Frequently Asked Questions

On this page we answer your FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) about planning weddings and events in Asheville.

Do I need to tip my wedding vendors?

First, check your vendor contracts. Some will have built-in gratuities that are part of their packages. If there is nothing mentioned, it is not required. The exceptions are hairdressers, makeup artists, and transportation drivers - they do expect a tip whether it is stated or not. Bartenders also appreciate a tip in lieu of putting out a tip jar, which they should NEVER do at formal events. It is actually uncommon to tip vendors such as bakers, florists, and musicians in the this area. In Northern states, every vendor expects a tip. Your venue manager and your wedding planner are the best sources of advice on this. Of course, no one is going to turn down a tip!  If you have a vendor who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, put some extra cash (usually 10% of services) in an envelope and give to your day of coordinator to hand out at the end of the night, along with any other payments that are due.

What is the best place to get married in Asheville? How do we find the best venue?

Check sites like TheKnot.com and WeddingWire.com for venue listings and reviews. A wedding planner can help with location research and be a great source of advice on venues. Also, we have some helpful recommendations on our Recommended Vendors page.

Do I need a wedding planner or a day of coordinator ?

​Yes! Click below for more advice on this topic.

How do I block or reserve hotel rooms at hotels close to the venue? How do I reserve hotel rooms at a group rate? How many hotel rooms do I need to reserve for a wedding to get a group rate?

The Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau has a free service to help find lodging for groups in the Asheville area. Go to www.MyWeddinginAsheville.com to get started. A wedding or event planner can also advise you about good hotels close to your venue. When planning a group reservation, most hotels require at least 10 rooms. Look at your guest or attendee list and add up how many are coming from out of town (counting families and couples as one room), and then subtract 25%. (25% of guests will use a VRBO, Air BnB, or make their own reservations through their favorite travel site or through a chain where they have loyalty rewards.) Warning: some hotels may require that you "guarantee" these rooms; i.e., if you reserve 25 room and only 20 are booked, you may be on the hook for the difference. Other hotels will do a courtesy block at no charge to you. Again, a wedding planner or the Visitors Bureau can help you find the right ones.

How can I predict how many guests will RSVP yes?

While the standard rule for most events is about 2/3 or 65%, in this area, you may be surprised how many people say yes. The popularity of Asheville as a travel destination, our national recognition as a great place to visit, mountains full of hiking, biking and water activities, the fall colors, the award-winning restuaurants, the amazing local breweries -- all these are reasons people already have Asheville on their bucket list. When they get your invitation to an event in the mountains, it is a perfect excuse to visit, So, here we recommend planning on an 80% response rate. Seriously. Don't invite anyone you don't really want at your event. You might be surprised who says yes!
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How can I save money on my wedding? How do I find wedding discounts or coupons?
You can answer both these questions by attending a local bridal show. Meet great vendors, sample food, beverages, and desserts, listen to bands and DJ's, and get advice on rentals, flowers and decor. Lots of giveaways and freebies. Many vendors will offer special show discounts to clients who sign with them that day. 

Wedding Festivals is the largest bridal show company in the Southeast.  Over 250 wedding-related businesses participate  in their shows each year and assist over 5,000 brides in planning their weddings. Visit their website, weddingfestivals.com for more information.