Have you and your partner decided to have a country club wedding? If so, you probably get excited about your big day’s details. Before you get too deep into the planning, though, there are some things that you should know about country club weddings. By learning these things before you start planning, you will be able to enjoy your wedding event more and may even save some money in the process.
Country Club Wedding: What You Need to Know
If you’re set on having a country club wedding, here are some things you need to know before planning to get the most out of your experience and ensure that you get the best possible outcome from this exciting day.
Choosing the right date
When choosing the date for your country club wedding, there are a few things you need to consider.
- The first is the weather. If you’re set on having an outdoor ceremony, you’ll want to ensure the forecast calls for clear skies.
- The second is availability. Call around to different country clubs and see what dates they have open that fit within your timeline.
- The third is cost. Some country clubs charge by an event instead of by the day. If this is the case, look at when their other events will be taking place and choose a time when you won’t have any competition for guests.
- The fourth thing to consider is how much time everyone has off work before or after your big day.
The dress code
Before planning your country club wedding, it’s essential to know the dress code. For men, this usually means a suit or tuxedo. The dress code is usually more flexible for women, but you should avoid anything too casual or revealing. If you’re unsure what to wear, ask the venue for guidance. They’ll be able to tell you if they have any restrictions on colors, types of dresses, etc. They may also offer rentals or discounts on clothing in their store that would work well with their dress code guidelines.
Setting up your decor
If you’re planning a country club wedding, chances are you’re going for a chic, elegant affair. To ensure your decor is on point, start by determining the venue’s policy on outside vendors. That way, you’ll know if you need to bring in an outside caterer or floral designer. It also helps you determine how much space you have to work with and how many tables and chairs to rent.
Plus, it helps you budget accordingly. Next, get your hands on the menu to plan which appetizers, entrees, and desserts you want to serve. And finally, pick up some extra decorations like wedding centerpieces, tablecloths, and candles so that everything comes together seamlessly on the big day.
Parking options and directions
Before you can start planning your dream country club wedding, you need to make sure that your guests will be able to find parking. Check with the country club to see if they offer off-site parking. They may have valet or overflow lots where your guests can park for free. The country club should also provide detailed directions, so check there. It’s always a good idea to test these routes before the big day. Make sure it’s clear what entrance is best for guests to enter through when driving up to the country club.
Accommodating guests with Special Dietary Needs
When it comes to weddings, it’s essential to accommodate all of your guests, including those with special dietary needs. For instance, if you’re planning on serving chicken as the main dish and someone has a peanut allergy, that person may not be able to enjoy their meal. One way to get around this is by serving an alternate protein or having a vegetarian option for those who can’t eat meat. Another thing to keep in mind when accommodating different diets is to make sure there are plenty of foods available that don’t require preparation, like fruits, vegetables, chips, crackers, etc.
The third idea is to offer items like gluten-free loaves of bread and portions of pasta or rice dishes as another option. And finally, always provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages at the bar. So, people can still have something to drink while they wait for food service.
Pros of Country Club Wedding
There are many reasons you should choose to have your wedding at a country club, and here are four of the best ones.
Flexibility
One of the best things about having a country club wedding is its flexibility. Unlike other venues, country clubs often have multiple spaces that can be used for both the ceremony and reception. You can tailor the event to your specific needs and budget. The venue can also host events with different themes without much effort. If you want to feel like royalty on your big day, they will likely be able to accommodate this.
Professionalism
A country club wedding comes with an air of sophistication and professionalism that can be hard to find elsewhere. For one, the venue is likely to be well-maintained and picture-perfect, providing a stunning backdrop for your event. What’s more, the staff at a country club are typically experienced in hosting weddings and other significant events. So, rest assured that your big day will go off without a hitch.
Privacy
When you have a country club wedding, you are essentially renting out the entire space for the day. This means that you and your guests will run the place without worrying about other people being around. You can also rest assured that the staff will be there to take care of everything, so you can relax and enjoy your big day.
Beauty
When you have your wedding at a country club, you can guarantee the venue will be wonderful. Most country clubs take pride in their grounds and ensure everything is perfect for their members and guests. This means you won’t have to worry about the decorations or the setting because it will already be taken care of. Plus, if there are any changes you want to make on-site, the professionals at the country club will know how to handle them.
Cons of a Country Club Wedding
Let’s take a look at the cons of a country club wedding.
