George Boyle
Touring wedding venues is an exciting part of wedding planning. It is important to be prepared and organised, with a clear idea of your budget and priorities. It is recommended to shortlist a few venues and book appointments in advance, especially if you are touring venues that are privately owned. It is also a good idea to research the venue beforehand and look at previous weddings held there. During the tour, you will be shown the ceremony and reception spaces, and you can ask questions about what the venue provides, any additional fees, and their requirements. It is also a good opportunity to build a rapport with the venue staff and ensure you feel comfortable working with them.
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What You'll Learn
- Budgeting: Discuss finances and what you're comfortable spending
- Venue research: Check online for previous weddings at the venue
- Venue facilities: What does the venue provide What will you need to rent
- Venue rules: Noise ordinances, setup requirements, and end-of-night procedures
- Venue staff: Evaluate your rapport with staff. Are they trustworthy and responsive
Budgeting: Discuss finances and what you're comfortable spending
Touring a wedding venue is an exciting part of wedding planning, but it's important to be prepared. Before you start your search, it's crucial to have an open discussion about your finances and what you're comfortable spending. The average wedding in Missouri is around $28K, while the national average budget is closer to $33K. However, these are just averages, and the cost of a wedding can vary significantly depending on factors such as guest count and venue choice.
To ensure you're on the same page, sit down with your partner and anyone else contributing financially to the wedding and set a spending cap. Be honest and realistic about what you can afford, as it's easy to get carried away and fall in love with a space that's beyond your budget. Remember, the venue is a significant expense, so it will likely take up a large portion of your budget.
When researching venues, don't just consider the rental fee. Some venues may seem more expensive at first glance, but their price might include items like tables and chairs, which can be costly to hire separately. Ask about services, amenities, and fees that may not be immediately obvious, and outline your plans to the venue representative to ensure they can accommodate your needs. If you plan to bring in your own vendors, inquire about any additional fees the venue may charge, as these can quickly add up.
Additionally, consider the location and any associated costs. Research accommodation options and rates in the area, especially if you plan to reserve rooms for your guests. Think about other expenses, such as florists, celebrants, and caterers, and whether their travel costs will need to be factored in. Don't forget to ask about any hidden fees, such as charges for trash removal or specific requirements for cleanup, as these can also impact your budget.
By having these honest conversations and considering all potential expenses, you can create a comprehensive budget that will help guide your venue selection and ensure you stay within your financial comfort zone.
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Venue research: Check online for previous weddings at the venue
When it comes to wedding venue research, one of the most important steps is to check online for previous weddings held at the venue. This can give you a wealth of information and inspiration, helping you to understand the space and its possibilities before you even arrive for your tour. A simple Google search of the venue name plus "wedding" should bring up plenty of results, from blogs to photographer websites. This research will also help you to create a list of questions to ask during your tour, ensuring you're well-prepared and ready to make the most of your time there.
When researching previous weddings at your chosen venue, pay attention to the details. What kind of decor did other couples use, and how did they utilise the space? This can give you ideas for your own wedding theme and style. For example, a historic mansion venue might lend itself to a vintage-style wedding, while a rustic space with modern touches could inspire a more eclectic approach. Consider the setup of previous weddings, including the placement of tables, chairs, and the dance floor. This will help you visualise your own wedding and decide if any changes or additions are needed to make the space your own.
In addition to visual inspiration, online research can provide valuable practical information. You can learn about the experiences of other couples, including any challenges they may have faced. This can help you anticipate potential issues and ask the right questions during your tour. For example, if previous weddings had issues with noise ordinances, this is something you'll want to discuss with the venue coordinator. Or, if there were difficulties with catering setups, you can inquire about alternative options. By being proactive and informed, you can avoid potential pitfalls and create a seamless experience for your big day.
While researching previous weddings, take note of any specific requirements or restrictions the venue may have. For instance, some venues have strict rules about where trash, recycling, and compost should be placed. Understanding these details beforehand will help you communicate them effectively to your wedding party and vendors, ensuring a smooth cleanup process. Additionally, be mindful of the venue's policies on decorations. Some venues may have restrictions on removing items from walls or bringing in outside structures, such as an arbor or chuppah. By being aware of these details in advance, you can plan accordingly and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Lastly, don't forget to explore the local area surrounding the venue. Researching previous weddings can give you insights into accommodation options for your guests, particularly if you're planning your wedding during a popular season or holiday. Consider the availability of local vendors, such as florists and celebrants, and whether they align with your wedding date. By taking a comprehensive approach to your online research, you'll arrive at your venue tour well-informed, inspired, and ready to make confident decisions about your special day.
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Venue facilities: What does the venue provide? What will you need to rent?
Touring a wedding venue is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. When it comes to venue facilities, there are a few key things to consider and questions to ask to ensure that the venue can accommodate your needs.
