Finding a Columbia SC Wedding Venue
FEATURED WEDDING
When — June 2022
Where — The FARM 1780
Photo By — Columbia Wedding Photos by Jeff Blake
Hi! I’m McKenzie Flashnick - owner of Farm Crafted Events: a Columbia SC Wedding Venue.
2024 marks my 10-year wedding anniversary. Looking back at our own wedding ten years later, there is SO much we wouldn’t change. But there are some other things that, if we had a do-over, we’d probably make a different choice now. I want to share some of that wisdom with you & hope it’s helpful to you on your own planning journey.
Let’s talk VENUE for a minute…
When we started the process of planning our own wedding ten years ago, we had our heart set on a destination wedding in Charleston. With so much of my family being from out of town, we wanted a space that they could make a trip or vacation out of, and we absolutely adore the area. One of our first dates was the Spoleto Festival, and we spent a lot of time during our 5 years of dating down there.
On a weekend venue hunt, we found THE PLACE! We both fell in love with it. It was a great combination of Brett’s laid-backness (is that even a word?!) and my love of all things glam. And so we requested to book a date, were sent a contract, and got ready to sign on the dotted line.
And then, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from underneath us.
As we read through the contract, we found out there was a $15,000 food & beverage minimum. We knew we had to use their catering service, but they never disclosed we had to spend that much on food & drink. It was beyond our reach and we were devastated.
I remember thinking we’d never find a spot that was that perfect. I was heartbroken.
Looking back, that seems so trivial. However, it really did matter at the time. And you shouldn’t apologize if your wedding venue search process is that important to you. Wedding venues are supposed to be a blend of the bride and groom. It’s a space that has to feel personal while providing an opportunity to celebrate one of life’s biggest blessings. And when you’re in the middle of the search, it can feel like you may never find the right space.
I don’t make a lot of promises during the wedding planning process. But this one, I do guarantee you…
YOU WILL FIND A WEDDING VENUE YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE
I know some days it doesn’t feel like it.
I know that your absolute perfect space may be completely booked for 18 months.
Or, the spot you’ve dreamt about since a young child is way out of reach budget-wise.
But you will find the spot. You just have to keep looking!
So, what should you do if you’re in a similar position?
#1: Master Budget Planning
I know it might be tempting, but don’t tour venues where the math doesn’t work. It’ll just increase your anxiety and add a level of complexity to the wedding planning process.
Budget planning is the unsung hero of the wedding planning process. It might not be the most glamorous part, but it's crucial. Before you even start touring venues, sit down and figure out what you can realistically afford.
Don't set yourself up for disappointment by falling in love with a venue that's way out of your budget. Stick to places where the math works, and it'll save you a lot of stress.
#2 Talk to Friends & Family
Think about spaces that friends & family have gotten married. Or, a wedding venue they’ve attended as a guest and really enjoyed. They can be a goldmine of information. If someone you know had a wedding in the Columbia SC area, ask them about their venue.
Would they recommend it?
What were the highlights and challenges?
Real experiences from people you trust can guide you in the right direction.
#3 Explore Online Resources
In the age of technology, information is at your fingertips.
Search for “Columbia SC Wedding Venue”.
You might find spaces that you didn’t even know existed.
Look for blog posts, articles, and social media posts that share firsthand experiences and insights.
Read Reviews, explore virtual tours, photos, and any additional details that might not be covered on a venue’s website. The internet is a treasure trove of information waiting to guide you in making an informed decision about your dream wedding venue.
#4: Read FAQ Pages
Venues often have Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages on their websites. Take the time to read through them. It can provide valuable insights into the venue's policies, restrictions, and what's included in their packages.
This upfront knowledge can save you from surprises later in the process.
#5: Don’t Be Shy
When you go on venue tours, be open and honest.
Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions. This is your special day, and you deserve to know everything you need to make an informed decision. Venues are used to answering these questions, so don't worry about offending anyone.
It's better to get all the information upfront than be surprised later on.
Finding the perfect wedding venue in Columbia SC might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be an exciting journey. Stick to your budget, leverage the experiences of friends and family, use the power of technology, read FAQ pages, and be assertive during venue tours. Remember, the ideal venue is out there waiting for you, and when you find it, all the effort will be worth it. Happy venue hunting!
Considering The FARM 1780?
Here’s a link to our FAQ page - we cover the ideal budget for couples getting married out here in the list of questions. We also post all of our pricing & inclusions directly online so you don’t have to wait for us to send you pricing or come to a tour to find it out. It’s right at your fingertips!
You can find reviews on our website, but also on our google page along with photos and other information.
During a tour, we’ll give you undivided attention. Feel free to ask all the questions you need so that you are comfortable making the best decision for your big celebration!