hewn benches and a barn-door table for your s'mores or other items. We provide one tractor bucket of firewood and marshmallow roasting sticks for the pit so your guests may sit and enjoy the night. Your walkway to the fire-pit is lit by Edison lights for unique picture opportunities! (See contract for details)



What are the Rental Times?

Friday Rental: 9:00am - Midnight- guests depart at 11pm. All Clean-up completed by Midnight. Saturday Rental: 9:00am - Midnight- guests depart at 11pm. Food/Drink Clean up until Midnight - Sunday 9:00am -11am for personal item pick-up. Weekend Rental: Friday 10:00am - 8pm, Saturday 9:00am - Midnight- Food/Drink Clean-up until Midnight, Sunday 9:00-Noon for personal item pick-up. September and October are not available for weekend rentals.



Is there a place for the Music?

Yes! We have dedicated area's in both the Ceremony area's and the Reception barn for the the celebration with music. Please Note: Westbrook Farmstead does not have Wifi, but excellent Verizon and AT&T service.



Can I bring in items from rental companies?

Yes, you are free to use another Rental companies items for your wedding. Please be sure to give one of our staff members the name and telephone number of your rental company for delivery and pick-up.



Does my Caterer have to have a license and liability insurance?

Yes! Caterer's MUST have their own liability insurance and be State Licensed to serve food at Westbrook.



Pricing

How much does the Venue Cost?

*For Events taking place in 2021 and 2022: PRICING: FRIDAYEVENT: up to 160 Guests: Friday rental is $3500- Includes One Bartender. 161-220 Guests = $3900- Includes up to 2 Bartenders. Over 220 Guests = $4500 - Includes 2nd Bartender, additionals staff and Day Coordinator! SATURDAY: Up to 160 guests = $3900- Includes One Bartender. 161-220 Guests = $4300- Includes up to 2 Bartenders. Over 220 guests = $4900- Includes 2nd Bartender, additional staff and Day Coordinator! WEEKEND: up to 160 Guests = $4900- Includes one Bartender. 161-200 = $5300- Includes up to 2 Bartenders. Over 220 = $5900- Includes 2nd Bartender, additional staff and Day Coordinator! Friday Rental Times: 9:00am - Midnight. Guest depart at 11pm, clean-up crew has until Midnight to complete clean-up. Saturday Rental Times: 9:00am - Midnight. Guests depart at 11pm, clean-up crew until Midnight. Sunday 9-11am. Weekend Rental: Friday 10:00 - 8pm (includes time for Ceremony Rehearsal, Rehearsal dinner and decorating). Saturday 9:00am - 11pm (Cleaning crew until Midnight) Sunday 9:00 - Noon. *Any alcohol at Rehearsal Dinner must be served by Westbrook's bartenders. Three (3) hour service may be arranged for $100.00. Additional Time may be purchased (if available) to decorate early at $100 per hour 3 hours MAX. Please Note: Weekend DISCOUNTED Rental is not available in September and October. Weekend rental in September or October will be offered at regular published rates. *10% Discount if Paid in Full in Cash in one payment.



How much is the initial Down-Payment?

To hold your date we need a signed contract by both future Bride and Groom along with a non-refundable payment of: Friday - $1000 Saturday - $1500 Weekend - $2000 Initial down-payments are non-refundable and will be put towards your overall balance.



When do I have to make payments?

Your total balance may be broken into 3 payments. 1. The intital "Hold your date" Down payment. 2. Eight (8) months prior to your event another payment is required in the same amount as your initial deposit. 3. Thirty( (30) days prior to your event the remaining balance is due along with any "add-on's" for additional guests, day coordinator or patio heaters or Vault Rentals. *For you convenience you may make monthly payments. REMINDER: A $500 Refundable security deposit is due 30 days prior to your event by way of check, cash or credit card. We offer a 10% Discount if PAID IN FULL in Cash, which would save your hundreds on your event!



Are there any "extras" added to my bill?

