5 Tips Before Touring Wedding Venues in North Georgia

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. We’re happy to share so you can find the venue that’s right for you. 

These five steps will help you narrow your search and tour like a pro.

So many venues, so little time! Google is your friend but so many choices can be overwhelming. Determine your specific preferences and use them to search strategically. 

 

1. Prequalify Wedding Venues Before the Tour

• Style

Is your style elegant and classic with lots of natural light or are you more drawn to a rustic barn wedding venue? If you’re looking for a barn wedding venue, they’re plentiful! If you want an elegant, classic wedding venue that’s not a barn, you can find a few of those in north Georgia, too. 

Do you want to fall in love with a venue that is already beautiful inside and out so you won’t need to buy a lot of expensive decorations and flowers? Or do you want an empty space and are willing to make a sizable investment in decor and furnishings? Do you want an outdoor wedding venue with spacious pastures and manicured lawns for picturesque photography and stunning natural scenery for your guests to relax and enjoy? Or do you prefer a smaller, more intimate space?

• Guests

Are you considering a micro-wedding (under 50), a typical wedding (100 - 200) or a large wedding (over 300)?

What do you want your guests' experience to be? Is the parking paved or gravel? Are the restrooms inside or outside? Is the space heated and cooled?

• Location

Which state and region do you prefer? For example, searching for “wedding venues north Georgia” will offer a more specific search than “wedding venues in Georgia”. 

Are there nice and affordable nearby hotel options? Are nearby Airbnb and VRBO homes an option? Are there local activities for relaxing and entertainment? Are there any seasonal events that you might want to do?  

• Budget

There’s no need to visit venues that don’t match your budget. Do you want an all-inclusive wedding venue so that most of the work is done for you and your day is stress free? Are you more of a DIY bride who wants to do all the work on her own? Or, are you looking for a luxury wedding venue and you’re prepared for a lot of extras?

• Research

Read through the wedding venue websites, social media pages, their reviews and look at their available dates. Carefully review their FAQs to be sure the venue is a good fit for your vision. If you’ve emailed or called the venue, have they responded in a timely manner? 

These answers will quickly help you narrow down your venue search. 

Narrow your list to your top five favorite venues based on matching your style, guest count, preferred location, budget and venue research. Be ruthless. This will save you time and frustration later on.

 

2. Make a list of your wedding venue “must haves”

Dream a little. Play on Pinterest until you can’t pin another wedding dress! Join wedding facebook groups and read every blog. Scan through your friends’ wedding photos for ideas. Do it all. Then stop.

Social media is designed to get your attention but may sway you away from embracing your own style. Those overly glam wedding inspiration posts might set you up to go over your budget, too. Stay clear of the comparison trap. Whether you’re feeling intimidated by luxury wedding photos or your friend’s wedding, the solution is to be still and listen to your heart. Grab a cup of tea, sit in front of a big window and consider what truly matters to you. 

What will be your most important wedding day memory? Let that answer be your guide to your number one “must have”.

Then, make a list of anything that might be a deal breaker. For example, are you set on a sparkler exit? Do you want an outdoor wedding venue but need an amazing indoor rain plan so you can sleep at night? Do you want to BYO alcohol or avoid a penalty if you prefer a dry wedding? Are photo locations important to you? Do you want to get ready on site? Is there a Groom’s Room? Do you want a choice of caterers or are you okay with a venue exclusive caterer? 

With this in mind, create a list of “must haves” for your wedding along with anything you definitely don’t want. Knowing this will help you eliminate some venues, while moving others to the top of the list. It will also help you prioritize your spending so that you can remain within your personal budget while still having the wedding you desire.

Keep the venues that match your list of “must haves” and eliminate those that don’t. Narrow your venue list down to your top three.

 

3. Bring the Decision Makers

Book tours for your top three venues and bring your decision makers with you. These important people can offer valuable insight and might notice things you haven’t considered.

Your tribe might be your parents, future in-laws, your sister or only your fiance’. This is a big decision and while you don’t want to be pressured with sales gimmicks, you do want to be able to secure your date if you know you’ve found the one. Dates go quickly so having the input of your favorite people will give you confidence in booking your date. 

 

4. Tour Venues with Confidence

Bring your list of must haves and list of questions to the tour. The tour guide should answer most of these questions during the presentation. If not, be sure to speak up. One of the most important questions to ask is: “What is NOT included?” 

Also, don’t be shy about asking to see the kitchen, restrooms and other behind the scene places. This will give you an overall sense of the care the venue takes in every detail. Also, note whether the venue looks the same in person as it did on their website photos. The venue will be your backdrop for the photos that will carry all of your wedding memories.

 

5. Get the Wedding Venue Contract

Don’t leave the tour without a copy of the contract. Written communication should be clear, easy to understand and provided at the tour so that you’re able to make an informed decision. 

You also should never be pressured to book or coerced with a “sale” or “time limit”. This venue decision is the foundation for your wedding day. Everything about the venue will have an effect on your wedding experience. This is an important decision. So, if you want to think it over, you should be free to do so. 

However, if at the tour, you know in your heart that you’ve found your venue, book your date! You’ve done your research and consulted with those closest to you. Secure your wedding date and be confident in your decision. Let the planning begin!

How do you prepare yourself to choose the best wedding venue for you?

Pre-qualify five top venues. Create and use your list of “must haves” to narrow your venues to your top three. Schedule your tours and bring your decision makers for support. Speak up during the tour and ask for the contract. You’ve done your research and you know what you want. Go ahead and book the venue you love. Happy planning!