Did you recently get engaged? If so, congratulations! Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. There are so many things to consider and so many decisions to make in order to make sure that this memorable, once-in-a-lifetime event comes off without a hitch.
One of the first and most important steps in planning the perfect wedding is to decide on a wedding venue. Since it’s not unusual for many popular venues to get booked up over a year or two in advance, it’s important to make your decision as soon as possible in the wedding planning process.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of an elegant country club wedding or a rustic chic barn wedding is more your style, here are some questions you’ll want to ask as you search for the perfect place to say “I do.”
What is the Rental Fee and What is Included?
Wedding venues can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend before you start your search. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start narrowing down your options.
Keep in mind that every venue is different and it’s important to get a clear list of what’s included in their rental fee. Some venues may charge a base price for use of the space and charge extra for additional services, while others may have multiple all-inclusive packages to choose from.
Concerning the rental fee, make sure to ask the following questions for additional clarification:
- How much is the deposit?
- Are there different rates for different days of the week?
- How many hours are included?
- Can I set up a payment plan, or do I have to pay all at once?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- What things are not included in the rental fee?
How Many Guests Can the Venue Accommodate?
Besides rental costs, the venue size is another important consideration. You’ll need to have a good estimate of how many people will be attending your wedding so that you can choose a venue that can accommodate everyone comfortably. Keep in mind that you’ll also need space for things like a dance floor, a buffet or food stations, and a bar.
If a venue has both indoor and outdoor spaces, find out how many people each area will accommodate. If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding but they can only accommodate your number of guests in their indoor space, then you might need to look elsewhere.
Who is Responsible for Set Up and Tear Down?
Many wedding venues include set up and tear down as part of their all-inclusive price. Other venues, however, may charge less, and instead, put the responsibility of set up and clean up on the person renting the space.
To get a full understanding of who is responsible for what, make sure you get a clear breakdown of responsibilities. You don’t want to be surprised with an unexpected charge – or worse yet – a stern request to “stay and clean up” at the close of your grand celebration.
What Equipment Do You Have Available and is There an Additional Fee to Use It?
When it comes to planning a wedding, there are so many little details to think about. Will you have a band or a DJ? Will dinner be plated or buffet style? The best thing to do is to create a list addressing every aspect of your wedding and reception. Thinking about the number of tables and chairs you’ll need is one of the less exciting parts of planning a wedding, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important than some of the other details.
When speaking with or touring potential wedding venues, you’ll want to find out what equipment (if any) is available for you to use, along with any additional cost. Some of the items to inquire about include:
- Tables and chairs
- Sound system
- Place settings
- Lighting
- Projector and screen
- Decorations
What Options are Available for Food and Drink?
Whether you know exactly what you want to serve at your reception or if you’re still figuring out the details, you’ll want to find out how your venue handles food and drink. Some venues have in-house catering which can make life easier. But, keep in mind that your food choices may be limited and you might be required to purchase a certain minimum amount.
Some venues either don’t have in-house catering, or they may give you the option to bring in outside food vendors. Be sure to ask if they have a list of approved or preferred vendors and if you are required to use them.
Some additional questions you’ll want to ask surrounding food and drink include whether or not they have a liquor license, is a cash or open bar an option, can you arrange to set up a food tasting before choosing your menu, and can they accommodate people with dietary restrictions.
Is Parking Available?
Parking space is something that is easily overlooked when planning a wedding. But, considering that many of your guests will probably be arriving by car, you’ll want to make sure that you understand any limitations with regard to parking. For instance, how many parking spaces will be available on your wedding day? Is there a cost associated with parking on-site? Will other events be going on at the same time? Do they offer valet parking?
Although you might not be able to do much about parking space, if you know ahead of time that parking will be limited, you may be able to encourage your guests to take a rideshare service or carpool together.
Are There Options for Lodging Nearby?
After a full day of wedding festivities, many guests won’t want to travel far to rest for the night. Depending on your plans, you and your new spouse will probably also want a nearby place to call it a night before jetting off to your honeymoon. That’s why finding a wedding venue that either has onsite lodging or has access to lodging nearby is a good choice.
If you’re planning to have a lot of out-of-town guests, you should consider reserving a block of rooms. Don’t forget to ask about potential wedding discount rates and be sure to communicate with your guests where you have rooms reserved and the date by when they’ll need to confirm their rooms.
Visit Our Wedding Venue in Greeley
If you’re recently engaged and are planning your big day in Northern Colorado, consider Platte River Fort in Greeley. Our wedding venue features multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony sites that are ideal for your dream outdoor wedding, barn wedding, or elegant Colorado wedding. We have multiple, customizable wedding packages to make planning every detail of your day enjoyable and stress-free. Call today to schedule a tour or to reserve your date!
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