by Venue 1902 Team- April 2022
Are you looking for a wedding Venue in the Orlando area? The top 6 questions you should be asking Venues before booking!
You just got engaged, Now what? For those that are new to our blog, welcome to Historic Venue 1902. Based out of Sanford, Florida located just outside of Orlando is a luxury event space specializing in weddings, rehearsal brunches and shower packages! However, since weddings have always been our most popular event, the bulk of our blog posts are geared towards that content. With that in mind, a major aspect of wedding content revolves around all of the planning that goes into creating the “best day ever.” One of the first things you’ll want to put on your to-do list after getting engaged is touring various wedding venues. If you live in a larger area, such as Orlando, it can seem a little overwhelming sifting through the various options. In today’s blog though, we’ll walk you through all of the questions you should be asking. After all, the wedding venue is certainly one of the bigger decisions you’ll be making in the overall planning process. With that all being said, let’s hop right in!
1. How many guests can the Venue accommodate for my wedding?
Before the wedding planning process can really begin, it is important to discuss your guest list with your fiancé, family, and anyone else who will be playing a crucial role in planning your big day. The guest count doesn’t need to be exact, but you do need to know an approximate number before reaching out to wedding venues. Here at Venue 1902, we have hosted weddings as small as 35 guests, but our average wedding reception is typically closer to 120 guests. Many venues are also flexible depending on your desired layout. Historic Venue 1902 can accommodate up to 175 guests with custom floor plans to allow the perfect layout for your wedding.
2. Do you have my date available?
Is there a specific date you have in mind for your wedding day? Maybe it’s your anniversary, a favorite holiday, or a date that just seems fun–finding the perfect date is one of the first things that you and your prospective wedding venue will talk about. Just remember, whichever date you decide on will now become your “Special Date!” When you start reaching out to Venues, we recommend having several date options (at least 2 or 3), or even better- a range of dates that you might be interested in. You may find that pricing varies widely depending on the day of the week or the time of the year that you choose. If you have a favorite venue, a weekday option is always a good way to save on the budget while securing your dream wedding venue! Here in Florida, October, November, February, and March are very popular. It is good to remember some venues also book up very quickly, so having some flexibility will open you up to more venues to choose from.
3. Can I bring my own Vendors?
Venues often have partnerships with other local vendors, such as caterers and wedding planners, that they request you use for your wedding day. Some venues require that you use their services for catering. This can have benefits and drawbacks. If you are looking for a one-stop-shop, having an in-house caterer can make the planning process quick and easy. However, when it comes to budgeting, menu pricing is often higher for required in-house catering than it is for independent catering companies. Additionally, venues with in-house catering often charge a lower initial venue rental fee but set a food and beverage minimum that you must reach with your menu selections. You may also have more limited menu options. Independent catering companies that focus strictly on catering typically have more variety and love to create a unique dining experiences for guests. At Historic Venue 1902, we provide you with Day of Coordination, which includes preparing a custom timeline and custom floor plan! This helps you to plan out the details for your wedding day. If you are working with an outside planner, we welcome them and will work together with them to plan the perfect day!
At Historic Venue 1902, we have a fabulous list of caterers who will allow you to customize your day, with a variety of menu and budget options! We also allow you to bring in your own alcohol, which can save money and allow you to have exactly the variety you want!
4.What Amenities are included in my rental?
What is included with the rental of your venue? INCLUDED is the magic word! Ask about tables, chairs, tablecloths, and non-alcoholic drinks. Included amenities vary widely from one venue to another. Some venues are simply a blank space where you can create your own “wedding package” from the ground up. Other venues include all of your tables and chairs, and much more. It’s important to consider the included amenities when comparing the pricing for each venue; costs for rental items, delivery, and labor fees can add greatly to your bottom line. Not to mention, making decisions about the quantity and type of items you need can add a lot of time and stress to the wedding planning process. At Historic Venue 1902, we believe all the furniture (tables and chairs) should be included in any venue rental, since no one wants to break a sweat unloading a truck full of folding chairs on their wedding day–especially if you’re in a dress!
5. Does your Venue have a back up plan for inclement weather?
When it comes to outdoor weddings, whether you’re holding the ceremony in a public garden or at a physical reception venue, be sure to ask what the plan is in the event of bad weather or extreme summer heat. Also, be aware if there will be any additional cost incurred with using an indoor option.
While most venues have other rooms that you can literally run into in the event of an unexpected weather incident, Historic Venue 1902 offers two beautiful spaces and options for indoor ceremonies! This allows us to have weddings year round, with no worries about the heat or inclement weather!
6. WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, AND PARKING?
Does your Venue offer adequate parking? Where are the nearest hotels and airports? Whether you are having a local or a destination wedding, it is important to know that your guests will have options available to them for lodging and amenities. You want your guests to have a good experience from the time they arrive in town until your wedding day! At Venue 1902 we offer an in depth list of local hotels and restaurants! And did you know that the Venue is located in a Historic Golf Cart district? With so many restaurants and Airbnb options, why not travel around like the locals? We also include Complementary Valet parking for all your guests!
Ready to tour Venue 1902?
If you have just said I do, or ready to start the process of finding the perfect Venue for you and your soon to be spouse, Congratulations! We hope this has helped you to get a better idea of what to look for and what to ask when touring Venues. Through out the blog we have covered some of the important questions you will want to be asking. So remember to refer to the top six questions to ask a wedding reception venue before you sign on the dotted line. While there are so many things to consider in choosing a venue, remember your vendors are here to help you! So ask plenty of questions, take a deep breath, and have fun. Remember, you’ve done the most important part; you have found the person you want to spend your life with. For those of you looking for a Venue- we would love to show you Historic Venue 1902 located in Historic Downtown Sanford, just minutes from Orlando where you can meet with our Team and find out why you want to say I do at Historic Venue 1902.