Savannah Wedding Venue Search Guide
For many, the end of the holiday season & the start of the year brings forth shiny rings and fiancés. If you’re one of the lucky couples to become engaged recently, then you should know that the first pieces of wedding planning (aside from hiring a wedding planner, of course) is venue research and walk-throughs. If you’re searching for a venue in Savannah, Georgia or any of our gorgeous Low Country neighbors, read this guide before you take a tour: as an established Savannah wedding planner, we’ve seen many of the local venues and know which details matter when choosing your venue. Read below for 10 things to consider when searching for your perfect venue!
Photo by Karen Norian Photography
What’s included with your venue fee?
Pay close attention to the details and verify the rental hours (both for the wedding and setup/breakdown), any in-house furniture, sound systems, lighting, and parking. Many Savannah venues have rental periods from 8-10 hours, including load in and load out time for your vendors. Existing furniture and in-house decor are also a great bonus if they match with your style/theme for the wedding!
Service Fees
Most venues have an additional service fee of about 18-20% which act as an administrative fee. This fees goes to paying the amazing venue represenatives and coordinators that will be working with you throughout your planning. This fee (along with taxes) can be quite hefty so be clear on the amount from the start.
Vendor Requirements
Some wedding venues require you to use some or all of their preferred vendors for your event. In Savannah, most likely your caterer will be the required vendors unless you provide surplus documentation, a buy-out fee, and/or agree to additional venue rules/regulations. This is definitely something to discuss when touring venues if you have your heart set on any specific company for your day!
Photo by Three Lines Creative Photography
4. Parking Setup
Oh, city life! Being that Savannah is a city, parking can be limited. When on a tour, make sure to note or ask about parking options. Many venues in the heart of downtown likely have limited parking options, if at all. You may luck out if you fall in love with a hotel ballroom, but then ask yourself if you want guests to front the parking bill or if this is something you plan to cover and thus budget for. Another option is to shuttle guests around but again, discuss with the venue where a shuttle could load in/out guests as Savannah is also limited in where they can stop.
5. What Is Available For Use On-Site
Discuss with the venue what is available for use at your event for both guests and vendors. Things like getting ready suites and on-site kitchens may have stipulations or additional fees. Are the venue’s tables and chairs also available for use for the whole day or are they extra? Sometimes, additional lighting or drapery can also be an extra fee so be clear with your representative about what exactly you are looking for and budgeting for.
6. Bad Weather Plan
Being that we live in the sub-tropics, we often have mercucial weather patterns on top of a hurricane season! For my couples, regardless of season, I always recommend setting aside funds for a rain plan. Being that we live in the South, most venues have a back-up plan, but are you happy with that? Will it be too cramped for your guest count? Some venues that are more outside focused may require you to book a tent which requires extra logistics and costs.
Photo by Mackensey Alexander Photography
7. Existing Lighting
Somewhat tying back to number 5, ask about lighting. Some venues have upgraded lighting features that they may show you on the tour, but that aren’t included with your standard rental package. And, as well, consider lighting for the entirety of your event. When the sun sets, will the outdoor or bar areas still be sufficiently lit? Will the dance floor have too much lighting? We want it to be moody in all the right places.
8. Insurance Requirements
Most venues will have insurance requirements for their event - whether for yourself or the vendors. If they require this, most will be upfront about it but if not, always make sure to check. All legitimate vendors should already have insurance for their business so that won’t be as much of a deal but if they require it for yourself, make sure to budget about $200-300 for this.
9. Venue Staff
This is an important one to discuss. There is usually at least one person on-site to oversee the venue during an event but some more DIY venues do not have anyone on-site! So, who are you supposed to reach out to if there is a water leak, problem with the AC, a breaker flips, etc. While wedding planners are known for solving problems, building maintenance things are outside our expertise. Confirm that someone will be on-site and where or how you will be able to reach them. As well, if the venue leans more full-service, how many staff will be on hand and what there responsibilities will be. Will they help bus tables, keep the bathrooms stocked, tidy food & drink messes? Because, someone needs to step into this role and it can often be a sore spot with venues and catering, especially once catering has finished service.
Photo by Promised Land Arts Photography
10. Cancellation/Postponement Policy
Knowing a venue’s cancellation and postponement policy became a very important clause to review after the pandemic of 2020. And, especially for our military couples, this is something you will want to review in case a hasty change is needed.
11. Noise Ordinances/Acoustics
The venues within city limits usually have sound ordinances that end the party around 10pm whereas venues more towards the country can go all night. Double check, with your preferred day of the week, what time the music must stop. As well, double check with your venue what type of music is allowed - string only, djs, and/or bands? Each have acoustic levels that may need to be considered for each venue.
12. Rentals/Decor Limitations
For my creative couples, this is a another area to pay particular attention to. A lot of recent inspiration feature hanging florals, drapes, and streamers. If this is something you are dreaming about, will it be allowed at the venue? And where? Structurally, they may not have a lot of anchor points. Or say you were dreaming of a big balloon installation - is this allowed? Particularly when it comes to our outdoor/coastal venues, the animals will take precedence and prevent certain decor items from even being brought in (balloon = turtle choke hazard, confetti = bird hazard, etc).