Cost
While country club weddings may offer various services and amenities, they can also be costly. In addition to the cost of renting the space, you’ll also need to factor in things like catering, decorations, and entertainment. And if you’re planning on having a large wedding, the cost can quickly add up. You might consider finding an alternative venue that offers more affordable options.
Parking
Parking is limited for most country club weddings, and valet service is unavailable. This can be frustrating for guests, especially those from out of town. Guests also need to adhere to the strict dress code set by the country club, which may not match their style or comfort level. Finally, the restaurant at many country clubs closes at 8 pm. Thus people have to make reservations well in advance, or they will have no choice but to go elsewhere after their event.
Low-key photography opportunities
One of the biggest cons of having a country club wedding is the lack of low-key photography opportunities. This can be frustrating for couples who want to have more candid, natural photos. You also won’t have as many places you can take pictures without obstructing other guests or venues in the background. If you hope to take lots of photos with your friends and family before or after the ceremony, this may not be the best place for you.
Having to worry about time
When planning a country club wedding, you’ll need to be mindful of time constraints. Most country clubs have strict policies about when events can start and end. For example, if you plan on starting your event at 7 pm, it will likely end by 10 pm. That’s not much time for people to enjoy themselves before it’s over!
The 8 Best Country Club Wedding Decorations on Budget
Here are eight country club wedding decorations that won’t break the bank. They will also help your guests know they’re in for an unforgettable night.
- Windowsills
For a country club wedding that won’t break the bank, try decorating your windowsills with mason jars filled with wildflowers. This simple decoration will add a touch of rustic charm to your big day. Plus, mason jars are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can also use mason jars as mini flower vases for table capes. Fill them with water and cut out fabric flowers for an adorable centerpiece!
- Lanterns
Lanterns are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your country club wedding without spending a lot of money. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find ones that fit your theme and budget. Plus, they can be used both indoors and outdoors. Get them personalized with a monogram or a date for an extra-special touch.
- Tablecloths
A tablecloth is one of the inexpensive ways to make your country club wedding look elegant. Some weddings feature different patterns on every table for added interest and variety. You can also choose from satin, tulle, lace, or organza fabric types, depending on what fits your venue best.
- Hanging Foil Balloons
Hanging foil balloons are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your country club wedding without spending a lot of money. They come in various colors and can be hung from the ceiling or walls. Plus, they’re easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
You’ll need a clear fishing line and some tape to hang your foil balloons. Start by tying a knot at the end of the fishing line. Then, use the video to attach the line to the ceiling or wall.
- Table Numbers and Name Cards
Please don’t skimp on the table numbers and name cards when it comes to your country club wedding decorations! Having these professionally done will make a big impression on your guests. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your unique style. Opt for gold or silver foil lettering for an extra elegant touch.
- DIY Wedding Centerpieces
Creating your centerpieces is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding. Try using mason jars or wooden boxes filled with wildflowers for a country club wedding. Add a string of Christmas lights as well for some extra sparkle. Other easy ways to decorate are by draping fabric over tree branches and hanging up strings of paper lanterns. You can also use the filling glass vases with flowers.
- Candles
Candles are classic wedding decorations and for a good reason. They’re romantic and elegant and add a touch of ambiance to any space. But if you’re on a budget, fear not! There are plenty of ways to incorporate candles into your decor without spending a fortune. One way is using candle chandeliers that use tea lights or votives instead of expensive tapers. Another idea is to buy plain white candles and tie the tulle around them.
To make them look fancier, dip the top in gold glitter before putting it in the vase or jar where they’ll be displayed. Order pillar candle holders from Sziqiqi – this will allow you to call them in bulk, saving money in the long run.
- Photo Booth Props
A photo booth is a great way to add fun and excitement to your wedding reception. But if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to spend much money to get great props. Here are a few of our favorite props that won’t break the bank:
- Camera Prop – Pick up a new disposable camera at your local grocery store or drugstore.
- Hula Hoop – These are available in all shapes and sizes at stores like Target or Walmart.
- Yarn Ball – You can make these out of any color yarn. Just be sure to use a sturdy thread that won’t break easily.
Final Words
Weddings are supposed to be about the couple coming together as husband and wife, but planning any event can get stressful if you aren’t prepared! With so many details to think about—venue, catering, wedding dress, and much more—it’s easy to forget things along the way. To ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch, keep these tips in mind when planning your country club wedding.