You want your reception to reflect who you are as a couple, and at Williams on the Lake, personalization starts with our in-house decorator and the details we include in every package. We’ve worked with Canton couples for decades, and we know that the spaces you celebrate in, the way the room is set, and the choices you make about your menu all shape how your guests experience your day.
Personalizing Your Reception at Williams on the Lake
When you book with us, you’re working directly with our team to create a reception that feels like yours. We handle décor, setup, and service so you can focus on the celebration itself.
Two Venues That Set Different Tones
We have two fully separate venues on the property, Lakeside South and Lakeside East, and each one offers a different backdrop for your reception.
Lakeside South seats up to 315 guests and features skylights and cathedral ceilings that bring in natural light during the day and create a dramatic setting at night. The built in stage, state of the art lighting and sound system, and two 85 inch monitors give you flexibility if you want to include toasts, slideshows, or live entertainment. The deck overlooks the lake, and the grapevine walkway and landscaped waterfall give your guests scenic spots to step outside between courses.
Lakeside East accommodates up to 200 guests and has a warmer, more intimate feel with rich earth tones, French doors that open to the deck, and a large natural stone fireplace. The Moon Gate Patio sits right by the water, and if you want a live grill menu, we can set that up outdoors as part of our Sizzle Package.
Both venues include tables, linens, china, stemware, and flatware, so you’re starting with a complete setup before you add your own touches.
Working With Our In-House Decorator
Our in-house decorator is part of your planning process from the beginning. You’ll meet with them to discuss colors, layout preferences, and any specific ideas you have in mind. They’ll help you choose linens from our specialty collection, arrange centerpieces if you’re bringing florals, and coordinate with your preferred vendors to make sure everything comes together on the day.
Because we’re family owned and have been doing this since 1985, we’ve seen what works in each space. Our decorator knows how to use the natural light in Lakeside South, how to arrange seating so guests can see the lake through the windows in Lakeside East, and where to place personal items like photos or signage so they’re visible without disrupting the flow of the room.
This service is included in your package. You’re not hiring an outside coordinator and hoping they understand the venue. You’re working with someone who knows these spaces and has set them up hundreds of times.
Choosing Your Menu and Service Style
Food is one of the biggest ways you personalize your reception, and our award-winning culinary team gives you options that go beyond a standard banquet menu. We do all catering in house, so you’re working directly with our chef from your tasting through the final menu selection.
You can choose buffet service if you want variety and a relaxed pace, or plated white glove service if you prefer a more formal dinner. The Sizzle Package adds live grilling to an al fresco buffet, with options like marinated strip steak and portobello mushroom caps prepared on site. It’s a format that works especially well for outdoor cocktail hours or receptions at Lakeside East.
We price everything per person with no hidden fees, so you know what you’re spending from the start. Dietary accommodations and menu adjustments are part of the planning conversation, not an add on.
Setting the Atmosphere With Lighting and Sound
Lakeside South comes with advanced lighting and sound built into the space, and we adjust both to match your timeline and the mood you want. If you want softer lighting during dinner and brighter energy for dancing, we’ll program that in.
The two 85 inch monitors can display your welcome message or a slideshow. You’re not renting equipment or coordinating with a third-party AV team. It’s all here, and our staff operates it throughout your Private event.
Including Personal Touches Without Extra Logistics
Canton couples often bring their own elements to personalize the space, whether that’s family photos, a signature cocktail menu, or décor items that reflect their hobbies or heritage. Our team will work with you to incorporate those pieces into the layout.
We also allow pets during ceremonies, so if your dog is part of your family, they can be part of your day. We can recommend Tails & Ties, a preferred vendor who provides wedding day pet care if you need someone to handle logistics after the ceremony.
Because we give you exclusive use of your venue for the full rental time, you’re not sharing the property with another event. You have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces for your venue and the attached outdoor venue and ceremony spaces, so your guests can move between the deck, the courtyard or Moon Gate, and the reception hall without feeling rushed or restricted.
Planning Around the Seasons and the Lake
The private 11 acre lake is the backdrop for your reception, and it changes throughout the year. Fall books quickly because the trees surrounding the water turn vibrant, and couples want that scenery in their photos and visible through the windows during dinner. If you’re planning a fall reception, we recommend reaching out early.
Spring takes longer to green up in our area. The grounds don’t fully come into bloom until late May or early June, so if you want lush greenery, plan your date accordingly. Our team will walk you through what to expect based on the time of year you’re considering.
The lake itself is for photos and ambiance. Guests can’t enter the water or fish, but the views from both venues and the landscaped areas around the property give you plenty of spots for portraits and candid shots.
What’s Included in Your Reception Package
When you book a reception with us, you’re getting a personal event coordinator, six hours of reception time, all venue furnishings and table settings, full service staff including servers, bartenders, bussers, and security, custom décor and design support from our in-house decorator, chef-driven catering tailored to your menu choices, and access to the lake and landscaped grounds for photos.
We also include your ceremony setup if you’re hosting both at Williams on the Lake. That means your courtyard and gazebo at Lakeside South or Moon Gate Patio at Lakeside East, white padded folding chairs, a private suite for your wedding party to get ready, extra hall time before the ceremony, and a rehearsal with coordination from our team.
This is an all-inclusive approach. You’re not piecing together vendors and hoping they communicate. You’re working with one team that’s responsible for the entire day.
Conclusion:
If you’re a Canton couple looking for a reception venue that gives you flexibility, built in service, and a lakeside setting, we’d like to show you both spaces and talk through what your day could look like here. You can reach us at (330) 722-6766 or visit williamsonthelake.com to get started.
FAQs
How far in advance should we book our reception at Williams on the Lake?
Fall dates book quickly because of the scenery around the lake, so we recommend reaching out at least 12 to 18 months ahead if you’re planning an autumn reception. For other seasons, 6 to 9 months is typical, but availability varies throughout the year.
Can we bring our own caterer or bartender?
We provide all catering in house with our award-winning culinary team, and we handle bar service as well. We do not allow outside caterers except in rare cases for religious reasons. This policy helps us maintain food safety, service quality, and insurance compliance. We never allow outside alcohol as we are licensed by the State of Ohio.
What happens if our guest count changes after we’ve finalized our menu?
Guest count adjustments are a normal part of planning. You’ll work with your event coordinator to update numbers as your RSVP deadline approaches. We price per person, so your final invoice reflects your actual headcount. Final head counts are not due until 10 days prior to your event.
Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, both Lakeside South and Lakeside East are wheelchair accessible throughout. We have ample on-site parking, and our staff can assist with any accessibility questions during your venue tour.