As many people begin to plan their big day, the venue is one of their first decisions. Knowing what you want and expect is crucial. Here are five things from the Barn at Shady Lane to consider.

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1. Does it fit your vibe?

 It’s one thing to find a place to hold your wedding, it’s quite another to actually decorate and outfit that place to fit the style and mood you want for your guests and family on that day. If it is going to take hundreds of dollars to get to that look and feel, it may be best to keep looking. Is the lighting romantic inside and out? What about night time lighting inside and out? Are the furnishings what you want or will they also need to be “dressed”? Are the grounds curated to support photo opps at every turn?

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2. Location, Location, Location

This seems basic but it can instantly make or break a deal. Can guests find the venue?  When your event is over is there lodging close by?  Does it feel so remote and far away that guests could be inclined to decline?

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3. Staff and Amenities

 We’ve heard of venues that literally leave the door unlocked on the day of the event and that’s the last thing you hear from them. Ask if a venue representative will be there on wedding day to answer questions, to assist with information or to just be a supportive presence. Ask about amenities; things like venue capacity (seated for ceremony, standing for reception, outside seating etc.), restrooms, parking, covered patio space in case of rain. 

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4. What is included and what is not included in our total?

We are big on financial transparency. Ask about that base line price that was quoted to you. Are there taxes added? Additional fees? Corkage fees? Is the venue also the florist, caterer, decorator and if so, what part of your total goes to food, cake, etc?

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5. Vendor Flexibility 

All venues want to do their best to support their clients on their most important day and help them to honor and celebrate marriage in the way they have dreamed. That said, venues typically have rules about vendors. Sometimes the venue requires that ALL vendors come from within their pool. That isn’t a bad thing in itself, but it would be our recommendation that In the interest of transparency it could be helpful to request an itemization of costs so that you know what portion of your fee is going toward food, flowers, linens, cake etc.

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If you have any questions please visit thebarnatshadylane.com.

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