Planning Tips
10 Questions You Should Ask Every Wedding Venue Before Booking
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during the planning process. These are the ten questions we recommend every couple ask during a venue tour to compare venues fairly, avoid surprises, and find the perfect fit.
We’ve hosted over 850 weddings at The French Farmhouse Venue. We’ve answered every one of these questions thousands of times — and we’re proud of every answer.
How Many Hours Do We Have on Our Wedding Day?
Ask what time you can arrive, when vendors can begin setting up, when the reception ends, when everyone must leave, and whether tours or other weddings take place the same day. At The French Farmhouse, you'll enjoy a full 15-hour rental with exclusive access from 9:00 a.m. until midnight. We host only one wedding per day, and we do not schedule tours on wedding days. The entire property is yours — from getting ready in the morning to your sparkler exit at night.
Do You Require Specific Vendors?
Many venues require exclusive vendors. At The French Farmhouse, you’re welcome to choose your own photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, DJ or band, baker, rentals, transportation, content creator and more. The only required vendor is our partnered bartending company, Professional Partiers, whose TABC-certified team serves and manages your bar professionally. We also require every couple to have at minimum a day-of coordinator — and we have some amazing ones listed in your Welcome Packet.
Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol?
Yes! You may purchase your own beer, wine and liquor from retailers like Costco, Spec's, Total Wine, Sam's Club or your favorite local liquor store. Professional Partiers serves your alcohol, giving you the flexibility to shop where you'd like while enjoying professional bar service. Want to make it even easier? We partner with Bring Your Brews For You — simply purchase your alcohol and email [email protected] to schedule pickup. They'll pick it up from the retailer, deliver it to The French Farmhouse, and have everything ready before your wedding day even begins.
What Is Included in the Venue Rental?
Always ask exactly what’s included before you book. At The French Farmhouse, your rental includes:
Venue Access & Amenities
- Exclusive access from 9 a.m. to midnight (15-hour rental)
- One wedding per day — no tours on your wedding day
- Indoor & outdoor ceremony options
- Chapel in the Woods
- Covered cocktail hour space
- Enclosed patio & chapel porch
- Parking for up to 250 guests & circle drive
- Full catering kitchen
- Bridal portrait access
- Rehearsal access (when available)
- Beautiful antique décor & custom watercolor paintings
Getting Ready
- Large bridal suite with 8 hair & makeup stations, bridal stage, oversized custom mirror, private bath & two balconies
- Groom’s room inside the iconic silo
- Private mini bridal suite at the chapel
Furniture
- Farmhouse tables, round tables & sweetheart table
- Cross-back chairs & ceremony chairs
- Cocktail tables & banquet tables
- Easels, antique cake stand & greenery wall
What's Your Rain Plan?
Ask about indoor ceremony options, covered cocktail hour spaces, and backup plans before you book — not the week of your wedding. At The French Farmhouse, you never have to worry about a rain plan. Our indoor chapel, covered pavilion, and fully enclosed and air-conditioned cocktail patio mean your day is beautiful and comfortable no matter what the weather brings.
How Many Guests Can the Venue Comfortably Accommodate?
The French Farmhouse can comfortably accommodate up to 250 guests in both the chapel and the reception hall.
Planning on having a live band? Since a band requires a 16×24 stage, we recommend a maximum guest count of 175 to ensure everyone has plenty of room to dine, mingle, and dance.
Want to see exactly how the space lays out? Check out our floor plans to explore layout options for every guest count.
Swipe or use arrows to browse all 6 floor plan options
Is There a Space for Both the Bride and Groom to Get Ready?
Getting-ready spaces set the tone for the entire day. Our venue includes a spacious bridal suite, a unique groom's room in the silo, and a private mini bridal suite at the chapel so the bride can remain hidden until it's time to walk down the aisle.
Is a Rehearsal Included?
We include one ceremony walk-through rehearsal provided we do not have a wedding the evening before. Rehearsals must begin by 5:00 p.m. We require every couple to have at minimum a professional day-of coordinator who must attend both the rehearsal and your final planning meeting with our team. Many of our rehearsal walk-throughs actually take place around noon on the wedding day without the bride present — allowing the wedding party, parents, officiant, and coordinator to practice while keeping the bride's entrance a surprise. Every booked couple receives our Welcome Packet featuring trusted coordinators and many of our favorite photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, rental companies, and more.
Are There Any Additional Fees?
Always ask about additional fees before booking. At The French Farmhouse:
- Online payments include a 3.21% credit card processing fee — mailing or dropping off a check avoids this fee entirely.
- One off-duty security officer is required. Payment is made directly to the officer on your wedding day and the amount varies based on your timeline.
- Day-of event insurance is required. The purchase link is included in your Welcome Packet and most policies average around $120.
What Makes Your Venue Different?
Our couples love our family-owned hospitality, one wedding per day, no tours on wedding days, freedom to choose nearly all vendors, bring-your-own alcohol, the beautiful Chapel in the Woods, spacious getting-ready suites, 56 scenic acres, and a planning team invested in making every wedding personal.
Final Thoughts
The best venue is one that fits your vision, budget, and planning style. Asking these questions during every venue tour will help you compare venues confidently and avoid surprises later. We’d love to show you around The French Farmhouse and answer every question you have.
Budget Tip
When it comes to your wedding budget, your three biggest varying factors are going to be food, florals, and guest count. These three line items move together — the more guests you invite, the more you spend on catering and the more florals you need to fill the space. Getting clear on your guest count early is the single most impactful budget decision you can make.
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