Top 15 Questions to Ask your Wedding Venue
So if you’ve just got engaged, many Congratulations! You’re probably now thinking about the first steps you need to take towards planning your big day. Usually, the venue is your first port of call so we thought it might be helpful to list the top questions we feel you should ask every venue that you view.
But a word of advice, aside from the logistical questions, the feel of the place is what needs to speak to you first and foremost, not only the venue itself but also who you meet and how they make you feel. You’ll likely be planning your wedding over the course of the next year or so, so working with someone you connect with, who is available at the end of the phone to guide you through the process, and who will be that friendly, familiar face on your big day is also super important.
But without further ado, here are our top 15 questions.
How long can you hold the date?
Venues will differ on this but we like to give couples at least 5 days, sometimes we can stretch to a week depending on the time of year you’re looking for. We feel this gives a good amount of time for our couples to weigh up our venue against others that they may have seen. It also means that you have an opportunity to check in with the registrar, if you having a legal ceremony onsite, to make sure that they have the date and time of your wedding available.
How many guests can you accommodate?
We have a capacity of 50 guests. We’ve found this number to work really well in terms of keeping your wedding feeling intimate but ensuring people enjoy the spaciousness of our venue and what it has to offer. We can accommodate an additional 10 guests in the evening free of charge.
Is the venue licensed?
Yes we are and the good news is that the law changed last year to enable venues to conduct the legal part of the ceremony outside. Our lovely big barn is also licensed in case there’s a spot of rain.
Will I have exclusive use of the venue?
At Camel Studio you will have exclusive use of the venue, grounds and boutique house from 12pm on Friday until 12pm on Sunday so a full 48 hours of pure tranquility. As we only have a maximum of 14 weddings a year, it gives you the flexibility to extend your stay so perhaps you might like to arrive on the Thursday so you can have a lovely leisurely breakfast on Friday before heading over to the studio to add any personal decor touches before your big day. Or perhaps you might like to stay on the Sunday night and plan to meet family and friends at the beach for dip in the sea and a bite to eat. Our local beach, Rock is just a 20 minute drive away.
Who will be the point of contact in the lead-up to my wedding and on the day itself?
Helen and David, the venue owners, will be your first point of contact from when you book, right through to the end of your wedding weekend. They work with a trusted team of staff, and between them they will ensure that your wedding day is just as you always dreamed.
When you book with Camel Studio, Helen will arrange a zoom chat to run through all the recommended suppliers on their list. This provides the opportunity to chat about your budget and also the vibe that you want to create so that she can guide you toward those suppliers that will best fit your brief. Then after that, our couples can be in touch at any point during the planning process and we will always help and lend a hand whenever we can. Approximately a month before your big day we’ll have a call where we’ll run through all your suppliers and how your day will run in detail. Then when you arrive on Friday for your wedding weekend, Helen & David will be there to greet you and be on hand throughout your wedding weekend.
Do you have a recommended supplier list and do I have to use it?
The short answer is yes we do and no you are welcome to choose your own trusted suppliers too. We have a wonderful list of tried and tested suppliers but we want you to have your dream day and so it’s up to you who you choose.
What are the accommodation options for the bridal party and our other guests?
We have a lovely boutique house, sleeping eight people which is included for your wedding weekend. We also have a bridal cabin located in a secluded spot in the garden, included for the night of your wedding. So in total we can sleep 10 at Camel Studio.
We’re fortunate that, although we’re located in the middle of the countryside, we’re just 10 minutes from our local town of Wadebridge which offers a multitude of accommodation options to suit even style and budget. We have a full list of hotels and b&b’s that we can provide you with.
Do you have parking available for guests?
We have parking for the bridal party, so upto 6 cars. We work with a local taxi firm and approximately 3 weeks before your wedding we will ask you to provide us with a list of your guests and where they’re staying. We find it works really well, making sure everyone gets to the venue on time and importantly has a lift home at the end of the evening.
From what time can we access the venue?
You’re welcome to arrive from 12pm on the Friday so that you can add any personal decor to the venue. Then in the evening we will prepare a delicious 2-course meal for you and up to 8 of your guests. It’s a lovely, relaxing way to spend the evening before your big day.
Where can we hold our ceremony and what if it rains?
We have 3 stunning locations where you can hold your ceremony. Our spacious, light-filled studio is a great option if the weather isn’t on our side. With our big barn doors open you will still be able to enjoy the connection to the outdoors and our stunning view of the rolling hills of the Camel Valley.
If you’d prefer to wed outdoors, a super-stylish Sperry tent can be set up in the garden. Or to really take in the grounds, you can choose to take your vows al fresco; celebrating your love in the Cornish sunshine, with a patchwork of green fields beyond.
What does the wedding package include and are there any hidden extras, for example VAT?
Our wedding package comes with everything we feel you need from us and has no hidden extras. Here’s the list of everything it includes - Our licensed barn, grounds and house for two nights; Luxury self-catering accommodation for up to eight people; Bridal cabin for the night of your wedding; 10 hours of our time in the lead up to your wedding day; On the day coordination; Converted pizza horse box to serve your evening food; Luxury hamper filled with delicious locally sourced produce; Trestle tables and cross-back chairs for you and your guests wedding reception; Bar, bar staff & glasses; Fire pit, logs & marshmallows for toasting; Restroom; Car parking for the bridal party.
All that you need to think about are your other suppliers - for example catering for your wedding feast, photographer, hair and make up and evening entertainment.
Drinks - what are the options and also what are your bar prices?
This is an important one as some venues mark up their drinks prices in order to keep their package price low but it will just mean that you or your guests will be landed with a big bar bill. We keep our prices in line with what you would expect to pay at a local pub - for example bottles of Peroni are £3.50, a spirit and mixer starts at £5.00, a glass of house wine is also £5.00 and our bottles of house wine start at £16.50. We also offer a variety of drinks packages, or there is the option to supply your own wine and sparkling for a small corkage. We’re super flexible and will work with you to figure out what is best for your wedding day.
What are the options for evening entertainment?
It’s entirely up to you - some people opt for a live band, others a DJ or you may prefer to bring your own playlist and plug into our surround sound system. All of these options work really well.
What time does our wedding need to finish?
At 12am - by which time you’ll feel ready to take yourselves off to the bridal cabin where a bottle of champagne will be waiting for you on ice.
What is the deposit and when is the final instalment due?
Our deposit to secure your date is £1,500. You’ll also need to sign a copy of our terms and conditions. The final venue payment is then due 3 months before your big day.
If you have any other questions or queries you would like to ask about Camel Studio please do not hesitate to contact Helen at helencotton@mac.com.