A lot of what makes a venue work is hidden behind the finished space—or only noticed when you stop and look up.

We recently toured the company building the large timber trusses that will structurally support The Glasswater’s tall ceilings. They are doing real structural work, but they will also become one of the defining visual details of the room.

Our site is just over a quarter of an acre. Between city guidelines, the commercial association requirements, and everything we knew the venue needed to accommodate, we have had to push our team—and the design—to make every part of the property work harder. We had originally intended to build an entire rooftop deck, but for budgetary reasons, we would have had to have charged astronomical rental rates to afford construction. 

Even the lighting has required more problem-solving than we anticipated. The decorative fixtures will create the atmosphere we want during an event, but they will not provide enough practical light for setup and cleanup. We have spent a surprising amount of time scouring and working with our interior design team @swoonthestudio to find creative solutions that are functional without distracting from the design.

This is the less glamorous side of building a venue: balancing beauty, function, regulations, and a very specific footprint. It has challenged us, but it has also made the design better—and we think these trusses will be one of the details people remember most.

1. Will there be outdoor space and what is the venues capacity?

Absolutely. The Glasswater will have a 2,870-square-foot riverfront ceremony and cocktail deck, along with a 1,297-square-foot cocktail lawn. Both spaces will have beautiful river views and plenty of room for guests to enjoy the waterfront setting.  The interior hall will be 3,300sq feet and can host up to 175 guest seated for dinner, depending on your band or DJ layout and anticipated dinner flow. 

2. Will tables, chairs, or other items be included?

Yes, although we are still finalizing the exact inventory. We are currently planning to include tables and two chair styles so couples can choose the option that works best with their event.

We would also love to know what else you would find helpful—either included with the venue or available as an optional upgrade. What would be on your list?

!!!! Heather will find the correct accounts to tag

Your wedding weekend will probably be fully spoken for, but your guests may have a little extra time to explore. Adding a few local recommendations to your wedding website or welcome materials is an easy way to help them enjoy Wilmington beyond the celebration itself.

A few favorites to include:

 Coffee: Bespoke downtown, Drift at one of its several locations, or Casa Blanca near Mayfaire.

 Breakfast or brunch: Seabird downtown—also an excellent dinner choice—or Far From France in Midtown. Amanecer Cocina and Cafe midtown

 Shopping: Spend an afternoon browsing the boutiques at The Forum and Mayfaire.

 Beach day: Head to Wrightsville Beach and stop by Bevvy Mart for drinks, snacks, and provisions along the way.

 Downtown: Take a walk along the Riverwalk, with plenty of places to stop for a drink or a bite.

 Dinner: Bento Box or True Blue at The Forum, or Seabird, Savorez, Olivero, Bennys Big Time downtown.

A thoughtful local guide gives your guests something to enjoy between wedding events—and a reason to make a full weekend of their time in Wilmington.

What Wilmington spot would you add to the list?

One of the things we’re especially excited about at The Glasswater is creating our own in-house beverage program.

That means the bar experience will be designed as thoughtfully as the rest of the venue—from the wine list and signature cocktails to zero-proof options and the way everything is presented and served.

As we begin shaping the program, we’d love to hear from you: What makes a wedding or event bar memorable?

Is there a cocktail you always hope to see, a local spirit or brewery you love, a favorite wine, or a zero-proof drink that deserves more attention?

We’ll eventually be looking for a beverage director to help oversee the program alongside our co-founder Hannah (on her way to level 3 WSET), but for now, we’re listening. Tell us what you would want to see behind the bar at The Glasswater.

Just under 500 square feet, The Glasswater’s second-floor bridal suite is designed to be both practical for getting ready and beautiful enough to become part of the wedding-day story.

The suite will include a large private bathroom, a closet, floor-to-ceiling windows, and its own balcony overlooking the Cape Fear River. There will also be a small Juliet balcony with French doors that open into the main event space—creating a unique perspective and what we think will be an incredible photo opportunity.

Getting ready on-site means the wedding party can settle in without traveling between locations, while still feeling connected to everything happening throughout the venue.

With a waterfront property, we knew we had to take advantage of the second-story views. This suite—and especially those two balconies—is one of the features we’re most excited to see come to life.

One of the perks of getting married at The Glasswater is having so much for your guests and wedding party within walking distance—including Club Golf Indoor, located almost next door, <2min walk!

It is an easy option for the groom and groomsmen to spend a few hours together before the ceremony. Their Full Swing simulators offer more than 80 courses, including Pinehurst, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, along with shorter target competitions that work well for groups!  

And no one needs to be an expert. In fact, there is a good chance at some of your groomsman’s swing will provide more entertainment than the game itself. 

There is also a full bar, pool, shuffleboard, Golden Tee, Silver Strike Bowling, cornhole and plenty of other games for anyone who would rather not pick up a club. 

It is casual, indoors and close enough that the wedding party can relax together without adding another complicated trip across town to the day.  not to mention, on hot summer days, this provides a great daytime activity spot for the family and wedding party. {insert laughing face} lol

Let’s get to know you! Theo and Hannah: describe their favorite wedding cake flavors and frosting choice.

This is a great way to get the attention of vendors you want to work with near the venue … you guys choose and send to me and I will not only tag them, but also invite them to collaborate for an extended audience … we will choose a photo of theirs that is inline with your brand.

Let’s get to know you! Theo and Hannah: share their favorite flower for the wedding day for tables and bouquets and why they love it

Share a rendering … send me some wording for the vision, the inspiration, what people can expect.

Quote from you … use some of the images of you signing the papers and standing outside next to the sign.

Let’s get the attention of the town … choose a restaurant you feel would be great for an engagement party or a rehearsal dinner or even just for lunch … we’ll spotlight it, tag them, collab with them

Come up with some history facts or fun facts about this area

Vulnerable opportunity … in this journey, what have you learned? What would you do differently the next time? What can people learn from you if they are planning to open a venue?

Name 3 beaches or parks or places in town to catch the sunset near the venue

Will post on a Friday … some fun questions answered like:

• Will we be able to bring our dog?

• Will we be able to light off fireworks?

• How late will music be able to be played?

• Is there an indoor backup plan?

• Will sparkler exits be allowed?