Everything You Need to Know Before Booking a Wedding Venue
Congratulations on your recent engagement! It is such an exciting time and will be filled with anticipation and a lot of planning, but all of it will be worth it. One of the top decisions on your to-do list will be to choose your venue. It will set the stage for your special day and can influence many other aspects of your wedding day. To help you get started, here is all you need to know before booking a wedding venue with emphasis on a new hidden gem located just 15 miles outside of Athens, GA. SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue. Here is everything you need to book a wedding venue
Why the Venue Matters
Your venue is more than just a backdrop; it’s where all your future wedding memories will be stored. The perfect venue will enhance your vision and the atmosphere you have envisioned. With so many options available, from rustic barns to elegant ballrooms, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for before you jump in blindly. SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue, 15 miles outside of Athens Georgia offers transparent pricing and everything on the website for you to view. No hidden costs!
Key Considerations When Choosing a Wedding Venue
1. Budget
Money, money, money...you first must establish your budget. Venues can take up a significant portion (average is 30%) of your budget, so it is important to know what you can afford. You don't want to fall in love with a venue to then realize you can't afford it. When setting your budget, consider what’s included in the venue’s package (catering, décor, etc.) and what additional costs might arise (like taxes and service charges).
At SpringHaus Farm, they have a wonderful decor closet that you are free to use which can be a relatively expensive cost decorating.
2. Guest List
Your guest list will influence your venue choice because if you have a large guest list, some venues only seat a smaller amount of guests. Before you start visiting potential venues, have a rough estimate of how many people you’d like to invite. This ensures that the venue can accommodate your party comfortably without feeling cramped. Have a must-invite list and a secondary list moving forward.
3. Venue Style
Think about the style and theme of your special day. Do you envision a laid-back barn setting, or something more modern and industrial? Many venues offer a variety of settings, from outdoor gardens to indoor ballrooms, so choose one that aligns with your vision. At SpringHaus Farm, an outdoor and rustic barn wedding venue, the heavy timber white oak barn nestled in 20 acres of beautiful nature is the perfect backdrop to any style or theme you have envisioned. While the barn is a classic, the inside will be neutral and stunning!
4. Location
Consider the location of your venue to where your guests are coming from. Is it easily accessible? Are there nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests? The venue’s location can impact your guests’ ability to attend, so keep convenience in mind. SpringHaus Farm is centrally located, 15 miles outside of Athens, GA, close to Commerce, GA, and Anderson, SC; with many different options for your out-of-town guests.
5. Availability
Popular venues book up quickly, sometimes years in advance. Once you have a few top choices, reach out to check their availability around your desired wedding date. Flexibility may be needed if your dream venue is already booked for your chosen date. SpringHaus Farm is a new venue and has many Saturday options available for 2025!
6. Restrictions
Every venue has its own set of rules and restrictions. Some venues may have noise restrictions due to location or county rules, or limits on alcohol consumption. Other venues might require you to use their vendors exclusively. Understanding these restrictions upfront will help prevent any surprise issues later on. SpringHaus Farm allows you to bring in your own vendors because they want you to have control over your choices!
Important Questions to Ask During a Venue Tour
When visiting your dream venue, it’s important to come prepared with questions (although great venues will have these questions answered on their website!)
Here are some key questions to consider if they haven't been answered on the website already:
What is the capacity of the venue?
What is included in the rental fee?
Are there any hidden costs?
Can we bring in our own vendors?
Are there any restrictions we should be aware of?
Is there a contingency plan for bad weather (if considering an outdoor venue)?
How many events do you host in one day?
Is there a backup in case of power failure?
What is the cancellation policy?
Can we do a food tasting before the wedding?
How long will our vendors have to set up?
Are there any vendors you don’t allow?
Do you offer any planning tools that will be helpful?
What types of decor do you include in the venue rental?
Do you offer wedding planning services?
Making the Final Decision
After visiting venues and gathering all the necessary data, compare your options based on your priorities and what each venue offers. Don’t rush your decision—take the time to envision your wedding day at each place. Which one feels right? Where can you see yourself celebrating with your loved ones? Most venues won't hold a date until a non-refundable retainer is placed, be sure of your decision!
Choosing a venue is a big step in the planning process. With so much to consider, it’s essential to start your search early and prioritize what matters to you. Remember, your venue should not only meet your logistical needs but also reflect your style and vision.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices and signed the contract, you can move forward with the rest of your planning with confidence and excitement! We can't wait to meet you at SpringHaus Farm!
We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned-wedding venues. In every blog we write, we will include 4-5 locally-owned wedding venues that use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally-owned venue, you can find locally-owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
In love & friendship,
Ginger
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