Finding The One! Interview with Steven Dickson, Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Expert advice on finding the perfect wedding venue!

I am excited to hear that you are recently engaged! A brand new shiny ring, the love of your life and your wedding day dreams! What an exciting and very special time this is for you! Here comes the big question: where will you celebrate your wedding day? Which venue is the one for you?

The first and most important decision you will make in the wedding planning process is choosing your wedding venue. It sets the vibe, influences your guest list, and is one of the largest parts of your wedding budget! It can feel a little overwhelming, I know! But don’t worry, with our expert guidance and a your vision, you’ll find the perfect spot to say “I do.”

Your venue should serve as the backdrop to your love story. It should feel authentic to who you are as a couple. It should reflect the atmosphere that you feel comfortable in and that you love. Your wedding venue should be a place where your guests will have an exceptional experience. And that can accommodate your guest count! So, where do you begin? Let’s dive into some essential advice:

Define Your Wedding Vision:

Instagram is a great place to start, but before you even think about scrolling through endless pages, sit down with your fiancé and have a heart-to-heart conversation. What kind of wedding do you both want?What’s the theme? Classic and timeless, Rustic and romantic, Chic and modern, Grand and sophisticated, Intimate and Bohemian?

What’s Your Guest Count?

The the next tough question, what’s your approximate guest count? Will be an small, intimate celebration or a 300 person guest count. Create a guest list that is realistic to your vision and your budget. I understand how hard it is to pare down your guest list, but you must be realistic. You cannot invite everyone you know, so keep your guest count to those who you really want to celebrate your special day with.

What’s Your Venue Budget?

Be honest with each other about the amount that you or your parents are comfortable spending. The venue fee will be about 40% of your overall wedding budget. Only look at venues you can afford, otherwise you will be disappointed if you fall in love with a venue that is out of budget. Wedding costs can add up quickly so keep that in mind when choosing your venue.

Are there any must-have amenities or features? Do you want an outdoor ceremony space? Outdoor cocktail hour space? On-site accommodations for guests? Accessibility for guests? Having a very clear picture of your wedding vision will make the venue search much easier and less overwhelming.

Swan House, Atlanta, Georgia – Photo by Haley James Photography

Location, Location, Location

Consider the practicality of the location for you and your guests. Here are some questions to ask yourself. Do you want to have it where you met or grew up, or at a vacation destination? Are there hotels that are affordable nearby for out-of-town guests?Is it easily accessible by air, car, or public transport? Is parking free or paid for?Are there things for your guests to do or to explore in the area? Do you dream of ocean views, mountains, a city skyline, or a charming countryside setting?

Do Your Research

Online research is a great place to start. Check out venue websites, browse photos, and read reviews from past couples. But be careful not to get bogged down with endless options. I suggest narrowing it down to 3 or 4 venues that you would love to see in person.

Schedule Site Visits

Pictures can be beautiful, but can also be deceiving! Zoom’s are helpful but nothing beats walking into a venue in person and feeling right away that this is “the one”! Take note of the following: The overall ambiance and aesthetic. Does it align with your wedding vision? Can you picture your wedding day here?The layout and flow. Is there enough space for your guests, ceremony, and reception? Does it flow logically for your guests?

The condition of the venue.Does it look well-maintained? Is it clean and in good repair? Is the staff friendly, professional, and responsive to your questions? This is important to note because this is a huge indicator of the service you can expect throughout the planning and on your wedding day.

Ask A LOT  of questions!  Inquire about capacity, included items, how many hours of rental time are included, restrictions, vendor policies, vendor recommendations, setup and takedown procedures, and any potential extra costs.

Understand the Contract

Once you’ve found a venue you love, ask for a contract and take the time to thoroughly review the contract before signing it. I recommend having another set of eyes, like a professional wedding planner, peruse it as they will know any red flags to look for! Pay close attention to the following and ask questions! Do not assume anything.

Swan House Wedding Ceremony – Photo by Haley James Photography

Understand your financial obligations and what happens if you need to postpone or cancel, and the timelines for penalties. What’s included in the rental fee. Are the tables, chairs, linens, and basic setup included in the rental fee?

Vendor Requirements. Are you required to use their in-house caterer or bar service? If you use a non-preferred in-house caterer, is there an additional fee? Do they have a preferred vendor list that you need to use? Also do they require you to obtain a wedding insurance policy? I highly recommend that you do!

Trust Your Gut

While practicality and logistics are important, don’t discount your gut feeling. Does the venue feel right to both of you? Can you envision yourselves celebrating with your family and friends there? Does it reflect your love story? Sometimes, that intangible feeling is the most important factor.

Expert Advice

To get more insight into the venue search, I asked Steven Dickson, Private Events Director of Sales, at The Atlanta History Center in Atlanta, Georgia to provide me with information about this beautiful wedding venue. It is one of the most popular, historic and iconic wedding venues in Atlanta, Georgia. I hope you will find his expert advice useful during your wedding planning and wedding venue search!

How long have you been working in the event industry?

