*Photo via TPC Sugarloaf
Are you considering hosting your wedding at a gorgeous and classic country club wedding venue? While it may seem pretty straightforward, there are a few unique pros and cons of doing a country club wedding that you should consider before diving in and signing the dotted line. Here is everything you need to know about throwing a country club wedding.
Membership Requirements
If you are already a member of the country club you are considering, you can skip this one. However, if you aren’t a member at your potential venue(s), you need to check to see who is allowed to host events in their space. Some only allow members, while others are more relaxed with who can rent out the space.
Outside Vendors
Another factor to consider is that some country clubs are strict with bringing in outside vendors. There are some who require you to work with a list of preferred vendors, or who even have certain vendors on-staff that you must use. This can be a benefit for some couples, as it requires less time researching local vendors. If you are working with country clubs with vendor connections, you may even be able to get a discount. However, other couples might view this as a negative, particularly if they are set on using certain outside vendors. Every country club is different, but it is something you’ll need to discuss when meeting with the event coordinator.
Food and Alcohol
Speaking of vendors, if you have your heart set on a certain caterer, you’ll need to make sure the country club allows for outside food vendors to come in. Some only allow weddings and events to use their in-house catering team or restaurant. Again, this is a benefit for some couples (no need to do any catering research!), but others may want to use the catering service of their choice. This means it is important to ask any country clubs you are interested in what their policies are. It is also a good idea to see if they have their own bar staff as well and if you are required to use them.
Use of the Space
One of the biggest draws of using a country club for a wedding is that they feature beautifully crafted indoor spaces that were designed for events, as well as gorgeous outdoor locations that offer the perfect backdrop for photos. This generally makes it easy for couples to host both their ceremony and reception in one venue, saving on traveling time (and possibly transportation money) between the two events.
It is important, however, to make sure these spaces won’t be impeded on by other country club members during your wedding. Unless you are renting out the entire venue, it is important to talk with the coordinator about how much access other country club members will have to your space (and the surrounding area) during the celebration.
Parking Availability
Here is another huge benefit that many couples planning their wedding don’t realize at first: country clubs have an abundance of parking to accommodate daily guests. For couples worried about having to budget for transportation or valet service, this could be a perk that sweetens the deal.
If you are in the process of planning your wedding, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with wedding professionals from Georgia and the Southeast who can help bring your vision to life!
Georgia wedding vendors, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.