Vendor Love: Hinterland Brewery
I love a wedding vendor who completely knocks the client experience out of the park. When it comes to venues, I look for an establishment that has amazing service, great food if they cater, a beautiful space, and lots of flexibility. I think the intro on Hinterland Brewery’s website says it best: “Whether you're looking for a storied and hand-crafted beer, or unique contemporary American cuisine with multicultural influences – we will inspire you to taste beyond your boundaries. With our restaurant in Green Bay’s Titletown District, we have not only built a following, but are leading a movement of food and beer lovers who are tired of the expected and seek an experience that satisfies their curiosity.” So many couples are looking for unique Wisconsin wedding venues, which is why I was so excited to sit down with Ahnna, Hinterland’s event coordinator, and share their vision with you all:
What makes Hinterland so unique?
We are located in the heart of Green Bay, directly across from Lambeau Field in the Titletown District. All of our food is prepared using local farms to create the freshest entrees - we pride ourselves on being unique in our menu creations. We can also create a completely custom menu for anyone looking for something specific. Our beers are brewed on site and our lower level has a wall of windows looking in on our brewery.
What areas do you consider yourself most successful in helping your wedding clients?
Because our layout is very different than a traditional wedding venues, we have become very familiar with how we can arrange different sized groups. Some couples are very unsure when they see the rooms, as to how tables will be arranged, so giving them peace of mind that we can accommodate them is always good! Same goes for our menus. I like to start off with showing them our standard coursed menus and going from there once we start discussing what their presences are. Having a diverse menu that can be molded into what each couples likes and dislikes is important.
If you could give any advice to wedding planning couples, what would it be?
Be patient and take each detail one at a time. Don't try and take on everything at once. Also, start planning early - don't wait until the last second. It's the happiest day of your life and you don't want to be stressed.
How many years have you been providing services to wedding clients?
Hinterland has been in operation for 23 years, making us the first craft brewery in Green Bay.
How many wedding clients do you take on each year? Do you take on other clients as well?
For wedding rehearsal dinners, upwards of 30-40 a year; receptions, only a handful. We're happy to work with anyone interested in our venue!
How many wedding guests can you accommodate (if applicable)?
300
What type of wedding client will be happiest with the services you provide?
Someone who really loves food, great beer, and a unique venue (football lovers - specifically Packer fans! ).
What are some of the policies/rules of your services that you think researching couples should know right away?
We do not offer keg/barrels to be purchased and use onsite. All drinks are purchased by the glass.
We require a $2 per person outside bakery charge should couples bring in any wedding desserts.
What are some of your favorite wedding details to work with? What are some of your favorite, unique items/ideas you've seen couples bring into their wedding day/wedding planning?
I love the little added details that may not get noticed by everyone, but are super meaningful to the couple - a ring from a grandmother, or a tie clip from the groom’s father. Something that is personal. I also really love how flowers can transform a space and give it a completely different vibe. Our venue is a neutral canvas, so flowers really change how the space looks and almost gives it new life. We had a couple bring in pies rather than traditional cake and everyone loved it! It was also personal to that couple. We had another couple hang a floral garland from the moose mount - they added flowers and made it something extremely beautiful.
How far in advance do you recommend couples book your services? Are you available on short notice?
This is handled case by case. We hold all weekends August-December each year until the Packer schedule comes out.
Are there any items you don't allow couples to bring in (outside caterers, glitter/flower petals, pets, open flame candles, etc.)?
We do not allow outside catering. We handle requests on a case by case basis as well.
What time of year do you think your venue is really at its best? Do you offer off-season discounts?
I don't think there is a time when our venue is not at its best! We do not offer off-season discounts but depending on the amount of people we can be flexible with the minimums - this does not apply to the full restaurant buyout minimum though.
Do you have space on site for the bridal party to get ready? How early on the wedding day do they have access to that space?
We do not have a space for groups to get ready. We can be flexible with time of access depending on the room. If a couple reserves the full restaurant for a large reception, we will be closed to the public for the entire day and vendors can access the rooms as early as 9am for any setup.
Do you have space for ceremony only, reception only, or both?
We are open to the possibly of a ceremony, depending on date and time, but mainly book rehearsals and receptions.
Are there other wedding professionals in the area you’ve been really impressed with?
DJ - Greg at Dreaming' DJ
Florist - Ebb & Flow, Petal Pusher
Photographer - KLEM Studios, Paul D Manke, Mark Hawkins Photography, Defining78
Bakery - Monzu, The Cupcake Couture
When you're not working, what are some of your favorite hobbies or past-times?
My favorite way to unwind at the end of the day is a nice long walk with my husband and pups, followed by a glass of wine - cliche but it works! I love spending time with my family and friends, working out and trying new restaurants.
Is there any other information you would like researching wedding couples to know?
Hinterland prides itself on making sure your experience is unforgettable and exceeds expectation.
We have many additional options for couples looking to create a unique event and are looking forward to new opportunities to make Hinterland a multi-use venue!
You can find out more about Hinterland at www.hinterlandbeer.com
