What to Ask When Touring a Wedding Venue in New Jersey
For engaged couples, looking for the perfect wedding venue is one of the most exciting moments of their lives. From the walk down the floral-lined aisle to the romantic first dance, they’ve been busy picturing every element of their big day. They know exactly how they’d like every dreamy detail to come together, and they need to choose a venue that can help them achieve their vision. But searching for that just-right venue can also be a little overwhelming. There are seemingly countless questions to consider: Is my preferred date open? Can we include our four dogs? (Dressed to the nines, of course.) Are real candles allowed? Will we have a plated dinner or buffet?
Our wedding planners at SkyView Golf Club, New Jersey’s premier and most scenic wedding and golf course venue, are here to help — after all, they’ve been planning spectacular celebrations at our picturesque property for years. These wedding experts know that while securing your dream venue can be a bit daunting, coming prepared with several practical questions can help alleviate some of that stress and get you on the path to “I do.” Read on for their suggestions on the top questions to ask when touring a New Jersey wedding venue.
“Is The Date We Want Available?”
You’ve taken one step inside the ballroom, and you’re instantly smitten. This is the place, you think. But don’t forget: You’ve already set the date — a date that holds serious significance to you and your partner. And that’s lovely. Our wedding planners note that it’s more than okay to have a specific date in mind when touring a venue; however, one of the first questions you need to ask before you sign on the dotted line is whether or not that chosen date is available. If it’s not, be sure to ask whether the venue has a waitlist for that day, or, if you have some flexibility, inquire about availability on surrounding dates. For example, you might have had your heart set on the third Saturday in June, but if it’s already booked, consider the Friday before. More and more couples are choosing to wed on nontraditional days — even weekdays.
“What Type of Decor Is Permitted?”
Your mood board is full, and you’ve already found the perfect decor vendors to bring your wedding-day vision to life. But as our experts explain, every venue has different rules when it comes to adorning its spaces. What’s more, some venues already exude a certain aesthetic with their existing decor. SkyView Golf Club, for example, features classic spaces that blend elegance with rustic charm. So to ensure your nuptials are everything you’ve always dreamed of — candles upon candles, draping from floor to ceiling, confetti showering over you and your beloved as you enter your reception — you need to inquire as to any restrictions or limitations when decorating the space, and make sure the overall look and feel matches your inspiration. For example, many venues do not allow open flames, but our wedding-planning experts say that’s a chance to get a little more creative with your style. Maybe you can incorporate flameless candles or add more interesting lighting that achieves a similar romantic glow. Couples who tie the knot here at SkyView love the extra perk of spotlighting our scenic grounds as a backdrop to their celebrations; the floor-to-ceiling glass doors in our cocktail hour room provide panoramic views of the golf course, the mountains, and the setting sun.
“Are There Preferred Vendors?”
Every venue has different preferences when it comes to working with vendors. So it’s best to ask up front to avoid surprises — for example, you might have already chosen the perfect florist or caterer, but some event spaces prefer to work only with partners they trust. If you plan to use an outside vendor, confirm with your venue any requirements they must meet, such as adhering to certain processes, schedules, or functions. Our priority at SkyView is to help you create the dream wedding you’ve always wanted, so that’s why we prefer to partner with the most talented, recommended, and well-priced vendors in our area. We know they’re experts who are well-equipped to provide a seamless experience, but we’re always happy to include outside vendors when necessary.
“Where Can I Have My Ceremony?”
You might have always dreamed of a gorgeous outdoor wedding ceremony with a spirited reception inside a classic ballroom. Whatever your preferences, our wedding planners recommend asking the venue you’re touring about all their ceremony options, including different seating configurations. If you’d like an outdoor ceremony, can they provide a tent in case of rain? Or can you bring your own? If you’d prefer an indoor ceremony, make sure the space can comfortably accommodate all your guests and that you’re able to arrange your seating to your liking.
Touring a wedding venue in New Jersey can be an exciting and informative experience, as long as you’re equipped with the right questions. Want to schedule a tour of SkyView Golf Club? Get in touch with us here. We’re happy to show you around and would love to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
