Let’s face it, planning a wedding can be overwhelming. But fear not, lovebirds! Whether you’re a Type-A personality who has color-coded spreadsheets for the big day or you’re just winging it (hey, it happens), we’ve got your back. We know choosing the perfect venue is a big decision, so we’ve come up with a few tips to help you get the most out of touring with us:
1. Discuss Details & Budget.
The elephant in the room when it comes to wedding planning – 
We get it; talking money can be stressful, but it’s important to know your max budget before touring. Have an honest conversation with your partner and whoever’s pitching in cost-wise to figure out how much you’re willing to spend on the venue. Keep in mind, we also have in-house catering, so you’re really working with two parts of the budget.
Ask yourself – if I really love this venue, how much am I willing to spend on it? Is there another category I can save on to get my dream venue?
When it comes to food, costs vary based on the meal service and bar. Buffet is most cost-effective at Cypress Grove, and plated entrees are priced based on the protein. Bars vary in price; we have five levels to choose from so there’s a good fit for just about every budget.
Pro tip: Check out or handy budget calculator here! You can play around with different guest counts and meal types to see what works best for your budget.
2. Schedule an appointment.
It’s always best to schedule a time to stop by. Not only does it guarantee your slot, but we’ll have everything prepped for you: info on your date availability, packages that work best for your budget, and we can make catering recommendations best suited for your event. If you choose to pop in without a heads up, there’s a chance we’ll be hosting a photoshoot, another tour, or an event. Yes, we host events seven days a week 
You’re probably wondering – can we schedule a tour on the weekend?
The short answer – it depends! There’s a good chance we’re booked for an event, but if that’s the case, we may be able to get you in before the bride arrives. We try our best to accommodate weekend tours, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Keep that in mind when scheduling, especially if you’re coming from out of town.
Pro tip – be courteous and let us know if you can no longer make your scheduled tour (we understand plans change). This allows us to open up the slot for someone on the waitlist.
3. Get Smart About Your Wedding Venue.
Jot down a few essential questions and amenities you want in a venue before heading to your appointment. It’s the best way to ensure you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
Remember that elephant we mentioned earlier? Well… there are actually two elephants at Cypress Grove. The other one? Rain.
Cypress Grove is 100% outdoors so there’s no indoor backup. We hear it all the time – it’s not going to rain on OUR wedding day 
In reality, there’s a good chance it will rain on your wedding day {that’s Florida for you, especially in Spring and Summer} so be prepared for the “tent talk”. They’re highly encouraged and can be just as beautiful as the venue itself with the right details. Think of it as an insurance plan! We don’t rent these out ourselves, but we know a great vendor that can help!
Not sure where to start with a tent? Check out some quick tips here!
4. Have Fun.
Don’t forget the most important part of wedding planning – HAVE FUN! Sure, it can get stressful, but keep your eyes on the prize and remember why you’re doing this in the first place: throwing the best party to celebrate you and your partner 
5. The Follow Up.
After your tour, we’ll check in to get your thoughts and see if we’re still a good fit. Courtesy Clause: extend the same courtesy to us as we’ve extended to you by keeping the lines of communication open after the tour. It’s completely alright to let us know if we’re not the right fit or if you need more time to make a decision. We’d never ignore your questions, calls, or emails, and hope you’d show us the same level of respect 😊
Happy hunting, and if you need a hand or have questions before your tour… holla at us!