Selecting a wedding venue is a big decision! The venue is the place where your life will begin as a couple. It’s the place where you will capture the memories that will last a lifetime. Whatever venue you select, it’s worth spending the time to select a place that not only reflects you as a couple, but you feel comfortable with the venue and the way it conducts its business. Here are ten items to watch out for.
Sometimes the beautiful pictures don’t tell the whole story. Make sure to pay attention to where the ceremony or reception might be held: is it right next a railroad track or a highway? Not only will the noise from cars and trucks (or trains!) passing by be distracting, but think about the exhaust fumes everyone will be experiencing as well. All aspects of The Highlands Estate are set back from the roadway by nearly 1,000 feet, providing a private and immersive experience with the natural surroundings.
Market lights, drapes, arbors and even get ready rooms can appear to be included items as they are featured in most pictures. But in reality, these are often costly add-ons. Make sure there is a clear understanding and costs of included and excluded items.
Everyone wants the weather to be the perfect temperature on their wedding day, but the reality is weather is unpredictable. There may be days with uncomfortable heat or cold, direct sun exposure and rain may also be a possibility. Make sure your wedding venue has shade and conditioned indoor space to alleviate any of these situations.
Think about the flow for your guests for the various spaces: are there awkward and time-consuming distances from one space to another? Are vehicles needed to get guests from one location to another? How much time will it take to get guests from one location to another? Are vendors able to efficiently do their jobs? Is catering prep near to where your guests will be served? A catering area that is far away means your guests may receive cold plates by the time the food gets to them; additionally, as there is more time to get back and forth to where the food is being prepared, additional staff (and cost) will need to be on hand to deliver the food in a timely manner.
Surprising, but that’s exactly what a venue has been doing. If a contract has a clause forbidding negative reviews, obviously something is horribly wrong.
Venues that have no website, have an Instagram that is “private” or are only being promoted by a planner or separate company are doing so not to be “exclusive” but because they simply don’t have the business licenses and permits to host weddings. Those wedding venues can be shut down at any time, and deposits will be lost. If a company or planner is promoting a secret venue, make sure that they will refund any money you have spent should the venue be closed down.
Barns: Many wine country venues discuss a barn as part of their property. While this may be true, is the barn available for dinner and dancing inside? Can it be used for a ceremony should there be rain? Make sure the venue is honest regarding the usage of the barn and is in line with your vision.
Vineyards: The beauty of vineyards is expected when looking for a wine country venue. However, not all venues located in wine country have vineyards or are involved in the wine business. Old tractors, pickup trucks with wine barrels strapped to the back and more wine barrels placed around are sometimes placed on the property to provide the “feel” of a winery and vineyards. Make sure that if you’re looking for a vineyard location, it’s not what amounts to a movie set, but an authentic wine country venue with a vineyard.
Lodging: There are only a few wedding venues that offer on-premises lodging. The Weekend Package option at The Highlands Estate allow for up to 22 people to stay at the Estate relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. If a venue is promoting lodging, check to make sure the accommodations are their lodging, and they are not using information from a local Airbnb that’s not affiliated with the venue.
Stock Photos: In searching for a wedding venue it’s all about getting an accurate idea of how the venue looks and what photos have been taken there. Stock photos (generic photos that can be purchased online), are sometimes used to give the impression that other settings are part of the venue, when in fact they are not. Check if a photo is authentic by copying it and pasting into Google Image search: if the image comes up on multiple unrelated websites, most likely it’s a stock photo and doesn’t accurately represent the venue.
Acres of beautiful vineyards
Vistas of hills and vineyards that extend for miles
Ceremony sites naturally shaded by old-growth oak trees
Modern yet rustic barn with heating and air-conditioning
Enjoy a relaxed weekend wedding at The Highlands Estate, a beautiful and private barn and vineyard weekend wedding destination. Create memories of a lifetime with the on-site lodging accommodations for up to twenty-two of your closest friends and family. Celebrate your wedding day with up to 200 guests while experiencing the spectacular landscape, situated on over 21 country acres, providing a multitude of vistas and photo opportunities. Having hosted couples originating from all over the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, The Highlands Estate is a true international destination and is conveniently located in the heart of Northern California wine country, just 30 minutes from Healdsburg and the famous Dry Creek Valley.
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