Planning A Wedding Venue Open House: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding involves many details, from selecting the perfect venue to finding the right vendors. Wedding venue open houses are a fantastic opportunity to explore venues, meet vendors, and gain inspiration for your big day. They are often lower-key events where you can tour the venue, ask questions, and connect with other vendors. Before attending, it's a good idea to come up with a list of questions and criteria that match what you need for your wedding, such as guest count, amenities, parking, and caterers. During the open house, try to envision your wedding by considering options for colour schemes, seating arrangements, and more.

How to make the most of a wedding venue open house

Wedding venue open houses are a great opportunity to explore venues, meet vendors, and gain inspiration for your big day. Here are some tips on how to make the most of a wedding venue open house:

Think ahead: Before attending the open house, come up with a list of questions and criteria that match what you need for your wedding, such as guest count, available/included amenities, parking, and caterers, and whether or not they allow outside vendors. The more you know about what you want in your venue, the more sure you can be that you’ve found a good fit or not as you check out the space.

Take a tour: Venue open houses often provide tours led by their staff, highlighting features or creative ways that couples have made the space perfect for their wedding day vision. Use this opportunity to explore the venue and envision how it could be transformed for your event. Ask questions and take note of any things that you love, don’t love, or that you might need to adapt to fit your needs. Take some pictures of key spaces for reference as you get closer to your wedding date and are planning more of the details.

Envision your wedding: You’ll see a lot of options, colour schemes, seating set-ups, and more at the open house. Try to get an idea of what you want and make a mental picture of where you’ll set up each thing you’re planning.

Venue tours

Venue open houses are a great way to explore a wedding venue and meet vendors, even if you don't end up choosing that specific venue. They are usually held at least once or twice a year and are a popular way to tour a venue as they are more low-key than a personal tour.

Before attending an open house, it's a good idea to come up with a list of questions and criteria that match what you need for your wedding. This could include things like guest count, available amenities, parking, and caterers. The more you know about what you want, the easier it will be to decide if the venue is a good fit for you.

During the open house, you'll have the opportunity to take a tour of the venue, often led by staff members. This is your chance to explore the space and envision how it could be transformed for your wedding. Pay attention to the different options and ideas presented, such as colour schemes and seating arrangements, and try to get a sense of what you want for your own wedding. Take note of the things you love and don't love, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Taking pictures of key spaces can also be helpful for reference later on in the planning process. Attending a venue open house can be a fun and informative experience, providing valuable ideas and connections with vendors, even if you ultimately choose a different venue for your special day.

Meeting vendors

Wedding venue open houses are a great opportunity to meet vendors. Most venues host an open house at least once or twice a year, and they will usually bring in other wedding vendors to display their offerings. This gives you a chance to see what it might be like to work with a particular vendor in that space.

Before attending the open house, it's a good idea to come up with a list of questions and criteria that match what you need for your wedding. Think about things like guest count, available/included amenities, parking, caterers, and whether or not they allow outside vendors. The more you know about what you want, the more sure you can be that you've found a good fit.

At the open house, you'll see a lot of options, colour schemes, seating set-ups, and more. Try to get an idea of what you want and make a mental picture of where you'll set up each thing you're planning. Take a tour of the venue and ask questions. Take note of any things that you love or don't love, or that you might need to adapt to fit your needs. Take some pictures of key spaces for reference as you get closer to your wedding date and are planning more of the details.

Even if you don't end up going with that specific venue, you will still have a good time, gather valuable ideas for your planning, and connect with other vendors who can serve you.

Envisioning your wedding

When it comes to envisioning your wedding, it's important to keep an open mind and be inspired by the options available to you. Wedding venue open houses are a great opportunity to explore different venues, meet vendors, and gather ideas for your big day. Even if you don't end up choosing that specific venue, you can still have fun, connect with other vendors, and gain valuable insights for your planning.

Before attending an open house, it's a good idea to think ahead and come up with a list of questions and criteria that match your needs. Consider things like guest count, available amenities, parking, caterers, and whether outside vendors are allowed. The more you know about what you want, the easier it will be to determine if a venue is a good fit for you.

At the open house, you'll be exposed to a variety of options, including colour schemes, seating arrangements, and more. Try to get a sense of what resonates with you and your partner, and start creating a mental picture of how you want your wedding to look and feel. Pay attention to the details and take note of any features or creative ways that couples have transformed the space to match their vision.

Use this opportunity to explore the venue and imagine how you can make it your own. Take a tour, ask questions, and don't be afraid to take pictures of key spaces for reference. As your wedding date gets closer, these pictures can be invaluable for planning the finer details. Remember, every couple is unique, and your wedding should reflect your individual style and personality.

By attending wedding venue open houses, you can gather inspiration, connect with vendors, and make informed decisions about your special day. It's a fun and interactive way to bring your wedding vision to life and ensure that your day is truly memorable.

Picking a date

Most venues host open houses at least once or twice a year, so you'll want to plan ahead and choose a date that aligns with their schedule. Consider the season and whether you prefer a spring, summer, autumn, or winter wedding. Each season offers unique advantages, such as blooming flowers in spring or cosy fireplaces in winter.

When selecting a date, keep in mind that weekends are typically more popular for weddings, so choosing a weekday for your open house might increase attendance and reduce competition from other events. However, be mindful of any public holidays or major events that could clash with your chosen date.

Additionally, give yourself enough time to plan and promote the open house effectively. Sending out save-the-dates and invitations, as well as coordinating with vendors and finalising details, requires a lead time of several months. Aim for a date that balances the urgency of planning with the need to secure bookings and finalise arrangements.

Finally, consider any personal factors that might influence your date choice. For example, if you have family or friends travelling from afar, choosing a date that accommodates their schedules can be thoughtful. By thoughtfully considering these factors, you can select a date that sets the stage for a successful and memorable wedding venue open house.

Frequently asked questions