Everything You Need to Know Before Booking a Wedding Venue
First and foremost...CONGRATULATIONS on your recent engagement! This is such an exciting time that will be filled with anticipation and, to be fair, probably will be a bit of planning. In this blog we wanted to discuss one of the most important decisions you will make during your wedding planning process: Choosing the venue. The venue you choose will set the stage for your special day and will influence many other decisions regarding your wedding day. To help you get started, here’s everything you need to know before booking a wedding venue. We hope you take time to tour at SpringHaus Farm, a locally owned and operated venue near Athens, Georgia.
Why the Venue Matters
A wedding venue is more than just a backdrop; it’s where most of the special day memories will be made. The right venue should enhance the theme and atmosphere you and your partner both envision and should accommodate your guests comfortably. With so many options available, from rustic barns to elegant ballrooms, it’s important to have an idea of what you see you day to be like before starting in venue shopping.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Wedding Venue
1. Budget
The most important decision will be to establish your overall budget. Venues can take up a significant portion of your special day budget, so it’s important to know what you can afford. Consider what is included in the venue’s package (catering, décor, etc.) and what additional costs might arise (like taxes and service charges). A venue if not all inclusive should be about 30-35% of your total overall budget. Contact the venue prior to a tour to find pricing, great venues are transparent about how they cost, so don't be afraid to look online, call, or email. The venue should be open about how much they cost up front.
2. Guest List
Your guest list will very much influence your venue choice. Before you start touring venues, have a rough estimate of how many people you’d like to invite. This will ensure that the venue can accommodate your party comfortably without feeling cramped. You don't want to waste your time touring a venue that only allows for 100 guests when you know your family has 200! SpringHaus Farm located in Comer, Georgia has seating options up to 250 of your closest friends and family.
3. Venue Style
Think about the style and theme of your wedding. Do you envision a classic and ballroom themed, or something more modern and rustic? If you are looking for a barn themed, yet classic and timeless setting in the North Georgia area, SpringHaus Farm Wedding & Event Venue located 15 miles outside of Athens, Georgia is a new venue space that has the rustic charm of a country barn wedding but the timeless inside of classic ambiance.
4. Location
Consider the location of your venue in relation to where you and your guests are coming from. Is it easily accessible? Are there nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests? SpringHaus Farm located 15 miles from Athens, Georgia, close to Anderson South Carolina and Commerce which has lots of hotels and fun things to do in NE Georgia.
5. Availability
Popular venues book up quickly, sometimes years in advance. Once you have a few top choices, most venues add their availability dates on their website so make sure to check first prior to scheduling a tour if there is a specific date you are looking for. Flexibility may be needed if your dream venue is already booked for your chosen date. SpringHaus Farm is a new wedding venue and has a lot of open availability at the moment. Check out their available dates.
6. Services and Amenities
Find out what services and amenities the venue offers. Do they have in-house catering or preferred vendors? Do they offer tables, chairs, decor closet, and are linens included? Make a checklist of what you need and compare it to what each venue provides. This can help you avoid unexpected costs. SpringHaus Farm is a venue that offers tables and chairs, and also allows you to utilize their decor closet for no added charge.
Questions to Ask During a Venue Tour
When visiting potential venues, it’s important to come prepared with questions. Here are some key ones to consider:
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?
How long will our vendors have to set up?
Do you offer any planning tools that will be helpful?
Do you include decor in the venue rental?
Do you offer wedding coordination services?
Be sure to also take note of the venue’s aesthetics, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere. Pay attention to how responsive and accommodating the staff is, as they will play a crucial role in making your wedding day run smoothly. SpringHaus Farm is locally owned and operated, it is a small business and small business owners work very hard to make sure you are taken care of verses the big corporate venues where no one knows your name. Consider choosing a locally owned venue for your big day.
Making the Final Decision
After touring a few venues and gathering all necessary information, compare your options based on your priorities and what each venue offers. Don’t rush your decision, venues should never make you feel like you are being put on the spot to choose—take the time to envision your wedding day at each place.
Choosing a locally owned wedding venue is a significant step in the wedding planning process, it is essential to start your search early and prioritize what matters most to you. Remember, your venue should not only meet your logistical needs but also reflect your personal style and wedding vision.
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!
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