A Guide to Attending Wedding Vendor Open House Events in Athens, Georgia

Attending a wedding vendor open house is one of the most exciting and informative steps in the wedding planning process. It give you and your partner an opportunity to meet top local vendors in one place, get inspired, and see what each has to offer for your big day. If you're planning a wedding near Athens, Georgia, you are in luck because this fabulous city in Georgia is home to SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event venue and a variety of talented vendors that can help bring your wedding vision to life. Here is a guide to attending wedding vendor open house events in Athens, Georgia.

SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue near Athens Georgia

With so many options available, planning can be overwhelming to navigate so making sure you have a solid game plan going in. As local venue owners of SpringHaus Farm, an outdoor and rustic barn wedding venue near Athens, Georgia, here is your ultimate guide on how to make the most of wedding vendor open house events in Athens, Georgia, including what to bring, how to prioritize your time, and the best order to visit each vendor.

What to Bring

Before you head to any wedding venue open house event, make sure you’re prepared to take full advantage of the experience. Here are a few things to bring with you:

A Planner or Notebook: You will want to take notes on each vendor you meet and jot down any ideas or questions that arise during the event. A dedicated wedding planning notebook or binder is a great way to stay organized.
A Camera or Smartphone: Take photos of setups, displays, and examples of the vendor’s work so you can remember the details later.
Your Partner (or a Friend/Family Member): Having someone with you can help you stay grounded and provide a second opinion when you’re comparing vendors or brainstorming ideas.
Wedding Budget Information: This is super important! Knowing your budget will allow you to not fall in love with a vendor that is out of your budget! It’s helpful to have a rough idea of your budget, so you can ask vendors about pricing upfront. Many vendors will offer packages, and knowing your limits will help you make informed decisions.
Questions or Concerns: Prepare a list of questions to ask each vendor. Whether it’s about their availability, pricing, or services offered, having these questions written down will ensure you don’t forget anything important.

2. What to Look For When Visiting Each Vendor

Open houses opportunities are designed to give you a firsthand look at each vendor’s style, professionalism, and how they can fit into your wedding vision. Here’s what to keep an eye out for when visiting each vendor:

Style and Aesthetic: Does the vendor’s work align with your vision for your wedding? For example, if you love rustic elegance, does the florist or decor company reflect that specific style? If you’re planning a formal event, make sure the vendor’s presentation fits your needs. Each vendor should have their best work displayed, so if you don't like what you see, go to the next vendor!
Experience and Expertise: Pay attention to how long each vendor has been in business and their level of experience. It's totally appropriate to ask them how many wedding hey have worked! Do they seem knowledgeable about weddings in general, and about weddings in Athens specifically? Local vendors will know the ins and outs of Athens venues and logistical challenges.
Vendor Personality: You’ll be working closely with wedding vendors in the months leading up to your big day, so it’s essential that you feel comfortable with them. If you don't feel an immediate connection, they may not be the perfect fit! Are they approachable, responsive, and open to your ideas? First impressions really do matter.
Product or Service Quality: Whether it’s a cake, florist, or DJ playlist, take time to evaluate the quality of the products or services on display. Are the cakes moist and taste amazing? Do the floral arrangements look fresh? Is the music selection varied and fitting for your taste, and do they stream or download? Very important information to ask!
Availability and Flexibility: Wedding season can be competitive, especially in a popular destination like Athens. Ask about the vendor’s availability and how flexible they are with adjustments or changes to their packages. Also ask if you will be working with them specifically! Bigger vendors may have a team and you may make a connection with them but they won't be the one at your event! Making sure you are connecting with the one who will be working with you specifically!

At SpringHaus Farm we have a list of vendors we love that we invite to our Vendor Open Haus Events

How to Prioritize Vendors

There are many wedding vendors to choose from, but some will be more urgent to book than others. Here’s how to prioritize:

Venue: Your venue should be the first vendor you book, especially if you have a specific location and vision in mind. Athens has a variety of beautiful wedding venues, from historical homes to scenic barns and outdoor ceremony spaces to choose from, and many of them book up well in advance. Once you secure your venue, many other decisions will be easier to make. As a locally owned wedding venue near Athens, here at SpringHaus Farm, we are new and have some prime dates still available for 2025!

