Congratulations! You just got engaged and are beginning the exciting journey of wedding planning. Wedding planning involves checklists, and the wedding venue is always at the top. Before choosing a venue, there are some important questions to ask your wedding venue.
Can the wedding venue accommodate the size of the wedding?
Make sure the wedding venue can accommodate the unique size of your wedding. A micro wedding with just a few close family members is on a very different end of the spectrum than a wedding with a 200 guest count. It is important to ask your wedding venue if they are able to remove and move tables to accommodate the size of your wedding in a way that will not look awkward in the space. Think about your entertainment. A live band will probably require more space than a DJ.
What is included in the wedding venue package?
Some venues only rent the empty space, while others include the furniture and décor. Ask the wedding venue how many tables and chairs are included. Ask whether décor, linens and chinaware will be included in your package. Ask questions about possible upgrades, such as cloud effects for a first dance and a sparkler wedding exit. Some venues have an in-house florist and wedding designer. Determine whether your wedding venue will include all of the elements found in your vision.
Are design services included?
A wedding designer is essential to designing your ceremony and reception space. Renting the service of a designer separately can be costly. Make sure you ask whether the wedding venue has an in-house design team. Discuss your theme with the wedding venue and find out whether they will be able to create it. Talk about color schemes and décor. Get to know your designer and find out exactly what is included in the creation of your dream wedding.
Is the wedding venue staffed?
Ask whether the wedding venue includes a bartender and banquet staff. A bartender is important for serving drinks to your guests during the reception and the cocktail hour. Banquet staff butler pass hors d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour and service the ballroom during the reception. Many couples do not think about setting up for the magic or cleaning it up after the magic has left the building. These behind the scenes events are important. Make sure you determine whether the essential staff will be present within the venue.
What are the vendor policies?
Many wedding venues have restrictions when it comes to outside food and vendors. Find out what their vendor policies are and whether you can hire an outside caterer. Ask questions about the venue's preferred vendors, and available discounts.
Does the wedding venue offer coordinator services?
A day of event coordinator can be essential to the success of your wedding day. Everything is managed according to your timeline. They coordinate the movement of the wedding party and guests within the wedding venue. All aspects of the ceremony and reception are managed and organized to ensure everyone is seated according to assignment, gifts are arranged, food services are managed, toasting and speeches are organized, and the first dance and music are coordinated the way you imagined. They guarantee that the wedding party makes an entrance in the appropriate order and at the appropriate time. Entrances, music and ceremonial events are all managed according to the way you planned. Sometimes this is a service upgrade. Ask questions and determine whether a day of event coordinator is available for hire at the wedding venue.
Is the wedding venue all-inclusive?
The ability to bundle the venue, services and design in an all-inclusive package delivers an affordable wedding venue. The everything included concept will not only save you thousands on planning your wedding, but it will give you an upfront cost for almost the entire event you are planning. If a wedding venue gives you different upgrade options, it will help you customize your wedding to match your budget.
Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine
Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine makes the dream wedding possible. This all-inclusive wedding venue delivers the entire wedding, rather than renting flowers, décor, tables, and china separately. This is not just an empty space, but a complete team of professional wedding designers to plan, design and stage the entire wedding from ceremony to reception. Plan your wedding day with Crystal Ballroom, and experience your magical moments in a venue designed just for you.
