START PLANNING
24-12 MONTHS PRIOR: LET'S GET STARTED!
Step One: Check out our spaces using the following link: https://visitme.co/Fba94P
Send an email to Saint John's Resort to learn more about our services and how we can make your event unforgettable.
Step Two: Schedule a private tour of our beautiful resort with one of our event experts.
Step Three: Secure the spaces and sign a contract outlining the details.
*Saint John's Resort requires a 25% deposit of all estimated revenue to confirm the booking.
24 - 6 MONTHS PRIOR: YOU'RE OFFICIAL!
(Contractual revenue deposits must be paid in FULL 6 months before your event)
Secure your vendors. Finalize your Guest List. Send out your Save the Dates
6-4 MONTHS PRIOR: SAVOR THE FLAVORS
Join us for one of our four Wedding Showcases, where you'll get to taste our delicious cuisine and experience our exceptional service. Invitations to our Wedding Showcases are exclusively offered to the happy couples who have already booked their wedding with us.
6-4 MONTHS PRIOR: BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE
Meet with your Catering Manager to discuss all the details about the venue that will bring all your Wedding Festivities to life!
30 DAYS PRIOR: FINALIZE YOUR MENU & ROOM BLOCK REVIEW
Provide us with your final catering menu selections and event details. At this point, you will review your room block pick-up rate.
3 WEEKS PRIOR: FINALIZE YOUR COUNTS & ROOM BLOCK CUT-OFF DATE
Provide us with your final guest count and pay your final deposit. Make sure that your block rooms have been picked up to avoid attrition.
YOUR WEDDING DAY: RELAX AND ENJOY!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy every moment of your special day with your loved ones. Our team will be hard at work, ensuring your wedding day is truly unforgettable
ABOUT SAINT JOHN'S EVENT SPACES & SERVICES
WHAT ASPECTS OF MY EVENT WILL THE SAINT JOHN'S TEAM PLAN WITH ME? SHOULD I HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER OR DAY OF COORDINATOR?
Our team of experts handles everything on the venue side- your event space, food, beverage and set-up. We do not offer wedding planning services, and we highly recommend hiring a wedding planner (or day-of coordinator) to handle all the details of your special day, so that you and your guests can sit back and enjoy your event!
Should I hire an officiant assistant to help with the Ceremony?
Our resort provides two Ceremony assistants for all onsite ceremonies to assist your officiant with processional timing and seating guests. The Ceremony assistants will work with your officiant taking the lead role and will depart immediately after your Ceremony concludes.
Do you have spaces that I can use for myself and wedding party to get ready?
A ready room is not included with the wedding package. However, we may have spaces available! You’re welcome to rent one of our conference rooms or upgrade to a luxury hotel suite based on availability. Please contact the SJR team for pricing details. Another option would be to book your hotel room for the night before so that you can get ready there. The Monarch Ballroom includes two wedding suites, which are exclusive to weddings in the Monarch only.
How early can I get into my event space(s) for setup?
You will have one hour before your Ceremony to set up. For your reception, please refer to your contracted setup time.
How late can my reception go?
Bars and music can remain open until 12:30am. Your event must conclude no later than 1:00am. However, we find that our events naturally conclude half an hour after your bar closes.
How long can I keep my bar open?
Bar service may not exceed six running hours (including cocktail hour).
How much time do my vendors have to clean/pack up after my event?
All décor and personal items must be removed on the day of your event, no later than one hour after your event concludes. Unfortunately, we do not have storage for personal items that have been left behind. Any unclaimed items will be disposed of within 24 hours of your event, if not the evening of. If you have left an item(s), please check with the front desk or concierge to inquire about them/it.
Can I work with outside vendors?
Absolutely! However, anyone you are hiring to perform services for your event must sign and return the vendor hold harmless no later than 60 days prior to the event date. Our team will review and approve vendor requests, ensuring they maintain high standards of professionalism and adhere to local laws and venue rules.
Can I have Valet?
Certainly! You are free to book your own vendor. Please note that if you would like to have Valet, it must be posted at the entrance closest to your event space and Saint John’s will not be able to prevent other guests from utilizing the service.
Are there any restrictions on décor or audio-visual items?
Fireworks, C02 cannons, etc. are not permitted.Cold sparks are allowed outside only, but you must have written permission.Fog machines are allowed, but must be dry ice, and the timing must be coordinated with our team to ensure proper safety protocols are followed. Tossing of any items (including but not limited to: rice, flower petals (silk or real), birdseed, bubbles and/or confetti) is prohibited.For information on this, please review your booking contract.
What insurance requirements are needed for my event?
We require General Liability Insurance covering the event with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. You and your vendors must also indemnify us against damages or injuries resulting from your activities.
Will there be signs to direct my guests to my event space?
Yes, your guests will find signage and reader boards throughout the Saint John’s campus. On top of that, we will provide maps for you to send your guests ahead of time to make sure they park in the parking closest to your venue and are given the fastest route to your event space. You are welcome to provide additional signage.
Are tables and chairs an additional fee?
Your tables, chairs, floor length white linen, black or white napkins, china, glassware, flatware, dance floor and bars are all included in your wedding package price. If you would like to have customized versions of any of these items or any other items, decorations, candles, or floral arrangements they would need to be provided by, and handled by, you or your wedding planner.
What is the maximum number of my guests that can sit at one table?
We offer a variety of table sizes to suit your needs. At your “Bringing Your Vision to Life” meeting you will discuss and/or create your vision for the floorplan(s) for your event.
My event is outside, what happens if there is inclement weather on my event day?
An indoor venue will be reserved for your Ceremony or Cocktail Hour in case of inclement weather. No later than noon the day before your event you will be contacted by a member of the SJR staff to discuss your options.
