So, you’ve found an amazing wedding venue that checks all your boxes. You’ve stayed up countless nights envisioning your wedding day in the space, running the numbers time and time again, and you’re ready to pick up the phone and put down your deposit on the venue of your dreams!
But wait! Have you asked all the essential questions before booking?
Saphire Event Group has held thousands of incredible weddings at our four New England wedding venues, and as experts in the industry we know there are questions couples might not think to ask before making this commitment. We’ve gathered our top 10 essential questions to ask your wedding venue before booking.
1. “What is my Ceremony Plan B in the case of inclement weather?”
Nothing’s dreamier than an outdoor wedding ceremony on a beautiful 70-degree day with the sun shining and a warm breeze blowing through the trees. But let’s face it… we’re in New England! If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, it’s essential to ask your venue what your “Plan B” is in the case that the weather isn’t on your side.
Along with learning your options, it’s important to love this alternative!
We offer breathtaking indoor ceremony spaces at all four Saphire Event Group venues. Each space is unique in its own way and all serve as a romantic backdrop to say “I do” to the love of your life.
2. “Do you offer in-house catering?”
Some venues offer outstanding in-house catering, while others require you to work with a separate caterer. This is important to find out before you book, as this may be something to factor into your wedding budget.
At Saphire Event Group, we offer a diverse array of fantastic in-house cuisine that is sure to impress your guests. Don’t believe us? Click here to read some fantastic reviews from past SEG couples!
3. “Do I get to try the food before my wedding?”
Before booking, ask your venue if you’ll attend a food tasting prior to your wedding day. A food tasting is an amazing way to taste test lots of different cuisine to curate the perfect menu for your wedding celebration.
We offer both private tastings and group tastings at Saphire Event Group, but encourage couples to attend our group tastings, as they closely resemble the ambience you’ll feel on your wedding day!
Read our recent blog to find out why you should attend your food tasting.
4. “Are there local accommodations for guests?”
Will guests be traveling for your wedding? If so, chances are they’ll want to stay at a hotel nearby. Find out if the venue suggests local accommodations where you could create a room block for your wedding guests.
5. “Do you recommend transportation/ shuttle services?”
Speaking of local accommodations, ask if the venue recommends transportation services such as shuttle buses or limos for you and your guests to utilize on your wedding day. Although offering transportation isn’t essential, it’s recommended for an amazing guest experience, and may be smart especially if you have a large drinking crowd.
6. “Is an event coordinator included in my package?”
Not only will an event coordinator help with organizing details prior to the big day. They’ll step in and run the show on the day of your wedding so you don’t have to. Your coordinator will work with the venue and staff to ensure your day goes better than you could have imagined. They’ll guide guests to cocktail hour and reception, make sure your timeline runs smoothly, and work with the DJ, kitchen, waitstaff and everyone in between, allowing you to sit back and bask in the magic of your wedding day.
Some venues offer day-of coordination, some offer both prior and day-of coordination, and some don’t include a coordinator in their packages. If your venue doesn’t offer event coordination, you may want to consider including a wedding coordinator in your budget.
Each Saphire Event Group couple is paired with an outstanding event coordinator who will work with you for the six months leading up to your wedding day and on the day of! Our coordinators are absolute experts at what they do and will completely elevate your wedding experience.
7. “Can I bring in my own vendors?”
Venues may have partnerships with vendors who they’ll require you to work with, while others will give you free range when it comes to choosing vendors. This is vital to know before booking, as the next step in the planning process is booking other vendors such as your photographer, videographer and DJ.
Getting married at a Saphire Event Group venue? We recommend that our couples check out our preferred vendor lists, which are filled with unbelievable wedding vendors who are fantastic to work with and have tons of experience at our venues.
8. “Do you have any decor available to rent?”
From linens and candle votives to table numbers and everything in between, buying all of your decor items could create a large dent in your wedding budget. Not to mention you’ll probably never use these items again! Ask your venue if they have any decor available for rent. Renting your decor through the venue gives you one less detail to worry about, as your wedding venue will take care of all the rentals on your wedding day.
9. “Do you provide heaters/fans for outdoor spaces?”
As mentioned before, New England weather can be finicky! Therefore, it’s great to know if the venue will have heaters/ fans available last-minute if Mother Nature pulls a fast one!
Here at Saphire Event Group, we offer different packages in regards to heaters and fans depending on the location. If you’re worried about the potential heat or cold creeping in on your wedding day, a nice touch may be to have scarves or light blankets available for your spring or fall wedding, and custom paper fans or umbrellas for your guests to use at your summer wedding.
10. “Can I get ready on-site?”
This is one of the best questions to ask your wedding venue before booking. Find out if the venue offers a private wedding suite for you and your wedding party to utilize on the big day.
All four Saphire Event Group venues offer exclusive wedding suites for you to add any final touches before walking down the aisle. The intimate moments that happen in these spaces, such as a special bridesmaids first look always make for incredible photo ops as well!
Choosing your venue is a huge commitment! You’re putting all of your trust into the venue and their promise that they can successfully execute one of the most memorable days of your life. Now that you have asked all the important questions to ask your wedding venue before booking, it’s time to pick up that phone again and book!
Interested in learning more about Saphire Event Group? Click here to read the most frequently asked questions about our four New England wedding venues.
