Things to Consider When Booking a Wedding Venue in NC

When booking a wedding venue in NC, there are quite a few things to keep in mind as you go through the process. Many new brides are unfamiliar with some of the ins and outs of it, and I’m here to help! Below is a list of considerations and tips to help you choose the best wedding venue in NC for you!

Vibe Check

First, there should always be a vibe check. This is the overall feel you get for the location and how special it will be for you! Consider: Is the location meaningful in some way? Does it remind you of something that is important to you or your relationship? Or maybe it matches your vision for your nuptials? Does it fit with the style of photography you’re getting? For example, I’m a photographer who shoots bright and airy photos and true to color. My photography style shines when our location has more access to light. So a lot of windows and bright spaces help to accentuate the style that I shoot! (Which is likely the style you’re looking for, if you’ve ended up on my website!) Also, do you get along with the person you meet there – the client liaison? Because if you cannot communicate with them, or don’t have open communication that’s clear, or you feel you can’t be honest about your needs, or feel respected – these are red flags. 

What’s included

Second, you need to keep in mind what all the wedding venue offers. Does your venue have places to stay? Some places include an inn or someplace to stay by yourself or with your bridal party! Are you able to start setting up the day before? This will help florists and planners and the like. Knowing what perks a venue offers can have a large impact on your experience. 

Location

Third, the location of the wedding venue in NC requires consideration as well. Early on in the planning process, it’s important to decide if convenience is important for you, or if you are targeting a venue for a certain look or feel, regardless of convenience (there’s no right answer!).

Also, a thing to keep in mind is if the venue is accessible for all family members. It’s important to consider the guests who will be attending the wedding. Will everyone be able to get everywhere they need to go comfortably and safely? Ultimately, the loved ones there are what makes your wedding day so special. Be sure to consider them when choosing a venue! 

Requirements 

Fourth, you need to know the requirements of the venue in question! This is why I encourage brides to hire a wedding planner, because they will be able to work with the venue and make sure all the requirements are met. Planners help ensure that important aspects of your day are taken care of. For example, does the venue provide enough hours to cover your vision for your wedding? Or if you are someone who wants a long reception, does the venue allow enough time for you to do that and to clean up when finished. Sometimes, venues have a required list of vendors, so you can’t necessarily work with certain florists or photographers by choosing one venue or another. Some venues even include catering and don’t allow outside food! Most of the time, newly engaged couples don’t realize there is a required or suggested vendor list for many venues. So, this is always a good question to ask and your planner can help guide you.

Amenities 

Fifth, a venue could be beautiful and have the exact look you want. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s going to actually work for your wedding. Some things to keep in mind are: access to light, suitable access to bathrooms, and getting ready spaces for time that’s spent leading up to the ceremony. It’s advantageous to find a venue that has a designated place for each of the wedding parties to get ready, with bathrooms, ample lighting, and mirrors. Lastly, it should have enough space for the ceremony, reception and cocktail hour, if relevant. 

Hopefully, this has been helpful for couples starting the process to find the right venue for them! And if you need venue suggestions, I’m also happy to provide any assistance I can! 

If you found this blog post helpful, check out:
How to Make Your Wedding Uniquely Your Own
Best Locations for Bridal Portraits in Greensboro and Beyond
Greensboro Wedding Venues to Consider
Jolo Winery Wedding (Koy + Melissa)