Questions to ask during a Camp Wedding Tour
Now I know a lot of you brides have been dreaming of a camp wedding at your favorite summer camp. I recently discussed the idea with my sister while hashing out further details… We could not imagine getting married at our summer camp. Let’s just say the accommodations are a step above sleeping outdoors with nothing that being said I rather sleep in a tent than the open teepees they boast. My fiancé and I are planning a camp destination wedding near my fiancé’s family. So our first step was to find a camp.
Well while looking at venues in the beautiful __________
area I realized that my non-platinum wedding budget wouldn’t get me in the door
of some of these places. They are gorgeous luxurious and expensive. The location
we are currently looking at is none other than ___________! It has gorgeous
grounds and enough to host around 200 creatively placed (meaning if some people
are into the whole massive sleepover in the programs room then yes 200).
These are still camp facilities but it has a gorgeous lodge
with stunning terraces over looking the lake. I cannot wait. But oh yes… the
hitch before we can be hitched. They have never hosted a wedding. So not only
do I need to ask sensitive questions about hanging décor but walk thinly to
prove that yes we will take the utmost care of your facility while hosting the
most magnificent wedding bash ever.
*Note some of these questions you will not have to ask or do
since you probably live with in driving distance. I have never physically been
to the site so disregard the crazy details.
the questions
the questions
The Layout:
Map out where cabins are do they have numbers? Where in
relation are the shower facilities, bathrooms, bathhouses, lake, lodge, craft
rooms, picnic areas, and amphitheaters? Draw them in detail so you can make a
user friendly map later on! Ask if they have a bird’s eye view of the camp to
better render a drawing. (or do as I did before touring... look at google earth!) Note if there are any areas that would be
friendlier for Grandparents. Do they have a map of the area? This will save a
lot of hassle.
Bathhouses
Do we need
to bring our own towels? assuming yes but hey you never know
Toilet paper, paper towels, see if
there are areas to set out readily available things like shampoo, bug wipes,
sunscreen.
Do they have mirrors? Are there two
or do we need to set hours or designate one as boys or girls.
How many toilets are there? In the
camps _________ in the lodge ___________ have this number down to see if
port-a-johns/potties are necessary
How many shower stalls? In the
camps _________ in the lodge______________
Are there outlets in the bathrooms?
Lights? Outdoors lights for night time visits?
Soap?
Path lights?
Cabin Sites
Do they
have outlets?
Do they
have mattresses?
Can the
beds be moved for couples wanting to sleep next to each other?
Do they
have windows for ventilation?
How many
per cabin?
Total:
Count of
fire pits/picnic tables
Tent Cabins Sites
Do they
have mattresses?
Can the
beds be moved for couples wanting to sleep next to each other?
Do they
have windows for ventilation?
How many
per cabin?
Total:
Count of
fire pits/picnic tables
Bring you own tent Sites
How many
campers per site?
How big is
the site?
Do they
have mattresses?
Count of
fire pits/picnic tables
Total
Do they
allow rvs or is there room for rv parking
Parking lot & Outdoor areas
How many
cars can fit?
Is it
lighted?
How do we use the gate for the
wedding day? Would it be all right to leave it unlocked until the reception
starts?
Signs to getting here and going how
many would we need how many left how many right arrows? Where is a good spot
for the you’ve gone to far marker?
Are they marked parking spots?
Would you like us to chalk them before people arrive?
Is there a place to put ice chests?
Do you have wagons for transporting items that we could rent?
Are there bike trails near by? Do
you allow biking on hiking trails?
Fire permits needed? What are the
current regulations for fire nights etc.
Where is the closest hotel?
Where is the closest church?
What do the grounds look like in
late/early summer?
Outdoor area for sports?
Would canoeing be an option to rent
during our preferred time?
Are there any areas that we do not
have access to? Should we put signs up to remind guest?
Do you have a sample-cooking menu
of what is fixed for the campers for food? We would love to give nod to the summer
camp style and maybe incorporate that into our menu.
What kind of cooking equipment do
we have access to? How many pans/pots/bowls etc.? Do you have cutlery and
plates? Dishwasher or do you prefer us to use
compostable products during the
rest of the week?
Where do we keep the trash?
Recycling? Compost?
Dish soap? Towels?
Lodge:
How many can sleep here?
Restrooms?
Sign in area/ check in area?
How many tables? Dimensions? Extra
tables for food, place cards, cake table etc?
Room measurements
Chairs and couch able to be dressed
up? Or removed?
Cocktail hour on the deck?
Dance floor location measurements?
Ceiling height?
Décor?
Lounge area?
Doors that can open for more room?
/flow? For more intimate lounge area etc?
Insurance company for event insurance?
3- 24 hour time chunks Thursday at
3PM-Sunday at 3PM Can we add hours last minute if need be?
Craft room capacity for crafts?
Area for a board game room?
Book exchange bookcase?
Guess What! Reading the fine print
helps! The camp we are looking at demonstrates before hand to show them how to
work everything!! Double dance!
Remember: The hitch at least in at this location is that we will be possibly renting a lot of extra things that some venues included. Make sure that your killer deal won't mean your pockets are empty because of rental fees.
