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5 Essential Questions to Ask When Touring a Wedding Venue w/ Colleen Kelly of Cedarmont Farm

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Welcome to The Wedding Reporter Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have Colleen Kelly, owner of Cedarmont Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, joining us. Colleen’s venue is renowned for its beauty and exceptional service, making her the perfect person to discuss the five essential questions you need to ask when touring a wedding venue. Let’s dive right into it.

John Myers Photography Cedarmont Farm Wedding

John Myers Photography

1. What is the capacity of the venue and how many guests can comfortably fit?

Colleen highlights the importance of understanding a venue’s capacity. Cedarmont Farm, for example, has a maximum capacity of 170 guests. She emphasizes that exceeding the venue’s capacity isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also be unsafe, as these limits are often set by fire marshals and building codes. Colleen advises couples to consider not just the maximum capacity but how many guests can comfortably fit, especially when you factor in space for a dance floor, buffet, and other setups. It’s crucial to have a realistic guest list to ensure everyone can enjoy the space comfortably.

Wind & Gold Nashville Wedding Photography

Wind & Gold Photography

2. Are there any additional costs not included in the rental fee?

Understanding the full financial commitment is vital. Colleen explains that while Cedarmont Farm is all-inclusive, additional costs such as wedding insurance or sales tax are not included in the rental fee. She notes that some venues might require you to hire security or pay operational fees, which can significantly add to your budget. Always ask for a comprehensive list of potential extra costs to avoid surprises later on.

Maria Gloer Photography

3. What is the venue’s vendor policy?

Vendor policies can vary widely between venues. Some venues have an open policy where you can bring any vendor, while others, like Cedarmont Farm, may have a preferred vendor list. Colleen mentions a bride who had to switch venues because all the vendors on the preferred list were beyond her budget. It’s important to review any preferred vendor lists and get quotes from those vendors to ensure they fit within your budget. If you have a specific vendor in mind who isn’t on the list, check if the venue allows exceptions or if there are additional fees involved.

John Myers Photography

4. What am I responsible for regarding setup and cleanup?

Knowing your responsibilities for setup and cleanup can help you plan better. Colleen explains that Cedarmont Farm takes care of setup and breakdown, including loading up personal items at the end of the night. However, not all venues offer this level of service. Some might require you to handle the setup and teardown yourself or hire additional help. Clarify these details to avoid any last-minute stress and ensure you have the necessary support for a smooth wedding day.

John Myers Photography

5. What are the policies for additional services and decorations?

Each venue has different policies regarding additional services and decorations. Colleen points out that at Cedarmont Farm, they handle a lot of the decor setup and have restrictions on what can be added to maintain the venue’s condition and safety. It’s crucial to know what’s allowed and what isn’t, especially if you have specific decor ideas in mind. Also, inquire about any additional costs for extra services like lighting, sound, or special decor setups.

Angel Patricia Photography

Conclusion

Touring wedding venues can be overwhelming, but asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision. By understanding the capacity, potential additional costs, vendor policies, setup and cleanup responsibilities, and rules for additional services and decorations, you can ensure your chosen venue aligns with your vision and budget. Thank you, Colleen, for sharing your expertise and insights. If you’re in Franklin, Tennessee, be sure to check out Cedarmont Farm for an unforgettable wedding experience!

Show Notes

Colleen Kelly, owner of Cedarmont Farm, shares five important questions to ask when touring a wedding venue. We’re covering topics like capacity of the venue and how many people can comfortably fit in the space. We’ll also chat about additional costs, vendor policies, on-site accommodations for the wedding party and guests. These questions help couples make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs or restrictions when choosing a wedding venue. Colleen also owns a wedding venue consulting business helping existing wedding venue owners transform their space to earn more bookings.

Cedarmont Farm Website: https://www.cedarmontfarm.com/

Follow Cedarmont Farm on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedarmontfarm/

Colleen’s Wedding Venue Consulting Business: https://www.colleenmichelekelly.com/

See more videos on our Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWeddingReporterPodcast/

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Wedding VenueCedarmont Farm