Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with a myriad of options to choose from. There is no magic number for how many venues you should visit, but it's important to view venues that are likely to be suitable for you. It's recommended to start searching for venues 12-16 months before the wedding and booking a venue about a year in advance. This will vary depending on the type of wedding, location, and your flexibility with dates. To make the process manageable, most couples visit 2-5 venues, with some visiting up to 10. It's important to consider your budget, guest count, and availability on your desired date when narrowing down options. Viewing venues in person is crucial, as it gives you a true sense of the space, but online tours and video walk-throughs can be a good starting point, especially for destination weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of venues to visit | There is no magic number for how many venues to visit. It depends on the couple and the wedding they are planning. Couples may view 2-5 venues, while some may view dozens and others may see one and be ready to book. |
| When to start looking | It is recommended to start searching for venues 12-16 months before the wedding date and book a venue about a year in advance. However, this may vary depending on the type of wedding, location, and date. |
| Online research | It is suggested to discuss wedding venue criteria with your partner before starting the search. Looking at every possible venue can be overwhelming, so it is important to narrow down your options based on factors such as location, budget, guest count, and availability. |
| In-person tours | It is important to view the venue in person to get a true feel for the space. It is recommended to limit the number of tours in a day to avoid overload, with 2-3 being a preferred number for some couples. |
| What to consider during tours | Amenities, views, parking facilities, friendliness of staff, storage spaces, heating and air conditioning policies, and accommodation for guests are some of the factors to consider during tours. |
| Who to bring | Usually, only the couple attends the venue tours. However, some couples may choose to bring a few select people, like family or bridal party members, for support. If a wedding planner is involved, they may also attend the tours. |
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What You'll Learn
There is no magic number
Viewing too many venues can be frustrating and tiring. It is a good idea to narrow down your shortlist and book viewings for your top choices. Open days are a great way to view a venue, see other suppliers, and visualise how your wedding could look. Once you start viewing over 10 venues, it is easy to lose excitement, so it is best to re-evaluate your criteria.
The number of venues you visit will depend on your preferences and the wedding you are planning. Some couples want to see dozens of venues, while others are happy with the first venue that ticks enough boxes. You can learn a lot about a venue through online research, and many venues offer online tours or video walkthroughs.
When visiting venues, it is important to consider your criteria and have a plan. Viewings take time, especially when you factor in travelling and being shown around. It is a good idea to limit the number of venues you visit in a day to avoid becoming overwhelmed or overloaded with information.
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Online research and virtual tours
There is no magic number for how many wedding venues you should visit, but it is important to ensure you are viewing the right venues that are likely to be suitable for you. Online research and virtual tours can help you narrow down your options before you visit in person.
Online research is a great way to get an initial sense of different wedding venues and their features. Many venues have websites and social media accounts that provide photos, pricing information, and availability. Instagram, in particular, can offer a glimpse of real weddings at the venue, while Facebook groups dedicated to wedding planning in specific cities or regions provide valuable insights through member reviews, photos, and tips.
Community-driven resources, such as Tulle Together's Wedding Pricing Transparency Project, offer direct access to pricing PDFs from nearly 800+ venues, eliminating the need to contact each venue individually. Traditional wedding platforms like The Knot and WeddingWire also provide extensive venue directories with photos, reviews, and descriptions, allowing couples to filter by various criteria such as location, price, and guest capacity.
Virtual tours are another valuable tool for exploring wedding venues from the comfort of your home. Websites like WeddingScout offer virtual behind-the-scenes looks at various venues, helping you find your dream venue without spending months searching.
While online research and virtual tours are excellent starting points, nothing replaces the experience of visiting a venue in person. Use these digital tools to create a shortlist of venues that meet your criteria and then book viewings to experience the magic and make your final decision.
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In-person viewings
When it comes to in-person viewings, it is important to remember that there is no magic number for how many venues you should visit. It depends on a lot of factors, such as the location of the venues, your energy levels, and personal preference. Some couples are happy with just one venue, while others may view up to 5 or even more.
