Rob Schaefer of Coronado Ballroom

Coffee Talk with Rob Schaefer of Coronado Ballroom

WC: What did you do before joining Steven Becker Fine Dining family of companies, which now includes the Coronado?

RS: My career path has been diverse but I have done free lance Special Event Planning for over 17 years. I started in college and have built a substantial portfolio since then. When I graduated from Columbia College in 1991, I worked for the largest women's boutique chain in the Southwest and was a Fur and Evening Wear Buyer. From there I returned to Missouri as a Merchandise Manager for Edison Brother Stores and then was a Visual Stylist for Neiman Marcus St. Louis for 3 years. From Neiman Marcus I was recruited by a local catering company who had created a Corporate Designer Position and then left them to join the Steven Becker Fine Dining Family.

WC: What are your favorite aspects of the Coronado and how do you feel it is different from other venues in St. Louis?

RS: My favorite aspect of the Coronado is that we are not a hotel. We are a free standing Ballroom and Meeting Facility. Clients love that this is their facility for the evening... a little palace of their own. There are no other weddings and events going on during your wedding reception. You retain that sense of privacy and exclusivity that is so rare in other facilities. Our Signature Service amazes me every day as well as the Incredible Meals produced here. Working with Steve Becker is like attending Culinary School. His knowledge of this industry is amazing. And I also love the beauty which was put into this place. Italian Gold Marble and Rose Terrazzo Floors are pretty hard to beat!

WC: What type of services do you offer at the Coronado for a planning bride?

RS: I think the key feature with our staff is that we are EVENT PLANNERS as well as Catering Managers. I have over 17 years of experience behind me. We are able to assist our bride with everything from Menu, Time Line, Florists, Bands, Ceremony, and Transportation. My clients and I work together to achieve a desired look and goal and then share that vision with other top vendors in the St. Louis area. My brides want more than pretty...they want the fairy-tale.

WC: What advice can you offer to planning brides who are searching for their wedding venue?

RS: My best advice is to establish your budget, make appointments to see facilities, ask a lot of questions, and book it early. Ask your facility contact who you would be working with, what is their background, will he or she be with you during your reception, what is the culinary background of the facility, is a tasting included in the package, what is on the bar package (look for premium liquors), and just get a general feel from the space and staff. Does the space suit you and your personality?

WC: What are the most common misconceptions that brides may have about planning their wedding reception?

RS: Have realistic expectations with your venue and allow them to do what they do WELL... Always highlight a facility's best features, don't try to change them. Read your contract and the terms and conditions included with it and understand what is allowed. Realize that many of the "trendy" things such as rose petals, bubbles, sparklers, and fireworks have no practical applications inside a facility. Rose petals stain linens, anything burning can set off the smoke alarms, bubbles are sticky and people slip on the residue... trust me, Grandma slipping and falling at your wedding reception or little cousin Timmy's 2nd degree burn from his sparkler tend to put a damper on things.

Rob Rule #1 - Less is more. Create a timeless look with beautiful linens, flowers, candlelight, music and exceptional food and drink and you have the basis for a magical event.

Rob Rule #2 - Keep your look and theme pure... don't junk it up. People go a bit overboard with the Nuts, Mints, and Favors... do you really want your guests filling up on peanuts when you just paid $95.00 for their meal? Design centerpieces that allow the flowers to be a focal point - not the entire focus of the table. Well chosen accessories such as chargers, votives, beaded lamps, and luxury linens make an unforgettable statement.

WC: What other services does Steven Becker Fine Dining offer to brides?

We are a full service facility and can assist you through every step. We offer our brides our Preferred Referral List when they book with us. This list is a carefully chosen collection of vendors who provide outstanding service and quality product. At Steven Becker Fine Dining you will work with a skilled professional who will be with you during the planning stage and with you during your event! We can assist you with Menu and Table Design, put you in contact with hotel representatives who will handle room blocks for your guests, and our catering division can even take care of your wedding shower and rehearsal dinner needs... the list is endless.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.