WEDDING VENUE REVIEW So, exactly what type of occasion do you envision for your upcoming wedding? Knowing this will ease your venue search because the setting affects the overall style tremendously. Not to mention the budget! In the Southeast, the options for brides are limitless. From country clubs to hotels, city clubs, resorts, barns, private mansions and everything in between... you’ve got options.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL VENUE . . . HOW MANY HOURS DOES MY RENTAL FEE INCLUDE? ARE THERE OVERTIME CHARGES?
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL THE SPACE HOLD (NOT JUST OFFICIAL CAPACIT Y) ACCORDING TO MY ROOM SET UP?
Some venues charge by the hour for use of their facility. Knowing exactly how many hours are included, and allotting plenty of time for set up and tear down is important.
Your room set up will greatly affect the amount of guests you can have at your wedding. Official capacities are for the fire marshal. You'll want to focus on how many guests you can fit into the room with a seated dinner, estate table, dance floor or buffet set up.
HOW DO YOU CHARGE? PER PERSON, BY THE HOUR OR FL AT FEE? It’s always good to know how your venue charges for rental. It's likely facilities that include catering will charge a per person rate and venues without catering will charge a flat fee or hourly rental.
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN VENDORS OR DO I HAVE TO USE A PREFERRED VENDOR LIST SUPPLIED BY THE VENUE? Many venues will supply you with a list of their preferred wedding vendors to use. This can be helpful to the bride who needs direction and referrals but also a hindrance for brides who know exactly which vendors they'd like to use. Clarify with your venue whether it's required or not to use their specified vendors before you book.
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN ALCOHOL? Venues that don't carry their own liquor license may allow brides to bring in their own alcohol. This is not typically the norm, but there are a few venues out there with this option. Remember, if you do opt to bring in your own alcohol, you'll want to hire a bar service to tend to guests.
IF NOT, IS THERE AN ALCOHOL MINIMUM? Often venues with liquor licenses will have a bar minimum in addition to the cost of their venue rental. Best to have a heads up about this before you book for budgeting.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL? Most venues have house items that are included in the cost of their facility rental like dance floors, tables, chairs, standard linens, etc. But, there are several venues that don't offer this and could result in an additional cost to you. Ask before you book.
WHAT IS THE PARKING SITUATION? Valet parking, limited options, street parking or ample complimentary parking for guests are all important things to consider.
WILL THERE BE OTHER WEDDINGS HAPPENING ON THE SAME DAY? Depending on the size of the venue, it will be nice to know whether your event will be the only one happening on property or if there will be others. Other events may infringe on your time use of the venue or create confusion for guests so best to be prepared.
HOW MUCH ARE TAXES AND GRATUIT Y? ARE THEY INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE PRICES? Taxes and gratuity can vary greatly. Some venues include both in their package prices while others add it on. Be sure to consider this when you are planning your budget, as it can be well over 30% of your reception budget.
RECEPTION VENUE CHECKLIST . . . The thing about a wedding venue is... there are a lot of extras, options and upgrades and every single venue has a different package and procedure. So, to make sure you are comparing apples to apples, use this handy checklist when identifying the best venue for you.
VENUE OPTIONS INCLUDED Coordinator Cake Table Head Table Gift Table Sound System Stage Air Conditioning Clean up Corkage Valet Parking
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VENUE OPTIONS INCLUDED Taxes & Gratuity Bar Private Room Basic Linens China Stemware Cake Cutting Piano Guest Book Table
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