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“Long-distance is the next best thing to being there.”
So said the AT&T Bell System in their 1966 ads. That was a time when every long-distance call cost money, and the further away you called and the longer you talked, the more it cost. “Ma Bell,” as the company liked to style themselves in those days, held a monopoly on telephone service across the country. It was in their best interest for you to “reach out and touch someone,” to quote another of their ad slogans.
Long distance service is no longer charged by the minute or the mile, and our phones cost a lot more than they did in 1966, as does our service. But the value of connecting with people remains the same.
What, you may ask, does that have to do with weddings? Well, if now, in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic is when you’re starting to plan or in the midst of planning your wedding, that half-century old advertising slogan has new meaning for you.
With in-person visits to venues and caterers and other wedding professionals off the table, long distance, even if it’s just across town, is the way to connect.
Happily, our everyday technology in the 21st century has made long-distance communication easier and better in every way. We have the magic of video on our computers, tablets, and smart phones, with image quality that was unheard-of back in 1966. And we have multiple two-way video apps, including FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype. So we can experience not just virtual tours, but live, interactive virtual tours.
What will you see on your live virtual tour of Chase Court? Everything! It’s the same experience as being here, save for the obvious inability to feel the space. We’ll walk through the space together then sit and talk. You’ll see and hear the same things and be able to ask all of your questions, just as if you were here in person.
Not only that, but our high-information website will be at your fingertips while we’re talking, so I can guide you through resources like our lists of approved caterers and recommended wedding professionals as well as our rates and what’s included. Our lists of fantastic local hotels and recommended rehearsal dinner venues are there, too.
If you love what you see and you’re ready to book your date, I’ll send you a rental agreement via e-mail. You can pay online with a credit card or if you prefer, mail a check. It’s that easy!
How do you set up an interactive virtual tour? That’s one thing that hasn’t changed since 1966: pick up your modern wireless, miniaturized, computer-masquerading-as-a-phone and give me a call!
David L. Egan is the proprietor and steward of the castle at Chase Court, a wedding ceremony and reception venue in downtown Baltimore. Visit chasecourt.com, and follow @chasecourtweddingvenue on Instagram and Facebook