20 Questions to Ask a North Georgia Wedding Venue

© Savanna Brown

“The ability to ask questions is the greatest resource in learning the truth.”
- Carl Jung

Ready to find your venue but unsure of what questions to ask? We’ve got you! 

As a North Georgia wedding venue who’s hosted hundreds of weddings, we’ve listened to our couples and learned what is most important to their special day. 

Choosing the best wedding venue for you is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the planning process. It's important to ask the right questions in order to ensure you make the right choice. 

Below are some questions to ask a wedding venue before booking:

1. Is the venue available on my desired wedding date?
   If you have a specific date in mind, this is the most important question to ask. Confirm that the venue is available on the date you have in mind before getting into any other details. If possible, be open with your date. Finding the right wedding venue will affect your wedding day experience more than the right date on the calendar.
2. How many guests can the venue accommodate?
   Ask what the maximum capacity is for both ceremony and reception. Then consider the space. Sometimes maximum capacity means guests will be seated outside or in areas away from the main event.
3. Where are the nearest hotels or AirBnBs to the venue?
   If you have guests traveling from out of town, you’ll need to provide them with a list of local accommodations. You’ll want to know that the locations are within a reasonable distance from the venue and are offered at a price point that is affordable for your guests.
4. Is the venue handicap accessible?
   Even if you don’t have a handicap guest, your wedding is likely a year away. Much can change.  Even a broken leg can be a challenge when maneuvering.
5. What services and amenities are included in the rental fee? What is NOT included?
   Is the venue fee just for tables and chairs or is the venue all-inclusive. Are there additional fees?  Knowing what is not included will give you a clear idea of whether the venue fits into your budget.
6. If a wedding planner is included, describe her services?
   A wedding planner is so necessary. Without one, you won’t be able to relax and enjoy your day.  If a venue includes this service, get specifics. Day Of or Venue Coordination services will likely fall short of putting you at ease. Ask if you work with one planner or multiple persons. Inconsistency can lead to poor communication on wedding day.
7. Does the venue have a décor inventory we can use? Decor can be a surprisingly expensive part of your budget, not to mention you’ll need lots of extra help to load in, set up and clean up. If the venue provides lighting, candle holders, vases, etc. it can be a money saver. If not, hiring a florist or wedding planner who will rent these items is worth adding to your budget.
8. How many hours does the rental fee include?
   The number of hours included can range dramatically. So can the price. If you will need additional hours, ask the cost per hour for going over.
9. Is there a fee to have the ceremony on site?
   Some venues charge to host the ceremony on site. If there is a ceremony site fee, you don’t want that to be a surprise.
10. Is the venue’s ceremony site covered?
    If planning an outdoor ceremony, weather is one of the major stressors as the wedding day approaches. If the ceremony site is covered, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the ceremony can still be held outside and that guests will be shielded from a gentle rain shower or the rays of a hot sun. If your favorite venue doesn’t have a covered outdoor site, consider adding a tent to your budget.
11. What is the venue's inclement weather plan?
    If planning an outdoor wedding, make sure you’re happy with the venue's inclement weather back up plan. Also, if a room flip is required, ask if there is a fee for this service.
12. Are hi-tops and seating provided for cocktail/social hour?
    If hosting an outdoor cocktail/social hour, you’ll want to know if seating and high tops are included. If not, these will need to be rented and the cost added into your budget.
13. What is the wedding venue's policy on catering?
    Some venues will require use of their in-house catering service or have a list of exclusive caterers from which to choose. Some venues will allow an outside caterer. Whichever your preference, be sure you understand what is included in the catering package. There may be items like linens, tableware, staffing, cake cutting, etc. not in the package that will still need to be purchased.
14. What is the venue's alcohol policy?
    Is there a minimum cost for alcohol even if you opt for a dry wedding? If you plan to serve alcohol, can you bring in your own or do you have to purchase from the venue? What restrictions are there on the type of alcohol that can be served?
15. Are there changing areas for the wedding party?
    Having independent bride and groom areas can enhance your day by providing a comfortable getting ready space. Be sure to ask to see these spaces.
16. How early may the bride arrive on wedding day?
    Often only a two hour arrival is included in the venue rental.  However, it’s likely that you’ll want to be on site for hair and makeup. It’s so nice knowing that all your bridesmaids are at the venue and enjoying a relaxing morning together is a great start to your wedding day. If early arrival isn’t included, be sure to ask if it’s an option and what the fee would be.
17. May I bring in my own vendors or does the venue have a preferred vendor list to use?
    All-inclusive venues will work with tried and true vendors, making your planning process much easier. Other venues may not offer any services, allowing you to fully customize your day. Still others are somewhere in between. If the venue allows outside vendors, be sure to ask if there is a fee.
18. Is there ample parking at the venue?
    Be sure there is enough parking for your guests and for shuttles, in case you choose them.  Ask if there is a cost for parking and note whether the parking is paved or gravel.  Your guest experience begins in the parking lot.
19. Are there any noise restrictions or curfews?
    Whether in the city or the country, noise ordinances are part of life. The venue will likely have a maximum end time, so be sure to ask what that time is.
20. What is the venue's cancellation policy?
    Unforeseen circumstances happen. The time to ask their policy for cancellations and rescheduling is before signing the contract.

Asking these questions will not only give you needed information but will also demonstrate how easy and transparent communication will be. Excellent communication between you and your venue will go a long way to creating the stress-free enjoyable wedding you desire. Happy Planning!