REQUIRED: A $500 Refundable Security Deposit REQUIRED: Non-Refundable Down-Payment on Event. This amount is deducted from the Venue balance owing. REQUIRED: A One Million Dollar Host Liability Insurance Policy protecting both Property and Alcohol related incidents. *Non-Alcoholic weddings must have property protection in the amount of One Million Dollars. OPTIONAL: Should the weather change and become chilly, you do have the option of renting our 15 patio heaters for $500. Includes the heater rental along with 2 propane tanks. OPTIONAL: A Day Coordinator may be added for $800 for the Base and Mid Packages. *See contract for details. OPTIONAL: Rental Decor - Includes design meeting, Westbrook staff set-up and take-down the day of Event: $700. Decor is provided for head table, centerpieces, one ceremony area and around the venue. *Fresh Flowers can also be purchased through Westbrook Farmstead. OPTIONAL: Pre-Decorating $100 per hour (availability permitting) - 3 hours MAX.



Do you Rent out the Barn for smaller occassions or hourly?

Yes! We have weekday (Monday - Thursday) hourly rates for smaller gatherings, Corporate settings or school Proms!



Do I have to purchase Liability Insurance?

Yes, Westbrook requires a 2 day property liability insurance policy naming Westbrook Farmstead LLC as an additionally insured. We require a 1 million (1,000,000) dollar aggregate. If you plan on having Host provided Alcohol served, you must also have a Host Liquor Liability Rider. You can find information on how to purchase insurance within this website.



Misc Questions

Can I change the decorations or bring in rentals?

Table decorations can be personalized. Nails or screws may NOT be used to attach decorations to the walls or beams. Any permanant decorations i.e. lights, existing decor hanging from the ceiling, decorations screwed to the wall or heavy items are to remain unaltered or removed. Yes, you are welcome to bring in Rental tables, chairs, furniture and centerpieces. Westbrook's staff will help to with the logistics, but Renter or Rental company will be responsible for all of the bringing and removing of rental items.



Who sets up the receptions barn and chapels?

In the Gathering Barn, our staff will set up tables and chairs for the amount of guests the Host has paid for. Chairs may already be set in the outdoor chapel from the previous wedding, but if not Renter's will need to set-up chairs. If you are having the ceremony in the front yard, we will deliver chairs on a pallet for Renter set-up in a desirable pattern. Chairs will need to be re-stacked by the end of the event. In the Gathering Barn, the tables and chairs may be left at "as is" at the end of the night.



Do you have "real" bathrooms or Porta Potties?

We have gorgeous repurposed barn wood, modern, handicapped accessible indoor bathrooms for both Men and Women. The Women's bathroom is equipped with a baby changing table. We provide air hand-dryers and toilet paper.



Do you have Vendor contacts or do I have to use your vendors?

We have local people who do catering, hair-styling, make-up, music services, officianting (solomizing) , and photography! We are vendor friendly and allow clients to reserve their own vendors-- with the exception of the Bartenders, which we provide! *Professional caterers must have proper licensing and liability insurance. Westbrook must have caterers paperwork 30 days prior to the event. ** If using a videographer who is using a Drone, proper licensing and liability must also be on file 30 days prior to the event.



Why can't I get a Discount for Weekend Rental in September or October?

Both of these months are the most requested for a Fall Wedding on the farm. Weekend Discounts are not available due to high demand. You may rent the weekend at the regularly published full pricing. Discounted Weekend rates are available May - August.



Is your facility Handicapped accessible?

Yes, our parking lot, 2 ceremony sites, gathering barn, Man-cave and bathrooms are ADA (Handicapped) accessible!



Before the Event

Can we get our engagement pictures taken at the farm?

Yes! When you book your wedding with Westbrook you are welcome to come back with a reserved time to the farm to create outside engagement pictures. We do; however, reserve the Bridal Suites, Man-Cave and Gathering barn for the Wedding Day. Makes for "new" picture opportunities the day-of. **If you rent with Westbrook and use our local Brick Street Studio Photography, you will receive a FREE engagement package along with wedding day discounted picture pricing!!



Can we have the Rehearsal Dinner at the Farm?

Dinner after Ceremony Rehearal is reserved for those who are renting the property for the Entire weekend. For Weekend Renters, there is plenty of room in the Gathering Barn for a rehearsal dinner. Dinner can be DIY or brought in by a caterer. We will provide one bartender to serve for a maximum of 3 hours for $100 during the rehearsal dinner should you choose the full Weekend package. *Cleaning policies apply to Rehearsal Dinner.



Can we decorate early?  When will I decorate?

