Franklin Dean
Touring a wedding venue is an important step in the wedding planning process. It's a chance to see if the venue suits your vision, budget, and guest list size. When preparing for a wedding venue tour, it's a good idea to come up with a list of questions and goals beforehand. It's also essential to be mindful of what to wear and who to bring along. While it's not the most crucial aspect, dressing comfortably and appropriately for the weather and venue is recommended. As for who to bring, it's generally advised to limit your entourage and only bring those who are closely involved in the planning process, such as your fiancé, parents, or wedding party members.
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What You'll Learn
Appropriate clothing and footwear
When it comes to choosing what to wear for a wedding venue tour, comfort is key. You'll likely be doing a lot of walking, both indoors and outdoors, and may be going up and down stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must. Avoid brand-new, unworn high heels, and instead opt for flat shoes or wedges if there's a lot of grass. If it's rainy or snowy, bring weather-appropriate boots and a change of shoes.
If you're touring a country club or private club, there may be a dress code, such as a requirement to wear a collared shirt, and no shorts or jeans. It's a good idea to check the venue's website for any dress code requirements, and to contact your venue representative if you have any questions. While it's not the most important part of choosing a venue, what you wear can show that you're taking the tour seriously. You could dress up a bit, perhaps as you would for a nice dinner, and wear colours or styles that reflect your personality.
However, it's also important to dress appropriately for the weather. If you're too hot or cold, you may not be able to focus on the venue itself. If it's an outdoor venue, check the forecast and bring a jacket and hat, or wear sunscreen and bug spray as needed. If the venue is entirely indoors, you don't need to worry as much about the weather.
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A list of questions
While it's important to be comfortable and confident in what you wear on your wedding venue tour, it's even more important to be prepared with a list of questions to ask. Here is a list of questions to bring with you:
Basics
- What dates are available, and is my preferred date available?
- What is the pricing, and what is included in the rental fee?
- What is the venue's capacity, and can it comfortably accommodate my guest list?
- What is the venue's style or aesthetic, and does it fit my wedding theme?
- What is the breakdown of costs, and are there any additional fees or charges I should be aware of?
Logistics
- Is there parking available on-site, and if so, how many spaces are there?
- Are there any noise restrictions or sound ordinances that I should be aware of?
- What are the vendor requirements, and are there any restrictions on outside vendors?
- Are there any liability insurance requirements that I need to know about?
Tour Essentials
- How many weddings or events are held at the venue per day?
- What are the rental hours, including set-up and breakdown time?
- Are there any setup fees or additional charges for using certain areas of the venue?
Amenities and Facilities
- Are there on-site kitchen facilities, and can they accommodate my catering needs?
- Are there getting-ready rooms or spaces for the wedding party to use?
- Are there backup plans for outdoor ceremonies or receptions in case of inclement weather?
- Are open flames allowed, or are we limited to battery-powered candles?
Other Considerations
- Is there extra storage space for any items that need to be put away during the event?
- Are the bathrooms clean and easily accessible?
- What other services or amenities does the venue provide, and are there any additional costs for these?
Remember to bring a notebook or digital device to keep track of the answers to these questions, as well as any other observations or thoughts you have during the tour. It's also a good idea to eat before you arrive and wear comfortable shoes, so you can focus on getting the most out of your venue tour.
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A camera or phone to take photos and videos
When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, it is important to visit the location in person. While visiting a wedding venue, it is a good idea to bring a camera or phone to take photos and videos. This can help you remember the venue and the various facilities it offers.
Taking photos and videos during a wedding venue tour can help you compare different venues and decide which one is the best for you. You can capture the venue's indoor and outdoor spaces, the view, the parking area, the kitchen, and other back-of-house facilities. You can also take photos and videos of the venue's decor and notice the little details that make the venue unique. This will help you decide if the venue matches your wedding theme and style.
Additionally, photos and videos can be a great way to share your wedding venue options with your family and friends, especially those who cannot join you on the tour. You can ask for their opinions and suggestions, which can help you make a well-informed decision.
