10 Vital Questions When Selecting Your Lansing Wedding Venue

Don’t book your Lansing wedding venue without asking these questions!

Are you planning a Lansing wedding and on the hunt for your venue? Don’t leave it to guesswork — it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you book the very best venue for your dream wedding. After all, it only happens once! Here are ten to include as you tour properties and consider your options!

What is the capacity?

Your proposed headcount is the number one factor to consider when choosing a venue for your Lansing wedding. A venue that is too small will require trimming the guest list, whereas a venue that is too large can feel empty for smaller celebrations.

At Northfork Estate, we can accommodate up to 300 seated guests — the perfect size for weddings of all sizes. Always be sure to ask about the maximum headcount when touring Lansing wedding venues — it’s better to know before it’s too late!

Is parking available onsite? How much space is there?

Logistics can get tricky at venues that are located in busy downtown areas that offer limited parking. That leaves guests to figure out how to get to the venue and leave their car for the duration of the event. 

We prioritize guest comfort and have plenty of space, so we provide plenty of free parking in a large, lighted area. Throughout the event, we offer a golf cart shuttle to transport guests between the main venue and the parking lot for easy access. 

What is the backup plan for rain or inclement weather?

Nobody wants rain on their wedding day, but it makes life much easier when you know you have a backup plan! Otherwise, you and your wedding party may be left scrambling to figure out a way to keep the party going while staying dry.

As an indoor/outdoor venue, rest assured we always have a Plan B ready to go in case of bad weather! We’re experienced in maintaining the flow of an event while moving an outdoor celebration indoors due to rain, heat, or other inclement weather. Our team is always ready to move at the drop of a hat to ensure you and your guests are cared for if the plans change.

Is the venue ADA accessible? Does it have easy transportation options?

If you are inviting guests who rely on wheelchairs or have trouble walking, it’s essential to book a Lansing wedding venue that is ADA accessible and ensures that handicapped guests are able to enjoy their time onsite. 

At the Northfork Estate, we are proud to offer a golf cart escort service from the parking lot to the venue site to shuttle guests through our beautiful property. We also have legally designated handicapped parking closer to the venue.

We have also ensured guest comfort by ensuring our state-of-the-art restrooms are fully handicap-accessible. We’re here to make it as easy as possible on your guests because their experience matters!

What else is included in the fee besides the space?

When you are investing thousands of dollars into a beautiful wedding venue, wouldn’t you want to get more bang for your buck? Many venues charge you a flat rate for the space rental, only to throw on additional fees and upcharges for things like setting up tables and chairs or hosting your ceremony onsite.

We are here to make your life easier as you plan your big day! When you book The Northfork Estate for your Lansing wedding, you can expect to pay around $9,200 for the rehearsal time, entire property (including 9,000 sq. ft. venue and 50 acres of private estate), rentals including chairs & tables, golf cart and shuttle service, day-of coordination, coordination with vendors, planning, tear down & more. We also include all of our onsite decor, including arches, uplighting, vases.

Do you have your own sound equipment and speakers, or will those need to be rented or provided by the entertainment?

A memorable celebration is all about entertainment and, for couples planning a Lansing wedding, it typically involves a fair bit of coordination to pull off a party to remember. Some venues are built with A/V in mind, whereas others are not.

We have outdoor speakers that your DJ or band may use to stream music on the outdoor patio during your event. We are also happy to work with your entertainment provider to determine whether there are additional needs for A/V equipment and/or power generators.

How many hours are included in the rental?

Ask any married couple: Your wedding day will go by in a flash. There is seemingly so much to do beyond saying “I do” that you’ll want to have more time onsite to soak it all in! Six- and eight-hour packages don’t cut it — by the time the cake is cut, guests will be thinking about heading home.

Consider The Northfork Estate as party central. We want your guests to enjoy their time here and stay a while! Our Friday and Sunday wedding packages provide 12 hours onsite, whereas Saturday allows for 14 hours onsite. That way, you don’t have to feel rushed and can enjoy your Lansing wedding to its fullest!

Do you have a list of preferred vendors?

Many venues are happy to share their preferred vendors that they’ve worked with in the past, so it’s always nice to ask for recommendations! Be careful, though — some venues require exclusive vendors for their site, which will tie you into using a specific company.

When you book your Lansing wedding at The Northfork Estate, you will receive a preferred vendor list upon booking. We are also happy to make introductions! However, you are welcome to bring in any vendors you hire as long as they are licensed, insured, and approved by our team. 

Will your staff be involved in setting up and breaking down the décor? In what capacity?

When the celebration has come and gone, you’re going to be exhausted by the end of the night. And, for many couples, you likely have plans immediately following — whether it’s checking into your night-of suite or shuttling off to the airport for your honeymoon. Who wants to stick around and clean up the trash left behind?

We’ve got you covered! Our team will handle all clean-up and trash removal throughout and following the wedding reception, in addition to tearing down tables, chairs, and linens after the event. That way, you can be off to your happily ever after without worrying about a thing!

More about The Northfork Estate

The Northfork Estate is a Lansing wedding venue that allows you to have a  customized wedding that matches your wedding vision. You can bring in your own catering, your own alcohol, and your own vendors. We have a gorgeous property with an onsite bridal suite and plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces. Owner Marta is very experienced and can help you as a wedding coordinator as well.

Ask the right questions so that you can plan the perfect Lansing wedding!

Planning a wedding is a lot of work, but booking the venue is one of the most important steps! If you ever have any questions about Lansing wedding venues, don’t hesitate to reach out — we are happy help on your search!

9891 North Fork Way, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

We’d like to thank our photographers who provided gorgeous photography on our website: Michelle Lippert Photography and Emily Hary Photography