We can only allow "pre-decorating" if the day before your event is not booked for another wedding. If space and time permits to decorate early, you may purchase time for $100 per hour for a MAX of 3 hours, payable prior to decorating. Paid decorating time may not impede on another guests rehearsal time. Pre-scheduling is required and approved on a case-by-case basis. Please be aware there is no alcohol allowed during the ceremony rehearsal or while decorating. Please plan on decorating beginning at 9:00am on your rental day. We encourage you to recruit family, friends, and/or bridal party to help make the task go quickly.



When will be having the Ceremony Rehearsal?

Both Friday and Saturday weddings will have a one-hour free rehearsal time on the Thursday prior to the event. If there is not a Friday event scheduled the Saturday event will most likely be able to have rehearsal on Friday should it not conflict with any other activies on the farm. *Rehearsals must be pre- scheduled. Please Note: There is no alcohol allowed during the ceremony rehearsal or decorating.



Do you have local vendor contacts?

Yes! We have made connections with many local businesses who offer a variety of services i.e. hair, make-up, catering, photography, and DJ's! You are welcome to use your own vendors or check in with our local community for services.



Lodging

Do you have local Motels or Hotels?

Yes! There are two Air B&B's. 1. Union Hill B&B (616) 902-5035- GREAT for Bride and Groom! 2. VRBO: www.vrbo.com Property ID# 7743378 Owner Mike (616) 443-2229 Sleeps 13. Less than 10 minutes away! In Ionia, just off the expressway on South State Rd is the Super 8 by Wyndham. Phone: (616) 527-2828. A family-owned motel is the Midway Motel 7076 S. State Rd. (616) 527-6570. In Greenville there is the CandleStone Golf Resort and Hotel 616-794-1580 Alice Springs is an RV Resort. (616) 527-1608. The RV park has trailer rentals ($85 a night), or you can bring your own trailer for $44 a night! They offer cable, Wi-fi, lake, huge pool, convenience store with ice cream shop and fun weekend activities. The RV park is located just outside of town on North 66. www.alicespringsrvpark.com In downtown Ionia there is a hotel American Inn and Suites at (616) 527-2200. Portland has the American Heritage Inn at 1681 E. Grand River Ave. 517-647-2200.



Transportation

Does Ionia have Uber or Lyft?

There are Uber and Lyft drivers in the area. Patrons should download the Apps to see if drivers are available.



Does Westbrook Farmstead have shuttle service?

At this time, Westbrook does not offer its own shuttle service. A suggestion is to Rent a large passenger Van and have a Designated Driver of your choosing shuttle your guests to their nightly lodging. Guest vehicles may be left at the farm until 10:00am the day following the event.



Rental Vault

How much is it to add on items from the Rental Vault?

$700 receives access and potential use any item in the inventory of the Rental Vault.



What comes with the Rental Vault cost?

You will receive up to a 2 hour consultation with the lead Designer. You will design your guest table centerpieces, head-table, one ceremony site. We have large outdoor items that come with the Rental Vault fee. The fee covers both full service set-up and clean-up. Hassle free and stress free! The rental service is $700. For cost comparison: purchasing the items Westbrook has available for rent would typically cost around $2500.00.



Who sets up and removes the rental items?

Westbrook's staff will be responsible for set-up and take-down of rental items. No worries about decorating or the time involved!



How do I make an appointment with the the Designer?

You can schedule a consultation online under the "tours" tab or email: westbrookfarmstead@yahoo.com



What kind of items are in the Vault?

We have a wide selection of flowers, greenery, (eucalyptus,hops and baby's breath) wood-rounds, card boxes, chalk boards, easels, large selection of signage, table runners (blush, burgandy, teal and burlap), mason jars (clear, gold blush), wine bottles, small and pillar LED candles with glass vases, floating candles, Mercury gold and silver votive holders, table numbers, lanterns, 34 cup coffee pot, glass beverage containers for tea or lemonade, (3) Blush sequined table clothes, large framed seating chart and/or picture display, 8 foot tall lighted "I DO", Chalk board doors for seating chart and a gorgeous wine barrel. We have cup cake displays, desert stands, cake cutters, display dishes for desserts. We have fabric for the arch, "unplugged ceremony" signs, barrel swag and arch flower swag. We are always renewing and adding to our inventory! We keep current with the trends on Pinterest and other Bridal sites.



Can Fresh Flowers be ordered through Westbrook Farmstead?

YES! Our Decor Vault Designer is also a Fresh Floral Designer. She has the ability to order Fresh Flowers for the wedding party and family. We can supplement our Rental Decor and faux flowers with Fresh for an additional cost. *See Designer for details.