9 Tips When Choosing a Venue

Venues can be the hardest choice when it comes to wedding planning. With two decades in the industry this is what we see time and time again. The first reasons to choose a certain venue usually include its location, pricing, and availability. On a more emotional level, venues can be ideal because they match your aesthetic, are on the water, where your friend got married or didn't, can accommodate your guest count etc. But the issue arises that your date or month of your wedding has been all booked up. Option B is now all booked up too. Or the worst is pricing went up at your ideal venue and now you cannot afford it. These are all reasons we've seen before that our couples have had to pivot, sidestep or do a full 180 in their search for the venue that can hold their entire day together. Here are 9 warning signs we tell our brides to look out for as they search for their venue.

Beware if you see these 9 things:

1. You're constantly trying to "make it work" - If it feels forced like you are making the space fit your vision instead of the other way around

2. The vibe of the space is just too rustic, formal, or chic for you

3. There are lots of hidden fees and you feel like they are nickel and diming every addition or preference

4. If the lighting takes a lot of effort and money out of your pocket to get right. They are charging you for string lights (especially if they are already hanging!) and if the interior rooms or paint makes it dark and bad for pictures.

5. You can't picture yourself getting ready there or if they don't have a getting ready space at all. This seems trivial but trust us it is key to not have to think about transportation or travel time between getting ready and heading to the ceremony.

6. There are too many rules to keep track of that limit your design decisions. No open flame candles, sparklers, overnight stays, or DJ time cutoffs

7. Not enough space for guest parking. The last thing you want is a guest arriving late to the ceremony annoyed at paying for parking and walking a mile.

8. There is no good rain backup plan. In Florida rain is frequent and alternatives are key. Not all venues have an extra room or alternative space if things need to be moved indoors.

9. A vendor like a photographer tells you concerns about this venue. They have professional expertise that could save you.