Does Saint John’s campus have photography restrictions?
Your contract allows exclusive professional photography access to approved spaces on Saint John’s campus on the day of your event only. Please note, you may not block any entrances or hallways or move any furniture.
Where does the money from our event go?
The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation owns three hotels and resorts as part of the Humanitarian Hotels initiative. 100% of net profits from each property support charitable initiatives worldwide. Additionally, as part of the Humanitarian Hotels initiative, these properties undertake programming for employees, guests, and nonprofits that represent the Foundation’s mission of serving those in need.
ABOUT OUR BOOKING PROCESS
What is the deposit/payment schedule?
Your payments are divided into four equal installments of 25% each, with the final payment adjusted based on your final decisions. The due dates are as follows:
Your initial deposit is due upon signing your contract.
The second, third, and fourth deposits are spaced evenly leading up to your wedding day.
The final payment is due three weeks prior to your wedding.
Is there a minimum guest count per room?
There is no minimum guest count per room; pricing is based on a food and beverage minimum. We do have a maximum capacity to ensure your guests are comfortable and not overcrowded.
Are there different prices for different days of the week?
Room rental and catering minimums may vary depending on the day of the week and time of year, reflecting the demand for the most sought-after dates.
Is menu pricing locked in at booking?
Your package price is locked in at booking.We strive to provide the best value, but unforeseen market conditions may require menu price adjustments. In this scenario, we will work with you to find suitable solutions, which may include reasonable substitutions or additional fees.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We can accept major credit cards, certified checks, personal checks and ACH transfers. For your final payment we will not accept personal checks. Credit card transactions have a fee of 3%.
What do I do if I need to postpone or cancel my event?
In the event that you must postpone your event, Saint John’s will work with you to find the best resolution, however, please note that all deposits are non-refundable and additional costs may apply.If you need to cancel your event, please refer to your contract for cancellation details.
Can I confirm a contract without menu selections?
Absolutely! The contract does not include your menu selections. To stay current with client preferences, Saint John’s conducts consistent menu updates. Therefore, the menu that you see at booking may have different offerings than the menu for your event.
ABOUT SAINT JOHN'S CULINARY
Can I bring in outside food and/or beverages?
All food and beverages, including alcohol, must be supplied by the resort, with the exception of wedding cakes and contractually pre-approved cultural items (additional fees apply) that our team cannot produce in house. No other outside food, coffee carts, desserts, or beverages are allowed.
Do you have catering options available for me and my wedding party, while we get ready?
Absolutely! We can provide catering to our conference/bridal suites and have an inclusive menu that will provide anything you could want! If you are getting ready in your hotel room, you are free to order from us or any other caterer of your choosing!
Can I invite additional guests to my Wedding Showcase (tasting)?
Yes, additional guests may attend the Wedding Showcase for an additional cost. If you would like to invite additional guests, simply RSVP through our electronic invitation.
Does your culinary team have the ability to make my Wedding Cake?
Absolutely, our culinary team has delivered the dream cake for countless couples.
Is there a cake cutting fee?
No, the cost to cut and serve or display your wedding cake is included in your Wedding Package price.
When are final meal selections due?
Final menu selections are due 30 days prior to the event date, and the final guest count is due 3 weeks prior to the event date. Your guest count cannot decrease after this date, and increases are subject to menu availability and resort approval.
We have guests that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, as well as a severe peanut allergy – can you accommodate?
Absolutely! Dietary requests are an important part of event planning and the SJR team is happy to accommodate your guests. We recommend asking about dietary restrictions during your RSVP process, as you will need to submit these details to the SJR team on your 3 week due date. If unknown dietary issues arise the evening of your event, you can expect timing delays and additional charge(s) for the additional meal(s), if we are able to accommodate them.
Do I have to pay the full package price for children? For Vendors?
Of course not! Children 12 and under receive a children’s meal with unlimited non-alcoholic drink selections. They are also taken out of any alcohol inclusive charges. Vendors are given the guest meal with unlimited non-alcoholic drink selections. They too, are taken out of any alcohol inclusive charges.
Can I provide boxes for my guests or take any leftovers home?
It is not permitted to provide boxes for your guests, and we cannot give you boxes for leftovers. This is federally regulated and not approved as per our food license. We partner with Forgotten Harvest to minimize food waste and help our community.
ABOUT SAINT JOHN'S HOTEL & ROOM BLOCKS
What does attrition mean? What is Saint John’s attrition policy?
Attrition is the difference between the number of hotel rooms initially reserved and the actual number of rooms booked. Our resort follows the industry standard 90% attrition policy, meaning you're responsible for filling 90% of the rooms reserved in your room block by the contracted cutoff date (3 weeks prior). If rooms do not book at 90% by the cutoff date, the available rooms will be released, and you will be responsible for payment for the released portion.
What is the resort fee and what does it include?
Our resort fee is $20 per night, this allows for guests to enjoy the amenities at our resort, including but not limited to, access to the Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness & Business Centers, Complimentary access to the Cardinal Putting Course, Complimentary On-Site Bike Rentals, Complimentary Lobby Beverages and Much More! For a full list of our amenities click the link below!
https://www.saintjohnsresort.com/detroit-luxury-hotel-rooms
What are the standard check-in and check-out times?
Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out requests may be accommodated subject to availability at a half-day rate.
Can I have gift bags delivered to my guests?
Yes, our resort can assist with distributing gift bags at check-in. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not permitted, and advance notice of at least 10 days is required. Additional fees apply for gift bags delivered to guest rooms. Gift bags need to be delivered to the front desk on the first day of check-in.