How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue in Atlanta,Georgia
North Georgia is full of great wedding venues. How in the world are you going to narrow it down to just one? We would love to help by giving you a few things to consider. Having hosted hundreds of weddings, here are somethings you will need to think about.
What is the vision for your wedding day?
What do you picture when you think about your wedding day? Modern and chic, rustic or traditional and classic. North Georgia and Atlanta have a wide variety of venue styles, so starting with a vision will help narrow down your choices. Are you looking to have an intimate gathering of your closest friends and family or do you want to have a large celebration? Each area in North Georgia has its unique charm-do you see yourself celebrating with a background of city lights, rolling hills and mountains, lakeside or at a winery?
What is your wedding budget?
Establishing your wedding budget is essential. We do hear from our couples that they have no idea where to start or how much a wedding cost. Check out our blog post about establishing your wedding budget to help you get started. Venues in North Georgia can vary significantly in cost. Some offer all-inclusive, while others are more DIY-friendly, allowing you to bring in your own vendors. Fall and spring are the most popular seasons to get married and the prices tend to be higher. Make sure to consider any hidden fees(service charges), such as setup and clean up costs, required vendor fees or possibly transportation for guest if the venue is further out.
Location and Accessibility
North Georgia is beautiful, but some locations are more remote than others, and are sometimes less accessible. Where will most of your guest be traveling from? Look for a venue that is easily accessible and close to local accommodations. Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Blueridge, and Helen all offer an ideal mix of natural beauty and accessibility. Having a shuttle service can be an added touch to ensure everyone arrives safely and on time.
How many guests will you invite?
The size of your guest list will also help narrow down your venue choices. Some venues have limited capacity due to space or local regulations. Choosing a venue with the right capacity will ensure your guests are comfortable.
How much décor will you need?
An advantage of North Georgia’s natural beauty is that it doesn’t require a lot of extra décor. If your vision is an outdoor wedding with mountain views, or a vineyard as your backdrop–let the scenery be your décor. If you have a specific style in mind check with the venue to see if they have any limitations on decorations. Most venues have tons of pictures with different styles set up in their space that will help you envision what your day might look like.
What Amenities and Service are offered?
Every venue offers different amenities, so it is imperative to know what’s included. Many venues provide full-service options, including catering, setup, clean up, etc. These inclusive packages can make planning easier, but it may come at a higher price point. Other venues, may require you to bring you own vendors, some venues require to choose from their list of preferred vendors and some venues offer both options and you can choose which works better for you and your budget. Be sure to ask about, getting ready suites, heating and air, and parking.
What season works best for your schedule and budget?
North Georgia does experience four distinct seasons, each season brings its own unique charm and challenges. Fall is beautiful with its colorful foliage, but it is also the most popular time and requires that you book further in advance to secure a date. Spring is stunning with the bright hues of green and stunning flowers, but can be unpredictable in terms of rain. Summers can be warm but offers longer daylight hours to enjoy the view. No matter what season you choose, ask the venue about their weather contingency options to keep your big day running smoothly.
Availability
Venues can book up quickly, sometime years in advance. Once you have narrowed down to a few of your favorite venues–check the availability around your preferred wedding date. Start on the website, some venues have a calendar available online, otherwise you can call or email for more information. You might need to be flexible on your date if your dream venue doesn’t have your date available.
Restrictions
Each venue has a set of rules and restrictions. Some might have a noise restrictions or specific regulations on alcohol based on the municipality where they are located. Some venues may require that you use their preferred vendors exclusively or there is a fee charged. Make sure that you understand any restrictions, this will help prevent any surprises later on.
Setting up tours
Planning a wedding can be time consuming, so many couples try to set up several tours in one day. However, details between venues can start to run together. Make notes and take pictures during your visit to help you remember later. When visiting a potential venue, it is important to come prepared with questions. Click here to download a venue tour question check list. You may be surprised when you see the venues in person, the pictures do not always do it justice–some better, some worse. Don’t be afraid to look at several styles of venues.
The Final Decision
Choosing a wedding venue in North Georgia is an exciting part of the wedding planning journey. With so many options, it is easy to find a place that feels just right. The ideal venue should align with your vision, budget and guest experience. Each couple has a list of must haves for their wedding. Some would rather spend more of their budget on a venue with stunning views and go minimal on décor, while others are all about spending their budget on alive band. Each venue is unique in its own way, choose the one that best fits your priorities and visions for your wedding day. Happy Planning, and here’s to an unforgettable North Georgia wedding! For more wedding planning advice and wedding planning tips, stay tuned to our blog page for updates and insights to help make your special day as magical as you have always dreamed. Thanks for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owed venues. As you plan your wedding, we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venue around the country! Withinsodo.com, LegacyatSerenityFarms.com, and Themamaison.com