Bringing a camera or phone to take photos and videos during a wedding venue tour is a convenient and efficient way to document your experience and make a thoughtful decision about your special day.
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A notebook and pen
Prepare a checklist in advance: Before the tour, create a comprehensive checklist of everything you want to see and ask about. This might include questions about the venue's capacity, parking, catering facilities, and any additional services they provide. Having a checklist will ensure you don't forget to inquire about anything important.
Take detailed notes: During the tour, take thorough notes on the venue's features and any answers to your questions. Note down the date, time, and name of the person providing the information. This will help you accurately review the details when making your decision and ensure you don't miss any crucial information.
Confirm the information: After taking notes, read back the information to the site representative to confirm its accuracy. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your notes accurately reflect what the venue can offer. It also demonstrates your attention to detail and helps you build a rapport with the venue representative.
Organise your notes: Develop a system for organising your notes, photos, and any handouts or pamphlets you receive. You can use a wedding binder with tabs for each venue or create digital folders to keep everything clearly labelled and easily accessible. This organisation will make it easier to refer back to the information when making your venue decision.
Compare venues: If you're touring multiple venues, your notebook will become a valuable tool for comparison. You can refer back to your notes to compare the features, amenities, and costs of each venue. This will help you make an informed decision about which venue best suits your needs and budget.
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A partner or friend
When it comes to wedding planning, it's always a good idea to bring a partner or friend along on a venue tour. Not only will they provide moral support, but they can also help you take notes, ask questions, and gather information. Here are some tips to consider when bringing a partner or friend to a wedding venue tour:
Dress Code
While the dress code for a wedding venue tour is generally not strict, it's still important to dress appropriately and comfortably. Business casual attire is often a good choice, and comfortable shoes are a must, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. If your partner or friend is joining you on a hot day, suggest they bring a jacket and hat, and if it's cold, they should wrap up warm.
Preparation
Before the tour, it's beneficial to discuss your wedding budget and what you're comfortable spending with your partner or friend. That way, they can help you stay on track and ask relevant questions about pricing and packages during the tour. It's also a good idea to eat before arriving, as hunger can be a distraction!
Questions and Notes
Encourage your partner or friend to ask questions and take notes during the tour. They can inquire about the venue's availability, capacity, and whether it aligns with your desired theme or style. They can also take note of the back-of-house facilities, such as storage, bathrooms, parking, and kitchen accommodations. If there are any red flags or concerns, they can make a note to discuss them with you later.
Opinions and Support
Your partner or friend can provide valuable feedback on the venue's atmosphere, aesthetics, and overall vibe. They can help you determine if the venue suits your vision and personality. It's also helpful to have their support when discussing details with the venue representative. They can listen in and offer their perspective to ensure nothing is missed.
Technical Support
If your partner or friend is tech-savvy, they can assist with taking photos, videos, and making sure your devices are charged and ready to go. They can also help you develop a system for sorting and storing information, such as pamphlets, menus, and rate charts.
Remember, the most important thing is to bring someone who is supportive and excited about your wedding planning journey. Their presence can make the venue tour more enjoyable and productive, and their input can help you make informed decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
Wear something comfortable and weather-appropriate. You'll likely be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. If the venue has a dress code, make sure to follow it.
Bring only the people who are important to the wedding planning experience. You could bring your fiancé(e), parents, or wedding planner.
Bring a fully charged phone or digital device to take photos and videos. You should also bring a notebook, pen, and a list of questions to ask. It's also a good idea to bring a binder with tabs for each venue to keep yourself organised.
Ask about the venue's availability on your preferred dates, pricing, what's included, and the guest capacity. Inquire about the back-of-house facilities, such as storage, bathrooms, parking, and kitchen accommodations. Don't forget to ask about any hidden costs or additional fees.
Book a tour before deciding on a wedding date to keep your options open. It's also a good idea to tour the venue before falling in love with it to ensure it fits your budget and can accommodate your guest list.
