How to Be a Good Guest at Our Venue

Tips to help the couple enjoy a smooth, stress-free celebration

When you’re invited to a wedding at The Venue at Valley View Farm, it means the couple cares about you and wants you to be part of one of the most important days of their lives. Every guest plays a role in how smoothly the day flows — and the kindness, courtesy, and preparation you show help ensure the couple can truly enjoy their moment (and get their damage deposit back!).

Here are some simple but meaningful ways to be an amazing guest at our venue.

1. RSVP Promptly — It Truly Matters

One of the biggest gifts you can give the couple is a timely, accurate RSVP.

• Caterers, seating charts, rental counts, and ceremony layouts depend on your response.

• If the RSVP has a deadline, meet it.

• If your plans change, let the couple know immediately — last-minute surprises create stress for them and extra work for vendors.

2. Arrive on Time (But Not Early!)

Our venue opens to wedding guests 30 minutes before the ceremony, unless the couple has arranged otherwise.

• Arriving too early can interrupt setup and cause unnecessary pressure on the couple, vendors, and staff.

• Arriving late disrupts the ceremony and sometimes forces the couple to delay.

• Plan for country-road driving time and weather.

Aiming to park 10–15 minutes before the ceremony time is usually perfect.

3. Dress Smart for an Outdoor Venue

Our venue is primarily outdoors, and weather can shift quickly. Comfortable, weather-appropriate attire will help you enjoy the event — and keep things running smoothly.

General outdoor attire tips

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for grass, gravel, or uneven terrain. (Heels + grass = trouble.)

• Bring layers — evenings cool down even after warm afternoons.

• Consider sun protection for daytime ceremonies: sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.

• For chilly seasons, bring coats, shawls, or blankets; for summer, light breathable fabrics are best.

Weather awareness

• Check the forecast the morning of the wedding.

• Umbrellas are welcome for rain but bright colors may affect photos — neutral tones are appreciated.

4. Respect the Property and Help the Couple Protect Their Deposit

Everyone invited cares about the couple, and we all want their day to run smoothly and stress-free. A few quick actions from guests make a huge difference:

• Follow all venue rules and posted signs.

• Use designated trash cans — don’t leave cups or plates around the property.

• No moving venue furniture unless approved by staff.

• Supervise children at all times for safety and to avoid damage.

• Parking only in designated areas.

• No entering restricted spaces like storage areas, cottages, or staff-only zones unless invited.

• Respect nature — don’t break branches, pick plants, or disturb wildlife.

• Absolutely no smoking or vaping inside buildings and only use designated outdoor smoking areas.

These small courtesies go a long way toward ensuring your friends get their full deposit back.

5. Listen to Staff Instructions

Our staff is here to ensure the day goes smoothly for the couple and for you. If we direct guests where to park, where to stand, or how to move during transitions, we’re doing it with the couple’s best interest in mind. A quick moment of cooperation makes the whole day feel seamless.

6. Keep Pathways and Aisles Clear

For safety, photos, and ceremony flow:

• Don’t block aisles or doorways while chatting or taking pictures.

• During the ceremony, remain seated unless instructed.

• Keep personal items with you or stored neatly — not scattered around.

7. Be Mindful of Phones and Photos

Unless the couple has clearly stated otherwise:

• Respect unplugged ceremonies.

• Avoid stepping into the aisle for photos.

• Keep your ringer silenced.

• Don’t interrupt photographers to take your own versions.

Photos are important, but the couple hired professionals to capture their day beautifully.

8. Drink Responsibly and Respectfully

We want everyone to enjoy themselves, but safety and courtesy always come first.

• Follow all alcohol guidelines.

• Don’t bring your own alcohol.

• Stay hydrated.

• If you see a guest who needs help, notify a staff member.

• Remember that’s bad choices on your part can result in huge fees for the couple. Don’t be that guy!

  
  

9. Communicate With Compassion

Life happens — delays, babysitters canceling, illness — but communicating respectfully with the couple or the appropriate contact person keeps everyone on the same page.

10. Celebrate With Kindness

Above all, remember:

The couple invited you because they love you.

Your presence, positivity, and respect help create a joyful, stress-free celebration they will cherish forever.

Being a good guest is simple, thoughtful, and truly meaningful.

We trust vendors who work closely with us to make sure a couples day goes as smooth as possible:

Featured in header picture, Rentals By Millie for decor https://www.facebook.com/share/1D3PrLd3n1/?mibextid=wwXIfr