QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING YOUR WEDDING VENUE TOURS (from a Columbus Wedding Venue that has seen it all!)
There’s a moment that happens during almost every tour here at French Hen Farm…
You step onto the property, take a breath, and suddenly… it feels real!
You can picture your ceremony, your people gathered enjoying the day, the music, the laughter, the in-between moments... It’s no longer just planning—it’s your wedding day coming to life!
And while we love that feeling (it’s why we do what we do!), we also gently remind our couples of something important:
A beautiful venue is just the beginning!
The experience behind it is what truly matters!
If you’re touring wedding venues in Columbus, Ohio or searching for the perfect central Ohio wedding venue, here are the questions we always encourage couples to ask—so you can choose with confidence!
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RENTAL FEE??
This is one of the most important—and often most overlooked—questions.
Not all Columbus wedding venues include the same things, and what’s not included can quickly add up!
Ask:
Are tables and chairs provided? Linens?
Is setup and teardown included? Or will we be required to do that?
Do you offer décor or styling pieces? Is there a cost?
At French Hen Farm, we believe your day should feel effortless and elevated—not like you or your family are managing rentals and logistics behind the scenes. We take care of set up and tear down. And tables, chairs, linens, decor, photo booth, arbors, centerpieces, etc, etc, etc is ALL included. No additional cost! A HUGE savings for you!
HOW MUCH TIME DO WE GET?
Time shapes your entire wedding experience.
When touring a central Ohio wedding venue, be sure to ask:
When can we arrive to start getting ready?
How much time is included in our booking? Day? Night before? Weekend?
Is there time built in for a relaxed morning?
When does the evening need to end?
The difference between a rushed timeline and a relaxed, joy-filled day often comes down to this detail alone.
At French Hen Farm we give you the weekend! Friday at noon, (have your rehearsal & rehearsal dinner here!) all day Saturday and until noon Sunday. We want you and your family to have a relaxed fun filled wedding weekend! Not a stressful “limited hours” wedding day.
WHAT DOES A WEDDING DAY FLOW LOOK LIKE HERE?
Every venue has its own rhythm—and the best ones are designed with intention.
Ask them to walk you through:
Where will you get ready. Is there a space for both the bride and the groom?
How guests will arrive and be welcomed
How the ceremony transitions into cocktail hour and reception
As a boutique wedding venue, we’ve thoughtfully designed each space with intention and to flow naturally, so your day feels seamless from beginning to end. We have beautiful spaces for the ladies and gentlemen to relax and get ready. Lots of details throughout the venue for your guests to experience.
DO YOU HAVE PREFERRED VENDORS?
Your vendor team plays a huge role in your day of experience.
Ask:
Are we required to choose from a list?
Can we bring in our own vendors?
Who do you trust and recommend?
When a venue has strong relationships with experienced Columbus wedding vendors, it often means a smoother, more enjoyable wedding day for you. We have a great list to get you started. You aren’t required to use them, but a great place to start!
WHAT’S THE PLAN FOR WEATHER?
Ohio weather definitely keeps us on our toes—so this question matters!
Ask:
What happens if it rains?
Is there an indoor ceremony option that feels just as special?
Who handles the transition?
You should feel just as excited about your backup plan as your original one. We make sure all options are ready and equally beautiful!
HOW DO CATERING AND BAR SERVICES WORK?
Food and drink are such a meaningful part of how your guests experience your day.
When touring wedding venues in Columbus, Ohio, ask:
Do you allow outside catering?
Is there a prep kitchen onsite?
What bar options are available?
Are there rules and regulations around the bar? Minimums?
Clarity here ensures your vision—and your guest experience—align perfectly.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
Every venue has guidelines, and understanding them early helps avoid surprises later.
Be sure to ask about:
End times or noise ordinances
Décor limitations (candles, sparklers, installations)
Guest count minimums and maximums
Any other rules or restrictions?
A well-run venue will be transparent and clear from the beginning.
WHO WILL BE THERE TO SUPPORT US ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
This is the question couples don’t always think to ask—but it makes all the difference.
Ask:
Will someone from the venue be onsite all day?
Who helps manage vendors and timeline?
What level of support can we expect?
Am I required to have a coordinator?
At French Hen Farm, we believe you (and your family) should be fully enjoying your wedding day—not answering questions or solving problems. We are very hands on, making sure your day runs smoothly!
A COUPLE OTHER QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT…
Experience? How long has venue been operating?
Family owned or corporate owned?
There are alot of new venues popping up (we know, we have been doing this for 16 years!) There are ALOT of choices. Make sure you are comfortable with the experience level.
Why does family owned vs corporate owned matter? Family-owned venues tend to provide a more intimate experience than corporate ones due to personalized service, unique charm, and high emotional investment. They typically offer more flexibility, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to make your wedding day perfect, rather than just meeting corporate sales quotas.
And you are supporting the local community!
WHAT MAKES THIS VENUE DIFFERENT?
This is our favorite question—and one we hope every couple asks…
Because beyond the flowers, the views, and the details…
it’s about how a place makes you feel.
When you’re searching for a wedding venue, look for the one that feels warm, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in your experience—not just your date.
Schedule a tour with us and we will show you ALL the things that make us different!
A FINAL THOUGHT
Choosing your venue is more than checking a box—it’s choosing the setting for one of the most meaningful days of your life. It will be the setting of all your memories!
The right wedding venue will not only be beautiful, but will offer guidance, ease, and a sense of calm from the moment you arrive.
And once you choose your venue everything else falls in to place! You will have your place, your date, your vibe!
And when you find that place—the one that feels like it was always meant to be yours—you’ll know!
