Questions to Ask Before Touring a Nashville Barn Wedding Venue
You've been scrolling through barn venue photos for weeks, but nothing replaces walking through the actual space where you'll say your vows. Asking the right questions during your venue tour will help you avoid surprises and ensure you can envision your wedding day clearly.
Barn in the Bend has given hundreds of venue tours, and the couples who ask thoughtful questions always make better decisions. Here's what you should be thinking about before you visit any Nashville barn wedding venue.
Space Flow and Guest Experience Questions
Ask how guests move from the ceremony to the cocktail hour to the reception. Our covered wedding chapel seats 150+ with overflow, but you'll want to see how that transitions to your reception space. Walk the path your guests will take and notice if it feels natural.
Find out about the actual capacity numbers with context. When we say our climate-controlled party barn seats up to 225 people, that's for reception dining. Understanding the difference between ceremony capacity, cocktail capacity, and seated dinner capacity helps you plan accurately.
Whatβs Included vs What Costs Extra
This is where couples may be surprised later. Ask specifically what furniture comes with your booking. We include antique couches, mirrors, farm tables with cross-back chairs, and round tables with resin chairs, plus access to our prop room.
Find out about setup and breakdown. We include customizable setup and breakdown of tables and chairs as part of the package, while some venues may charge extra for this service. Also, ask about things like Italian string lights and ceiling draping since these can be major rental expenses elsewhere.
Vendor and Service Coordination
Ask about the wedding director's role and when they get involved. Our wedding director meets with couples 30 to 40 days before the wedding, conducts the rehearsal, and coordinates with vendors through your exit. Understanding this timeline helps you plan your vendor bookings.
Find out about kitchen facilities. Our two large catering prep areas with refrigeration accommodate professional caterers, but you'll want to see the actual space and understand any restrictions.
Practical Logistics That Matter on Wedding Day
Ask about parking and guest access. We provide ample parking space and can arrange parking attendant services, but every venue handles this differently. Also, check about indoor restrooms since outdoor venues don't always have adequate facilities.
Location questions matter more than you might think. We're 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, 15 minutes from the Grand Ole Opry, and 30 minutes from the airport. Understanding drive times helps with guest planning and vendor coordination.
Photography and Timeline Flexibility
Ask about photo location access. Our 40-acre farm provides full access for engagement and wedding day photography, including gardens, a pergola, a waterfall, and fish pond areas. Some venues restrict photo locations or charge extra fees.
Ask about the timing flexibility for different package options. Our micro wedding packages include 4 hours on the property with additional time available, while other celebrations might have different time restrictions.
Package Options and Service Combinations
Understand what "all-inclusive" actually means at each venue. We offer various service combinations, from basic venue rental to comprehensive packages that include everything from officiants to photography coverage.
Ask about micro wedding and elopement options if you're considering a smaller celebration. Our packages accommodate everything from intimate 30-minute ceremonies to longer celebrations with 50 guests or fewer.
Conclusion:
The right venue tour questions help you understand exactly what you're booking and how your wedding day will actually flow. Come prepared to ask about the specifics that matter to your celebration.
Ready to tour Barn in the Bend and ask these important questions? Call us at (615) 210-0646 or email barninthebend@gmail.com to schedule your visit.
FAQs
Q: What should we bring to our venue tour?
A: Bring your guest count estimate, preferred wedding date options, and any specific vendor requirements. This helps us show you the most relevant spaces and discuss appropriate package options.
Q: How long do venue tours typically take?
A: Plan for about an hour to see all our spaces, including the climate-controlled party barn, covered chapel, bridal suite, and groom's quarters, and outdoor areas like our gardens and pergola.
Q: Can we see examples of different setup configurations?
A: Yes, we can show you how our space accommodates different guest counts and explain our customizable setup options for tables, chairs, and ceremony arrangements.
Q: What's the best time to schedule a venue tour?
A: We recommend touring during the time of day you're considering for your wedding, so you can see natural lighting and understand how the Nashville skyline views change throughout the day.