When you're considering a wedding venue, it's essential to gather detailed information to ensure it meets your needs and expectations. Here are some things to ask on a wedding venue tour.
Venue Capacity and Availability
Knowing how many guests can comfortably fit inside a venue is important. Most venues are going to advertise their MAX capacity. You should always ask to see floor plans for your amount of guests and be sure there will be plenty of room for dancing etc. Cornerstone Ranch Events Center has a max capacity of 500 guests. That means we have the biggest amount of space and most flexible floor plans of any Amarillo wedding venue. Average wedding size at our venue is 250 guests. Check out our seating plans to find the right one for your wedding reception.
When touring venues, you need to be flexible with your dates. Most wedding venues book anywhere from 12-18 months in advance for events. If you have a specific date in mind, touring and booking your wedding venue should be done as soon as possible to ensure you get your date on the books!
Venue Cost and Payment Plans
During venue tours, rental fees and packages will be discussed. Be sure to ask what all is included in these packages. Ask about additional fees, service charges, cleaning fees, or security charges. Most venues require a retainer fee at the time of booking, then allow a set payment plan. Be sure to ask when these payments are due. Cornerstone Ranch requires a $750 security retainer at the time of booking, and offers monthly payment plans. The final payment for the venue will be due no later than 30 days prior to your event.
Services and Restrictions
It is important to know if the venue you are touring allows you to bring in outside vendors. Cornerstone Ranch provides you with a list of our preferred Amarillo wedding vendors who we have worked with many times, but you are not required to use them. It is also important to note when the venue is accessible to you and your vendors for set up, and when everything must be cleaned up by. Our wedding packages include a 9am to midnight rental time. Our Gold package 2, Premium package, and Platinum packages include access to the event center the day before for setup.
Safety, Backup Plans, and Cancellation
Asking what your venue's backup plan is ahead of time will help ease your mind on wedding day. At Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, we know that the Amarillo weather can change in an instant. Our event venue always has a backup plan for your outdoor wedding. We set up ceremony chairs 2 hours before the wedding, and in the case of inclement weather, our venue is large enough to host a ceremony inside. We discuss at your planning meeting (held 30 days prior to your event) our backup plan and set the table layout up accordingly.
We also discuss with our couples the importance of cancellation insurance. Most people insure their big summer vacations, why wouldn't you insure your wedding? Here is some more information about wedding cancellation insurance.
These are just a few things you should discuss with any wedding venue you are considering for your Amarillo wedding. By asking these questions, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of whether the venue aligns with your vision and requirements for your wedding day. Wedding planning should be enjoyable and fun. Don't get stuck in a contract with a venue that isn't for you!
XOXO--Ally
Special thanks to these wedding venues and event centers around the country for their continued support and daily inspiration!
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