SpringHaus Farm has an outdoor pine tree ceremony space that is whimsical.
Caterer & Cake: Food is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. Whether you want a sit-down dinner or a more casual buffet, you’ll need to book your caterer early. Similarly, the wedding cake or dessert selection should be locked down soon after you confirm your venue and catering style. Some of our favorite Athens bakers include Oh! Sweet Bakery and Blackthorn Corner Bakery to name a few.

Oh! Sweet Bakery Auburn Georgia
Photographer & Videographer: These professionals capture the moments you’ll cherish forever, so it’s important to choose a photographer and/or videographer whose style matches your vision. Many of the top photographers in Athens are booked well in advance, so prioritize this when you start looking. Some great photographers we love include Everwood Photos, Keri Lindekugel Photography, & Valerie Detter Photography.

Valerie Detter Photography
Florist: After the venue, catering, and photographer, your florist is often one of the next vendors to secure. Your florists will need to understand your theme, color palette, and style, so you’ll want to book one whose work complements the overall vision. Some great florists near Athens include Flori Weddings, Oak Leigh Floral Co. & Flower Box by B.

Oakleigh Floral Co.
Entertainment (DJ or Band): Music can set the tone for your celebration so having a DJ that is going to really get the party going is extremely important, and a great DJ can keep the energy high throughout your reception. If music is important to you, make sure to visit entertainment vendors early in your planning process. Some great DJs we love include DJ Garrett with Haydaye Productions and So Much Fun Productions.

So Much Fun Productions, DJ Pippe
Other Vendors: Depending on your priorities, you can visit vendors such as a wedding planner, officiant, hair and makeup artists, and transportation providers in any order. But generally, if you don’t have a wedding planner, it might be helpful to visit planners early on to get advice and recommendations for other vendors.

The Best Order to Visit Vendors at an Open House

Attending a wedding open house can feel like a whirlwind of information. Here is a great strategy for visiting vendors in a way that allows you to get the most out of the experience:

Start with the Venue: If the open house is being held at a wedding venue, start by exploring the space. Take note of its layout, ambiance, and available packages. If you are still in the process of finding a venue, this is a great opportunity to check out a location in person and meet their preferred vendors they have chosen to fill their space. SpringHaus Farm has it's 2nd Open Haus February 23rd, 2025 and will have some of their favorite vendors they love!

SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue is an outdoor and rustic barn wedding venue near Athens, Georgia
Caterers and Cake Designers: After you have a sense of the venue, head to the food and beverage stations. Take a moment to sample some hors d'oeuvres or cake, if offered. Talk to the vendors about menu options and pricing.
Photographers and Videographers: As you move through the event, stop by photographer and videographer booths. Ask to see portfolios, and if possible, watch highlight reels of previous weddings.
Florists and Decor: Next, visit florists and decorators. Take a moment to look at their displays and see how their work can complement your vision.
Entertainment and Other Services: End your open house tour by talking to DJs, bands, or any other vendors offering services like hair and makeup, wedding planners, and officiants. Take the time to watch sample performances or listen to music they’ve curated.

Cred: Flori Weddings

Give Feedback and Follow Up

After visiting vendors, take some time to reflect on each one. Which ones stood out? Who made you feel comfortable and confident about their ability to help bring your vision to life? Once you've narrowed down your choices, it’s time to follow up:

Reach Out to Vendors: Email or call the vendors you’re most interested in to get more details, ask for quotes, and check availability.
Provide Feedback: Don’t hesitate to offer constructive feedback or ask questions. Open house events are a two-way street—vendors want to make sure they’re a good fit for you, too.

Attending wedding vendor open houses in Athens, Georgia, is an excellent opportunity to meet with local experts, view their work, and ask important questions to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly. By coming prepared, knowing what to look for, and prioritizing your vendors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect team to bring your dream wedding to life.

SpringHaus Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

A Guide to Attending Wedding Vendor Open House Events in Athens, Georgia