Top 10 Things to Consider BEFORE booking your Wedding Venue
(Photo by: Lisa Lorene)
What are the two most challenging decisions you’ll make in your wedding planning process? Your Venue and Wedding Dress. And did you know that there are over 701 Venues in Ventura County alone? That number gets much higher the farther you spread your venue search.
That being said, choosing your venue can be overwhelming with the amount of choices…
Often the experience is more of a love at first sight phenomenon… You walk the venue, fall in love and MAKE it work for your budget, needs and date.
My recommendation is to slow down the process. These will help you narrow down your venue:
Narrow down the search online to your top 10 venues you might be interested in.
Contact each venue and ask for availability and their packages.
Sit down and create a realistic budget. Your Wedding Planner will help you do this!
Plan your guest list. How many guests will you be expecting? On average, 80% of your guest list will attend. So, make sure you are considering this when looking into venue seating.
Go visit 3 of those venues in a 1-3 week time frame (take notes on what you love and dont love about each).
Ask for a full proposal of all of the fees that might be included. Catering, Rentals, Bar, Fees, etc.
Repeat the second and third step until you’ve seen all 10.
Compare your proposals and notes.
Make a decision. Have your wedding planner look over the contract.
Now that you’ve gotten rid of the overwhelming amount of choices, I recommend that all of my couples ask themselves how practical their venue is.
Here are the “Top 10 things to consider BEFORE booking your Wedding Venue”:
Where is the Location? As they say in Real Estate “Location, Location, Location.” Couples are often attracted to venues that offer a unique vibe, but consider the venue from your guests’ perspective. Will they need to book a hotel? Will you need to book transportation? These small considerations will ensure a more comfortable and less stressful experience for your guests.
How has the Inquiry Process been? I’m going to put this frankly, if the booking manager has been slow to respond, rude, or off putting...you’ll have that experience the ENTIRE time. On the other hand, if the booking manager has been kind, responsive and helpful, there’s a good chance that most everyone that works there has the same mentality. Don’t settle for a lack of customer service, because you love the venue aesthetic!
What is your Budget? Will the venue keep you on budget? Often couples opt for a venue where they can bring in their own Catering, Bar, etc. However, I recommend you talk to your planner prior to making this choice. Bringing in all of your own vendors may lead to a higher budget. So truly, run the numbers to ensure the venue will stick to your budget.
Are there Hidden Fees? Things like insurance, taxes, service fees, gratuities can add up. Ensure that you truly understand every fee and that it is within your budget. **Important note- MOST service fees are not considered gratuities and are taxed.** Again, make sure you totally understand the amount you will be charged.
Is Transportation Required? Another big factor in choosing your venue is the parking & transportation needs. Do you need to rent a bus to get guests to the venue? Is their valet or available parking? Is parking on a busy road?
Is it an Accessible Venue? If you plan to invite an older grandparent or have a family member who is in a wheelchair, then you need to make sure your venue is wheelchair or easily accessible for those who have a hard time walking. Are their stairs, a steep incline or gravel? Make sure you consider all of the accessibility aspects prior to booking.
Time of the Wedding. Does the venue require a certain in and out time? Does music have to be off at a certain time? We typically ask for about 3 hour setup time prior to the invitation time and 1-2 hours of clean-up after the event has ended.
How is the Weather? What happens if it rains and your event is fully outside? Can the space be tented and what is the average cost of a tent?
Does the Venue Fit Your Style? I often tell my couples not to settle for style, but I’ll also remind them not to go too far out of their comfort zone as well. For example- let’s say you LOVE a modern vibe but you chose a venue that is Rustic. Will you look back and love your pictures? Will you need to bring in rentals to make the space work for your aesthetic? Does the venue look well kept and in good condition? All this will ensure your style needs are met.
Will there be Multiple Weddings going on that day? Years ago, I attended a wedding as a guest and at the end of the night we were jumping on our provided bus to head back to our hotel. It was only after we left that I realized I was on the wrong bus, for the wrong wedding. While it made for a funny story for my friends, make sure you consider how you’d feel if you weren't the only wedding going on at the same time, at the same venue.
All things considered, you are sure to choose the perfect venue!
Check out this free checklist & venue profile below to guide you through the venue choosing process.