My background prior to joining the events team at the Atlanta History Center 13 years ago is predominantly hotel guest service. I have also worked some at theme parks and on a cruise ship. The Atlanta History Center is my first events industry job – I guess they took a chance on me!

Why did you start working in the industry?

I’m a hospitality management graduate from the University of Central Florida, and my passion for guest service goes all the way back to high school. Like many of us in the industry, I’m a people person at heart and genuinely enjoy creating fun for others (yes, it’s a bit cliché — but it’s true!). It was a natural fit to turn that passion into a career, and hospitality management became the perfect path.

What do you love most about working in this industry?

Most of the events we host are celebrations of some sort (weddings, galas, parties, photo shoots, etc.) and the clients are generally in good spirits to work with. Some of my friends in corporate jobs don’t get to surround themselves with as many happy people as I get to.

What should engaged couples know before booking their wedding venue?

Weddings are what you make of them, a reflection of your style, your story, and what brings you joy. While there are traditions many couples love, don’t be afraid to break the mold and try something different, especially if it’s you. You might be surprised at how well unique ideas go over with your guests! Be bold, be brave. Serve cocktails before the ceremony, opt for a cozy family-style dinner, or create a one-of-a-kind theme with fun suggested attire. It’s your celebration, make it unforgettable.

Swan House Gardens – Photo by Haley James Photograpy

What questions should couples ask about when searching for a wedding venue?

As a long-time venue operator, I’ve seen many couples pour their time and emotions into a space, only to realize later that it doesn’t align with their overall wedding budget, and that can be heartbreaking.

One of the first questions I encourage couples to ask a venue: “If I include all costs aside from the gown and rings, what would you expect I spend per guest to host my wedding here?” Multiply that by your guest count and see if that number realistically fits within your budget before investing too much time in tours or planning around a specific venue. It’s a tough conversation many couples avoid because confronting the real costs can be overwhelming. But the earlier you gain clarity around your budget and what various elements cost, the more productive (and less stressful!) your venue search will be.

There truly is a venue for every budget that can still deliver on your dream — it just starts with honest awareness.

Another great question is: “Who do you recommend for vendors?”  A venue is going to know which vendors work the best there. Someone who knows how to load in, how much time it will take to setup there, has a great relationship with the venue, and knows what will work best for your vision, has more value in it than I think newlyweds realize.

When should couples book their venue?

In an ideal world, I think a year and a half in advance is best.  This allows enough time for planning with ease, but I think there is also an enjoyment to wedding planning for some that can be missed if it is panned with shorter notice. Having said that, I have seen many successful weddings get planned at 6 months out with a very good planner. Getting the gown you want tends to be the biggest issue with shorter lead time.

Swan House Staircase – Photo by Haley James Photography

How many weddings do you book a year?

On average we host about 150 weddings per year, including full weddings, receptions, or a ceremony only. They range in size from 10 to 300 guests.

What services do you offer?

We are a facility rental and really just include the areas rented, tables indoors, and we manage the bar service as well.  All other aspects are customizable through the client’s vendors.

What is the most important advice you can give couples about wedding planning?

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important, and most difficult, vendor decisions is your planner. Unlike photographers, DJs, caterers, or florists, whose work you can see, hear, or taste before booking, there’s no way to preview a planner’s organization, communication style, or professionalism.

That’s why I always recommend getting multiple personal recommendations before hiring a wedding planner. A stunning website often reflects the work of a skilled designer and borrowed images from photographers – not necessarily the planner’s own capabilities. I’ve worked with incredible planners who had bare-bones websites, and I’ve worked with disorganized, difficult ones who had polished branding and a massive following.

Talk to friends and family. Ask your vendors who they’ve enjoyed working with. Your venue can always be a great resource too.

Grand Overlook Ballroom, Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, Georgia – Photo by Haley James Photography

What sets you apart from other venues in the Atlanta area?

Atlanta is fortunate to have an incredible variety of venues, from grand and elegant to intimate and cozy, offering something for every couple’s vision. Of course, the Swan House Gardens are truly one of a kind, with its timeless beauty.

Our Grand Overlook Ballroom is another standout; there’s nothing else quite like it in the city. It features a barrel-vaulted ceiling that curves gracefully overhead, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the gardens, and rich hardwood floors. It’s a space that feels both grand and inviting – perfect for a memorable celebration.

Anything else that you think is important for couples to know?

Plan everything sooner than later. It is not too soon to book any vendor and be able to check it off the list.

Where can couples find you, and how can they contact you?

privateevents@atlantahistorycenter.com  

404-814-4090 Atlanta History Center

Swan House Gardens, Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, Georgia – Photo by Haley James Photography

Finding your wedding venue is an exciting first step in your wedding planning journey. I know you are excited and want to get your date booked, but take your time, do your research, and do your due diligence. Enjoy the venue search and the wedding planning process! I hope you find the information that Steven Dickson has provided helpful in your venue search. If you ever feel overwhelmed, contact experienced wedding planner, Gloria Schulz Events, to help you find that perfect place to say “I Do”.