Planning your Upstate wedding is exciting and a new path that most couples need help figuring out where to start. We are happy to have the amazing Emily Forrester (pictured above on her dreamy wedding day!) as our venue sales manager and onsite wedding coordinator. She has been working for area weddings since she was 15! Emily has done and seen it all and can help couples navigate what to ask during a venue tour, so go ahead and relax, read on, and enjoy the process because, congratulations, you’re getting married!
Let Emily help navigate what couples need to ask Historic Hampton House 1908 on a wedding tour, and have some fun planning the best party you’ve ever had!
Is asking about the ideal wedding date one of the top 10 questions to ask your wedding venue?
Asking about your ideal date is crucial. This is one of the top 10 questions to ask your wedding venue and one that you may want to allow room for some flexibility. Our venue does have rate differences for weekday weddings and seasonal rates. Keep this in mind when solidifying your Upstate wedding date. It is essential to reserve your dates as soon as you’ve committed to your location to ensure your special day is locked in so that all the other pieces align with your confirmed date.
" Another thing to keep in mind when picking out a date is that there are peak, highly-demanded times. April and October are usually the first to book and usually over a year in advance. It is not uncommon for couples to book their venue before they are even engaged in some cases! "
How is payment handled with the wedding venue?
Paying for your wedding is something you should understand upfront, so surprise fees don’t appear right before the wedding. Our wedding payment options are transparent and discussed on your tour.
" You definitely shouldn’t go broke paying for your wedding, but knowing that you will get what you pay for is important. Having a realistic budget is key. And the higher the guest count, the more money you will spend. A $5,000 budget with 150 guests is unrealistic for 98% of venues in the Upstate. Always compare and contrast what other venues are offering in their packages! "
Which wedding venue vendors can I use for catering, decor, and entertainment?
Wedding planning comes alive once you start pulling together all the vendors (floral, cake, entertainment, etc.) who will make the celebration uniquely yours. We offer options in who can execute your dream wedding details, a list of recommended vendors, and area knowledge to help you plan the wedding you want.
"Always make sure that your venue will allow you to have the vendors you want! Some require fees and special permissions to use vendors outside their preferred list. We have a recommended vendor list – so if you need a great suggestion, we are happy to offer it! But if you’d like to pick your own vendors, you’re more than welcome."
What are some wedding day logistics to ask about?
Caring for your guests and their needs during your celebration is essential when planning a wedding and a far from minor top 10 question to ask your wedding venue. Things like handicap accessibility, guest parking, and available restrooms for the number of guests you are planning should all be discussed during your tour.Â
"Although your wedding day is ultimately about you and your partner, it is vital that you keep your guests in mind. Don’t forget the small things, too – food allergies, music tastes (especially if your guests are predominantly an older crowd), and consideration of the day of the week/time your wedding is scheduled."
Are there ceremony site and planning options available?
All love is celebrated at Historic Hampton House 1908, and having the commitment ceremony you envision is our goal for all couples. Ceremony site options are available throughout the property depending on the size and time of year you’re planning your celebration, so it’s crucial to have your guest head count defined to fully understand locations, seating styles, and seasons for the type of ceremony you’re planning. Â
" Definitely make sure that your venue has a solid option for inclement weather … Although rain on your wedding day is good luck! "
What things should I plan for an amazing wedding reception?
A wedding reception is the best party you’ve ever planned, so take advantage of the spaces available and venue capabilities to make it unforgettable, such as integrated sound and speaker systems, capacity options, existing decor, and staffing for set up and break down.Â
" Once the ceremony is over and the photos have been taken during cocktail hour, it’s party time! Having great vendors will make your reception memorable – people will talk about how great the food was, how beautiful the cake was, how romantic the first dance was with that perfect lighting. Consider small ways to include your guests in the fun, such as a photobooth, favors, or games."
Is there on-site production staff for our wedding?
Ensuring your wedding is stress-free involves a team dedicated to handling the details so you can focus on enjoying your wedding day. Almost all of our wedding packages include a wedding coordinator [wedding package link] or venue specialist and hired staff who work seamlessly in the background to make your day perfect without distractions.
" A day-of coordinator is one of the most essential parts of your wedding. Having someone familiar with the venue who knows the ins and outs of everything wedding and is adaptable to every type of couple and family will only help your day to go even smoother. Let someone else handle the stress for you! "
Are there special Ready Rooms for both bridal parties?
It is vital to have a space you both want to get ready in at the location you’re getting married at. Our Ready Rooms are two suites included in your wedding package and can be viewed during the tour. You can also add on our Hampton Loft space for an even larger getting-ready area in the Carriage House, next door to our main mansion, Hampton House.
" Not all venues have two complete suites to get ready in, and our beautiful, well-lit rooms are a must to make you feel pampered without stressing about multiple locations. Our rooms are great for taking a breather and enjoying intimate time with your wedding party before that special first look, whether private or down the aisle. "
What onsite lodging options are available for weddings?
Weddings with us are seamless, and packages that include lodging, like the inclusive Orchid option for up to 10 guests, can be viewed on your tour.
" Historic Hampton House 1908 is definitely unique in that we don’t have just a honeymoon suite but an oasis for your whole bridal party or family to stay under one roof! The party doesn’t have to end with the send-off – make yourselves at home and enjoy some late-night fun after the wedding is over. Then, get some well-deserved rest in one of our luxurious suites after the day is done. "
How much can I customize my dream wedding?
This is your wedding, and having options for executing every element is totally up to you. Learning more about the advantages of prebuilt packages and the freedom to customize the elements you care most about makes for a wedding planning visit that solidifies what your real wedding can be.
"Many venues now offer inclusive packages, which can eleviate SO much stress from couples if they take advantage of it. We’ve carefully broken down the pricing of our packages, and with the relationship we have with our vendors, we’re actually saving our couples money! We encourage all of our couples to consider our all-inclusive packages so they can enjoy a stress-free wedding day!
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