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Questions to Ask During a Tour: Finding the Best Wedding Venues Near Me
- Jennifer Wilson
- Mar 5
- 7 min read
Updated: May 23
A search for "the best wedding venues near me" is among the most common terms engaged couple uses when venue shopping. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic barn, an elegant ballroom, or a scenic outdoor ceremony, touring potential wedding venues is a crucial step in the pre-planning process. But with so many details to consider, it’s easy to overlook important questions that could impact your wedding day.
The Best Wedding Venues Near Me Will Offer A Personalized Experience
At Celestial Farms wedding venue, we always encourage our couples to come to their venue tour prepared with a list of questions. A wedding venue should not only match your vision but also provide transparency, flexibility, and a great overall wedding experience from start to finish. And that is how we will turn up in your Google search for "best wedding venues near me."
Here are some essential questions to ask during your wedding venue tour to ensure you’re making the right choice.
1. What Is the Capacity of the Venue?
Before you fall in love with a venue, make sure it can comfortably accommodate your anticipated guest count. Most wedding venues have strict capacity limits. Some venues may have different capacities based on the season or location of the ceremony and reception. At Celestial Farms, our modern barn venue offers a spacious yet intimate setting for 150 for most of the year. We have a capacity of 100 for winter weddings.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering for 50 or a grand celebration for 150, our space will feel just right.
2. What Is Included in the Rental Fee?
Venues vary widely in what they include in their rental fee. Some provide tables and chairs, while others may charge extra. Ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included and what's not included to avoid unexpected costs. At Celestial Farms, we offer a comprehensive rental package that always includes tables and chairs with setup and takedown, Climate controlled indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, heated outdoor spaces for winter weddings, a full staff for the duration of your event, and most importantly-timeline planning and day of coordination to make your wedding experience magical!
3. Are There Any Hidden Costs?
No one likes surprises when it comes to wedding budgets. Ask about service fees, cleaning fees, and additional costs for things like extended rental time, parking, or tables and chairs for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. Being upfront about costs ensures there are no last-minute financial stressors for anyone.
4. Can We Bring in Our Own Vendors?
Some wedding venues have an exclusive list of preferred vendors, while others allow you to bring your own. If you have a specific caterer, florist, or photographer in mind, confirm that they are permitted at each venue you tour. At Celestial Farms, we have a curated list of preferred vendors who know our venue inside and out, but we also welcome outside vendors as long as they suit your vision and meet our standards.
the Best Wedding Venues Near Me Will Have A Preferred Vendor List
5. Are There Any Restrictions We Should Be Aware Of?
Every wedding venue has its own set of rules. Some may restrict open flames, (we are flameless only for indoor spaces) specific décor, (we don't allow artificial flower petals outside due to our pond being so close to the ceremony locations) or amplified music past a certain time (Our music is off at 10:30). If you have specific ideas, needs or wants for your wedding day, make sure they align with the venue’s policies.
6. Is There a Contingency Plan for Bad Weather?
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, it’s absolutely necessary to have a backup plan. Does the venue offer an indoor alternative for your ceremony? At Celestial Farms, we have a stunning indoor space that seamlessly transitions into a beautiful setting in case of extreme weather, but most backup plans will take place under the pavilion.
7. How Many Events Do You Host in One Day?
Some wedding venues book multiple weddings in a single day, which could impact your setup time and the overall wedding experience. Ask if your wedding will be the only event on-site that day or if there will be other celebrations happening at the same time, before or after.
At Celestial Farms, we host only one wedding per day to give our couples our full attention and exclusive access to the venue at any start time they prefer.
8. Is There a Backup in Case of Power Failure?
It’s rare, but power outages can happen at any time. Ask if the venue has a generator or an backup plan in case of unexpected power loss. At Celestial Farms, we have backup solutions in place for power to keep your event running smoothly, no matter what!
9. What Is the Cancellation Policy?
Life happens, and sometimes a change of plans is necessary. Make sure you understand your venue’s cancellation and refund policies before signing a contract. Ask about postponement options too. At Celestial Farms we offer postponements and we strongly suggest adding cancellation insurance to your event policy just in case something unexpected comes up.
The Best Wedding Venues Near Me Will Always Have A Backup Plan For Bad Weather
10. Can We Do a Food Tasting Before the Wedding?
If the venue provides catering or works exclusively with certain caterers, ask if a food tasting is a possibility. You’ll want to ensure the menu fits your vision and tastes delicious before making a final choice. We will allow vendors on our preferred list to host a tasting at the farm by appointment.
11. How Long Will Our Vendors Have to Set Up?
Some venues have strict time limits for morning setup and evening breakdown, which can be stressful for your vendors. Ask how much time they’ll have before and after the event for these tasks.
At Celestial Farms, we provide ample time for vendors to set up in the morning and we'll confirm the arrival and departure times beforehand.
12. Are There Any Vendors You Don’t Allow?
Some wedding venues have restrictions on certain vendors due to negative past experiences or policies. If you have a specific vendor in mind that is not on the preferred list, make sure they are approved before making final arrangements.
13. Do You Offer Any Planning Tools That Will Be Helpful?
A great wedding venue does more than provide a space—it should also help you stay organized during the planning process. Some venues offer online planning portals, checklists, or a dedicated coordinator.
At Celestial Farms, we guide couples through the planning process to make the experience seamless. And we're always available to answer your questions day or night.
14. What Types of Décor Do You Include in the Venue Rental?
Some venues provide standard décor, such as wedding arches. Others require you to bring everything in yourself. Knowing what items are included can help with your décor budget and overall vision. Celestial Farms has arches to choose from at no additional cost, or you can use your own. We have easels that can be used at no additional cost as well. And according to your color choice, we may have swags and drapery for you to use which is a huge money saver!
The Best Wedding Venues Near Me Will Have Clear Communication From Start to Finish
15. Do You Offer Wedding Planning Services?
Some venues include on-site wedding coordinators, while others are strictly DIY. Having a coordinator is crucial to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly. At Celestial Farms, we include timeline planning and day-of coordinating services to help manage vendors, execute timelines, and fix unexpected hiccups, so you can focus on celebrating stress-free.
Other Factors to Consider During a Venue Tour
Beyond asking the right questions at your tour, take a moment to observe:
✔️ The Venue’s Aesthetic: Does it match your overall wedding vision?
✔️ Cleanliness & Maintenance: Is the venue well-kept, clean and organized?
✔️ The Atmosphere: Can you envision celebrating your wedding day here?
✔️ The Staff’s Attitude: Are they welcoming, knowledgeable, and responsive during your tour? At Celestial Farms we allocate plenty of time for our one on one tours so we can answer every single question you have.
At Celestial Farms, we take pride in offering a personalized, memorable wedding experience, ensuring our couples feel confident in their venue choice. Our wedding venue is more than just a space—it’s a place where love stories unfold, beautiful memories are made, and your dreams come to life.
The Best Wedding Venues Near Me Will Have Transparent Pricing
Touring wedding venues in Michigan is an exciting first step in the wedding planning process. By asking the right questions and paying attention to details that matter, you can find a wedding venue that fits your style, budget, and needs.
If you’re searching for a venue that offers rustic charm, modern elegance, and a dedicated dream team to make your wedding unforgettable, Celestial Farms is your place. And we would love to welcome you for a tour. Let’s create magic together!
Schedule a tour with us today by texting calling or emailing us anytime and see why Celestial Farms is one of the most beloved wedding venues in Michigan!
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