It is recommended to start searching for venues 12-16 months before the wedding date and booking about a year in advance. This timeline may vary depending on the type of wedding, location, and your research preferences. If you are a meticulous planner, starting early and conducting extensive research will be beneficial.
When visiting venues, it is crucial to have a criteria checklist to ensure you are viewing suitable options. Consider factors such as amenities, views, parking facilities, staff friendliness, and storage spaces. Bring a notebook to jot down answers to your questions, and don't be afraid to take notes on any observations, such as a loud street nearby. It is also a good idea to bring your partner, as you are likely to ask different questions, covering both aesthetics and logistics.
To make the most of your time, try to schedule viewings that are close to each other, allowing for travel time between appointments. Giving yourself some buffer time will ensure you don't feel rushed. It is also important to not overload yourself with too many viewings in a day, as it can become exhausting and frustrating.
Remember, while online research and virtual tours can provide valuable insights, there is no substitute for experiencing a venue in person. The feeling you get when arriving at a venue, the true sense of space, lighting, and outdoor areas can only be fully appreciated through an in-person visit.
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Location and energy
When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, there are numerous factors to consider. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the general consensus is that 2-5 venue tours work for most couples. However, the number of venues you visit depends on your preferences, energy levels, and the wedding you envision.
Location plays a crucial role in determining the number of venues you can realistically visit. If the venues are in close proximity, you may be able to tour 3-5 venues in a day or a weekend. This saves time and energy spent on travelling and allows for efficient comparisons. On the other hand, if the venues are spread out or in different cities, it's advisable to allocate separate days or weekends to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
The energy and enthusiasm you bring to the venue hunt are equally important. Wedding planning can be exhausting, and viewing too many venues in a short span can lead to frustration and burnout. It's essential to pace yourself and take breaks to maintain excitement and clarity of thought. Aim for 2-3 venues per day to strike a balance between gathering options and preserving your energy.
Additionally, it's worth noting that online research and virtual tours can provide valuable insights before committing to in-person visits. By narrowing down your criteria, such as budget, guest capacity, amenities, and aesthetics, you can streamline your options and decide on a select few venues that align with your vision.
Remember, the key is to find a venue that suits your needs and reflects the energy you want to create for your special day. Whether it's the charm of a destination venue or the convenience of a local spot, trust your instincts and don't be afraid to adapt your criteria as you explore.
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Amenities and suitability
First, consider the amenities that are essential for your wedding. For example, heating and air conditioning policies are important to know, as some venues may have rules about not having the air conditioning on if windows or doors are open. Some venues may not guarantee a temperature in their contract, or may not have air conditioning at all. Knowing this in advance will help you plan accordingly.
Next, think about the suitability of the venue. Is it the right size for your guest list? While you may love a venue, it's important to be realistic and manage your expectations. No venue is perfect, so be prepared to compromise on certain things. Consider whether the venue can accommodate all your guests comfortably, and whether you may need to tweak the dinner service format or lower your guest count to fit the space.
Additionally, the location of the venue is crucial. Decide whether you want a destination wedding or a venue that is within easy reach of home. If you're planning a destination wedding, online tours or video walk-throughs can be a great way to get a feel for the venue without having to travel there in person.
Finally, consider the inclusiveness of the venue. Are you looking for an all-inclusive venue with catering and rentals included, or would you prefer a blank space where you can bring in your own vendors and services? All-inclusive venues often require more time to tour, as you'll need to discuss vendor options and tour both the ceremony and reception sites.
By focusing on amenities and suitability, you can narrow down your venue options and ensure that you find the perfect place to celebrate your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no right answer to this question. It depends on your preferences, budget, location, and energy levels. Some couples look at hundreds of options online, while others see one and are ready to book. Generally, 2-5 wedding venue tours work for most couples.
It is recommended to visit no more than 2-3 venues in a day to avoid overloading yourself.
There is no magic number, but it is important to ensure you are viewing venues that are likely to be suitable for you. Some couples will view 2-3, some 4-5, and some only one.