First, find out what the venue provides in terms of facilities and services. Some venues may have specific requirements, such as restrictions on where trash, recycling, and compost can be disposed of, or rules regarding noise ordinances. Inquire about the availability of tables and chairs, as some venues may include these in the price, while others may require separate rentals. Ask about any hidden fees or additional charges for using your own vendors. It is also important to clarify what is expected at the end of the event regarding cleanup and returning items to their original spots.
Next, consider what you will need to rent or bring in separately. This could include catering, electrics, flooring, or even portable toilets, depending on the venue's existing facilities. If you have specific requirements, such as a unique setup for the head table or the need for an arbor or chuppah, discuss these with the venue contact to ensure they can accommodate your requests.
Additionally, don't forget to think about the practical aspects, such as accommodation for your guests, the local weather conditions, and the availability of nearby vendors, such as florists and celebrants. By asking the right questions and considering your specific needs, you can ensure that your chosen venue has the necessary facilities and that you have a clear understanding of what you may need to rent or bring in separately.
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Venue rules: Noise ordinances, setup requirements, and end-of-night procedures
When it comes to venue rules, there are a few key things to keep in mind: noise ordinances, setup requirements, and end-of-night procedures.
First and foremost, it is important to ask about any noise restrictions or curfews. Some venues have noise ordinances in place, which may limit the volume of music or require the event to end by a certain time. If you plan on having an after-party, either at the same venue or a separate location, make sure to factor in any potential noise restrictions. After-parties can be a great way to extend the celebration, but they often come with additional costs and considerations, such as transportation and decoration.
In terms of setup, it is essential to understand the layout of the venue and any customization options. Can you bring in your own vendors, or are you required to use the venue's preferred vendors for catering, entertainment, and décor? How much flexibility do you have with decorations and layout? It is also crucial to ensure that the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list, with enough space for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
Additionally, consider the lighting and acoustics of the venue, especially for spaces where music and speeches will take place. A daytime tour of an empty venue will give you a different impression than a tour during your wedding timeframe, so try to schedule a visit during the same time of day as your planned ceremony. This will help you assess the natural light and atmosphere, as well as identify any additional lighting requirements.
Finally, don't forget to inquire about the end-of-night procedures. Ask about the venue's policies on heating and air conditioning, as some venues have rules regarding the use of these systems. Understand the payment structure, including deposit requirements and payment schedules, as well as any additional fees. It is also wise to inquire about the cancellation and refund policies, just in case any unforeseen circumstances arise.
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Venue staff: Evaluate your rapport with staff. Are they trustworthy and responsive?
When it comes to wedding venue tours, organisation is key, and it's important to keep a cool head. It's a good idea to make appointments, to avoid unintentionally gate-crashing another tour or even a wedding! You can also create a shortlist of venues to visit over a few weekdays, which will give you more time and attention from the staff.
Now, onto the venue staff themselves. It's crucial to evaluate your rapport with the staff and ensure they are trustworthy and responsive. After all, you will be working closely with them to bring your special day to life. Ask yourself: Are they warm and enthusiastic, or cold and aloof? Do they listen well and respond directly to your questions? Do they make you feel comfortable and at ease? If you have any doubts, it's important to address them before committing to the venue. Discuss your concerns with the staff, and if necessary, get references to follow up on.
While it's essential to consider your connection with the staff, don't let your rapport with a single staff member be the deciding factor in choosing a venue. The hospitality industry has a lot of turnover, and the person you initially deal with may not be there on your wedding day. So, while it's great to have a positive connection, don't let it cloud your judgment about the venue itself.
Remember, the venue staff should be knowledgeable and able to answer your questions about the space and their services. They should also be willing to accommodate your specific needs and requests. If there are extra fees for certain services or requirements, the staff should be transparent about these from the start.
Ultimately, finding the right venue and working with the right people will ensure your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of and more. So, trust your instincts, ask the important questions, and don't be afraid to address any concerns you may have.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to have a rough idea of your budget and whether the venue is within your price range. You should also check if accommodation is included in the price and research the local area for other options. Look at the weather and consider whether you need to hire a marquee. Research local vendors and check out previous weddings held at the venue.
Typically, it's just you, your partner, and the venue contact. You can also invite friends or family, but it's recommended to keep the group small.
Ask about what the venue provides and what you will need to order through a caterer or rental company. Inquire about any noise ordinances or rules you need to be aware of and ask where they recommend various parts of the wedding be set up. Ask about any hidden fees and get a clear idea of the pricing.
Don't let your rapport with a banquet coordinator sway you into booking a venue you aren't in love with. Remember that there can be high turnover in the hospitality industry, so the person you're dealing with may change. Make sure you feel comfortable with the venue representative and they inspire trust and confidence.
