Top 10 steps for choosing the perfect wedding venue in the Asheville, NC area.

Oct 28

There are so many venues in the Asheville area; how can you choose just one?

I totally understand, that you may be a little overwhelmed with all of the options. The Asheville area has some of the most gorgeous wedding venues (in my opinion), so it’s no wonder that couples travel from all over the globe to get married here.

If you are currently in the process of planning your wedding and trying to find the perfect venue… Look no further! Here are 10 steps for selecting the perfect wedding venue that will help make your special day a day to remember.

Establish your budget
Before you start your search, it’s important to establish your budget. This will help you narrow down your search and make the selection process much easier. There are soooo many wedding budget calculators out there to help too!
Talk to the family members who may want to help pay for your wedding or may want to give you one aspect of the wedding (rehearsal dinner, etc.). It may be hard to bring up the conversation, but if you do so early on, it will help your overall planning process.
Your guest list matters
The size of your guest list will help determine your venue fairly quickly. If you have a 300-person guest list, make sure that your venue can handle that type of event. How many staff members on the day of the wedding will they have on hand to accommodate this request? In this same line, if you have a 30-person guest list, will the venue feel so big that it will feel awkward as a guest? This is the ultimate Goldilocks and the Three Bears question and you want your venue to feel just right!
Here’s the key question: Ask the venue what number of guests is ideal for their venue. They all have size limits, but which range of guests typically fits the venue the best?
Do you have a lot of out-of-town guests? You may need to consider a venue with lodging or hotel accommodations nearby.
Consider the season
If you’re planning a summer wedding, you may want to choose an outdoor venue that offers stunning views, and indoor airconditioned spaces to cool everyone off.
If you’re planning a winter wedding, an indoor venue with high ceilings and plenty of space for dancing will keep your guests warm and cozy.
Ask about off-season rates if you are budget-minded. In the Asheville, NC area the months of January, February, March July, August, and December are typically considered the off-season and you may be able to receive fantastic discounts, especially if you can also consider a weekday wedding!
Ask the venue if they have photos of the specific time of year that you are most interested in so that you can see what is in bloom at the venue.
What’s your style?
Luckily, we have just about every type of venue located within Western North Carolina. (castles, rustic barns, historic mansions, downtown hotels with rooftop event spaces, venues with cascading mountain views and open fields, riverside pavilions, country clubs, and so much more. Consider the type of venue that fits your vision and style. There is a lengthy list below that will get you started.
Ask about vendor services
Does the venue offer all-inclusive vendors that take care of it all or is there a preferred vendor list to choose from?
Ask if you can bring your own vendors that are not on the list. If so, is there an additional charge or vetting to hire outside vendors?
If the venue does have a list that you have to choose from, make sure that the vendors on the list are ones that you would want to be a part of your big day. Read their reviews so that you can glean from other couples’ experiences.
Your vendor list can be long if you are looking for all of the services on your wedding day. Understanding the scope of vendors available for each venue is key. This list can include planner or day of coordinator, transportation, hair and makeup artists, florist, catering, baker, photographer, videographer, rentals, music, live painter, photo booth, childcare, dog sitter, etc.
Take a tour
You want to get a feel for the venue before you make your decision. Take a tour of the space ask all of the questions you have and bring a notebook to write it all down. If you can’t make it in person, then schedule a virtual tour. Websites can definitely be deceiving in photos and you’ll want to see every aspect of the venue as possible.
Some things to consider for your overall photography experience: Are there visible powerlines that will be in the backdrops of the best photo areas? Ask your photographer if they will edit them out if necessary. Does the ceremony site have pillars that will obstruct the view of the guests during the ceremony? Is the bridal suite visually appealing for your getting-ready photos? Where do couples typically go for their golden hour? Ask the venue if they have photos of the specific time of year that you are most interested in so that you can see what is in bloom at the venue.
Check availability
Hopefully, this goes without saying…You want to make sure the venue is available on your desired date and time. Check with the venue to make sure they are not already booked. I’ve already mentioned, but it is worth repeating, ask about off-season rates and weekdays if you are looking for budget-friendly options.
Bonus questions to ask…
Decorations- If you plan on decorating the venue, ask if there are any restrictions or additional fees. Are you able to hang decorations or florals? What can and can’t you use at this venue? Does the venue already have decor or signs that you can use and is this an additional charge?
Can confetti/ flower petals/ rice/ etc. be thrown during the recessional?
When does the music have to end? Is there a specific time that all amplified music has to be cut off? (noise ordinance)
What time does everyone need to be off the property?
Who cleans up at the end of the night and is there an additional charge for this service?
What type of inclement weather plans are available?
Does this venue have a backup generator if the power goes out?
What type of transportation is available to and from this venue? (shuttles, trolleys, Lyft, Uber, buses, etc.) Is there a charge for a guest leaving their vehicle at the venue overnight?
Are pets allowed on the property? Is there an extra fee for this?
Is the venue handicapped accessible or only in some areas?
Are real candles/ firepits/ sparklers/ or fireworks allowed at this venue? Ask for clarifications on each of these items. If real candles are allowed, what type of containers do they need to be placed in? If firepits are allowed, do you need to pay for an extra staff member to monitor the area? Do sparklers or fireworks need to be purchased through the venue?
Can we bring our own alcohol to the venue? What bar services are provided with the venue?
How much event insurance do we need to purchase? Do you have a specific insurance company that you work with?
Does the venue have tables and chairs? What are all of the items that will need to be rented?
Is it possible to have a rehearsal on site the day before? Is a rehearsal dinner possible at the venue?
Get it all in writing
Once you’ve made your decision, get everything in writing. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page. Make sure that you keep a copy of your contract to refer to throughout the wedding planning process. Before you sign on the dotted line, read and reread the contract. Make sure you understand ALL of the terms and conditions before signing. If there are any lingering questions, it’s better to ask now before being surprised by a hidden detail on your wedding day.
Reach out
You’ve gotten to this part of the blog post and now your head is spinning with ideas and questions. I totally understand and I can help!!! For real! Set up a phone call with me (go to the Contact page of the website: sheilamraz.com and fill out the form for a phone call), and I will help you narrow down your search by asking you some of these key questions. This service is completely FREE and it would behoove you to utilize this offer from someone who has been to almost every venue in WNC.

Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be a daunting task, but by following these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding the venue of your dreams. Remember to take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and choosing the right venue will help make it unforgettable.

xoxo, (these are real)

Sheila