Are you beginning to start planning your dream wedding? That starts with finding the perfect venue—and a Wedding Open House is one of the best ways to experience all a venue has to offer. At The Hidden Abbey, we understand that during our typical tours, a blank space can make it hard to envision how your big day will look in our space. That’s why we host our Wedding Open House in January, where we transform the space into a beautifully decorated showcase of possibilities.
If you’re wondering what a Wedding Open House entails and why it’s worth attending, this is your blog! We will take you through what to expect, the questions you should ask, and the benefits of seeing the venue set up for a wedding with different decorated tables and spaces before making your decision (or even after you’ve already booked!).
What Happens During a Wedding House?
A Wedding Open House is an opportunity for engaged couples to tour our venue at their leisure, without the formal structure of a guided tour. It’s a relaxed environment where you can take your time really exploring the different spaces and imagining how it could look on your special day.
Here’s what sets our Wedding Open House apart:
- Décor on Display: The space is styled with different color schemes and décor setups using items directly from our décor closet, which is included in our two top wedding packages (or the décor is available to rent separately if not offered in your package choice). From table settings to backdrops, you’ll get a firsthand look at how our décor can bring beauty to your wedding day.
- Staff On-Site: Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are available throughout the open house to answer any questions you have, whether it’s about pricing, layout options, or décor options.
- Open to All: Not only is this great event for potential clients, but we also encourage our already-booked couples to bring family and friends to help them visualize the space and start brainstorming ideas for their big day!
Unlike our regular 45-minute tours, where you typically see the venue in its blank state, an open house gives you a real sense of what your wedding could look like. It’s a perfect way to get inspired and make more informed decisions about your event.
Why Attend a Wedding Open House
If you’re on the fence about attending, here are a few reasons why it’s a must:
- See the Space in Action:
During regular tours, the space is often empty, or tables and chairs are set up with no linens or décor. This can be challenging to visualize how everything will come together. At an open house, you get to see our venue dressed up with all our different décor, helping you envision your ceremony and draw inspiration from the different items and color schemes.
- Explore the Décor Closet:
One of the biggest benefits of our venue is our décor closet, which is stocked with everything from centerpieces, arches, signs, garlands, and more! Seeing most of these items displayed in the space can help you decide which pieces you’d like to incorporate into your wedding and inspire you with color schemes or themes you may not have considered.
- Ask Questions on the Spot:
With staff on hand, you have the chance to ask any questions that may pop up as you explore the venue spaces. Wondering how much time you have to set up? Need clarification on what’s included in our packages? Curious about how the décor rental works? We’re here to help and ensure you are leaving confident about knowing exactly what is included in our wedding rentals.
- A Chance to Involve Family and Friends:
For already-booked clients, open houses are a great opportunity to bring family and friends that haven’t seen our venue yet. Having their input can be invaluable, and it’s a fun way to get everyone excited for the big day!
5. Discover Amenities:
Open houses also give you a chance to explore the amenities that The Hidden Abbey has to offer, from our bridal dressing rooms to our overnight suites. Knowing what’s available can help you better plan your day and take full advantage of everything the venue provides.
Questions to Ask During a Wedding Open House
Coming prepared with questions can help you make the most of your time at the open house. Here are a few to get you started:
- What is included in your wedding packages?
Ask about what’s included in your chosen package (or the packages you’re interested in) to avoid surprises down the road. At the Hidden Abbey, we are transparent with our pricing and you can find all the details about our weddings here!
- How does the setup process work?
This is a good opportunity to ask who will handle setup and teardown—staff or you with your family or friends—and how much time is allotted for decorating.
- What are the layout options for the space?
Explore different ways to arrange the tables, chairs, and décor to suit your needs, guest count, and event flow. We know what works and doesn’t within our space.
- Can we get married and have our reception all at the venue?
Asking this question will help you determine if the venue is a one-stop shop for your big day, saving the time and hassle for both you and your guests. Knowing this can help you plan a seamless schedule and avoid the need for additional transportation.
- How does the venue handle unexpected weather (for outdoor spaces)?
If you’re considering an outdoor wedding ceremony, ask about backup plans or accommodations for inclement weather.
- Do we have to decide on all the options we want upon booking, or can we add options later?
This is a great question to ask if you’re not ready to finalize every detail upfront. For example, if you’re on the fence about whether you want to add the day before or an overnight suite, you can add it later if you decide to move forward with a particular option. Understanding the venue’s flexibility allows you to take your time deciding on upgrades, giving you room to adjust plans as your vision evolves.
- Are there restrictions on vendors or decorations?
Knowing if you’re required to use specific vendors or if there are limits on certain décor (like candles or hanging items) will help you plan more effectively.
Pro Tip: Come Prepared!
To make the most of the open house, consider bringing along:
- A Notebook or Phone: It is always handy to jot down notes, ideas, and inspiration as you tour the space. Take pictures with your phone of certain color schemes and décor setups.
- Your Vision or Pinterest Board: If you already have some ideas in mind, use the open house to compare your vision with what’s available from our décor closet and get additional inspiration.
- Measurements: If you’re thinking about using a certain space or piece of décor, bring the measurements and possibly a measuring tape to ensure everything will fit seamlessly into the space.
Final Thoughts: Experience the Venue Like Never Before
A Wedding Open House is more than just a chance to see the space—it’s an opportunity to imagine your big day in full details, ask questions, and get excited about what’s to come. Whether you’re a prospective client looking for the perfect wedding venue or one of our booked couple excited about showing off the space to family and friends, our open houses offer something for everyone!
So, grab your list of questions, bring along your support crew, and come ready to be inspired. We can’t wait to show you The Hidden Abbey and all that is possible to bring your wedding vision to life! Register today for our FREE Open House by clicking here!
The Hidden Abbey Event Center is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about planning a wedding locally. We want to give a special thanks to some amazing wedding venues across the United States who inspire us and help support our venue. We are also thrilled to support other wedding venue owners from around the country with a shout out in each of our blogs. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
Sounds great…. Supporting a local wedding venue. Cyndi. Admiral Room