Most wedding venues hand you a list of approved vendors. At Ambient Plus Studio in Atlanta's West End, we do the opposite. Our open vendor policy means you bring your own caterer, choose your own professionals, and control every detail of your celebration. This freedom, combined with our 100-year-old cotton factory setting and 25,000 square feet of industrial space, makes us a top choice for couples who want their wedding their way.
The Real Benefits of an Open Vendor Policy
An open vendor policy fundamentally changes how you plan your wedding and what you can achieve within your budget.
Control Your Catering Costs and Menu
Bring your own caterer as long as they carry insurance. Want a specific chef whose food you've loved for years? Hire them. Have a family friend who caters? Book them. Committed to a particular cultural menu? Find the caterer who specializes in it.
Your caterer works in Stage 1's kitchen, which includes refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. The 10,000 square foot space with ground-level access makes load in straightforward. Whether you want plated dinner, family style, or food stations, your caterer executes your vision without venue restrictions. We include tables and chairs, so you avoid the markup most venues add to catering packages.
Bring Your Own Alcohol and Save Thousands
You bring your own alcohol and purchase at retail prices instead of paying venue markups. Want craft cocktails with premium spirits? Stock what you need. Prefer wine and beer only? Buy exactly what your budget allows. Your licensed caterer sets up and serves the bar, and we include bar kits in your peak and off-season packages. You can add an extra bar kit for multiple stations.
Alcohol must be given away, not sold, but beyond that rule, the choices are yours. Couples regularly tell us this policy alone saves them thousands compared to venues with beverage minimums.
Choose Every Vendor Without Restrictions
Bring your own photographer, florist, DJ, band, planner, decorator, and baker. We have no preferred vendor lists. This matters because photographer chemistry affects how comfortable you feel on your wedding day. Floral style reflects your aesthetic. Your DJ sets the energy for your reception. When you choose these professionals yourself, you build a vendor team that understands you.
Work in a Space Photographers Love
The west-facing factory windows create dramatic evening light that shifts to golden hour naturally. Exposed brick, hardwood floors, and permanent string lights in Stage 1 provide built-in backdrops. Stage 4's skylight brings natural light during the day. Because you choose your photographer, you can hire someone who knows how to work with industrial spaces and natural light.
What This Policy Requires From You
Open vendor policy means freedom and responsibility. You coordinate your vendor team. We require a day of coordinator for Saturday events to manage vendor arrival times, setup logistics, and timeline coordination. For intimate weddings up to 50 guests in Stage 3, coordinators are not required.
We provide support for the building itself, but are not in-house planners. Your day of coordinator works with your vendor team and our staff. This structure works well for couples who want creative control and are comfortable coordinating professionals.
Your caterer must carry insurance. Your licensed caterer handles all bar service if you're serving alcohol. These are our only vendor requirements. Storage is included in your rental for vendor deliveries. Furniture setup and breakdown are included for intimate weddings in Stage 3.
Conclusion
Ambient Plus Studio's open vendor policy makes us a top wedding choice because it gives you control over your budget, your professionals, and your vision. You bring your caterer, your alcohol, and your vendors. We provide 25,000 square feet of historic industrial space with the practical amenities to support them.
Contact us to schedule a tour and discuss your vendor team.
FAQs
What does the open vendor policy include?
You bring your own caterer as long as they carry insurance. You bring your own alcohol, and your licensed caterer serves it. You choose your own photographer, florist, DJ, planner, and all other vendors. We have no preferred vendor lists or restrictions beyond the catering insurance requirement.
How much money can couples save with the open vendor policy?
Savings vary by vendor choices and guest count, but bringing your own alcohol typically saves thousands compared to venues with beverage minimums or per drink pricing.
Do you require a day of coordinator?
Yes, we require a day of coordinator for all Saturday events to manage your vendor team and coordinate timing. For intimate weddings up to 50 guests in Stage 3, coordinators are not required. We provide support for the building, but are not in-house planners.
What's included in the wedding rental?
Peak and off-season packages include eight hours in Stage 1, tables, chairs, bar kits, kitchen access, parking, and storage. The ceremony fee includes a flip crew and two additional hours. Intimate weddings include 10 hours in Stage 3, furniture setup and breakdown, a security guard, and audio visual equipment.