Choosing the perfect wedding venue is crucial to planning your big day. It’s the first step towards creating the wedding of your dreams, and the location you ultimately choose will set the tone for your entire celebration. Once you have browsed wedding venues and selected your shortlist, it’s so important that you view the locations to find “the one”. To help, the experts at Guides for Brides have compiled 7 essential steps to follow when you head to a wedding venue viewing…
1. Come prepared
When viewing a number of venues in a short period of time, you can easily get overloaded with the facts of each one which can make finalising your dream venue more difficult. To make this easier on yourself and ensure that you can clearly distinguish between venues, make sure to bring a notebook and pen to take notes and jot down answers to any questions you may have. Also, bringing a camera or smartphone to take pictures of the venue and its features is a great way to look back when narrowing down your choices.
2. Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask the venue coordinator or salesperson any questions you may have. Ask about their wedding packages, catering options, available dates, and any other details you’re curious about. If you are unsure of where to start when asking questions, Guides for Brides have put together 50 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venues Before Booking to help you ask the right questions to ensure you find the venue that is perfect for you.
3. View the whole venue
Ask for a guided tour of the entire venue, including ceremony and reception spaces, restrooms, bridal suite, parking areas, and any outdoor areas. It’s important you see the whole space that is available to you. This will allow you to identify any key features you really like (or don’t!).
4. Imagine your wedding day
When you visit the wedding venue, it’s important to take the opportunity to mentally transport yourself to your wedding day and imagine how the space will look when it’s filled with all of your guests and wedding decor. By visualizing your wedding day in the space, you can get a better sense of how the venue will work for your specific needs and preferences.
5. Note any back-up plans
While you’re on a tour of a wedding venue, it’s essential to pay attention to any potential issues that may arise on your wedding day and what the plan B will be. For example, if you plan to have your wedding mostly outdoors, then what will happen if the heavens open on the day itself? What is the indoor space like? And would that space work for your requirements?
Nikita, host of Guides for Brides – The Wedding Podcast also advised “it’s worth asking about things like sound limitations for live music and parking restrictions, as by identifying and addressing these upfront, you can make sure to book the right suppliers, advise your guests and avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way”.
6. Take your time
Choosing a wedding venue is a significant decision, and it’s essential to take the time to fully explore the space, ask questions, and make sure that it’s the right fit for your wedding day.
First and foremost, take the time to walk through the venue and explore all of the different spaces. Don’t be afraid to ask the person showing you around to slow down or give you extra time to take everything in. Take note of any unique features or standout areas that you particularly love, and think about how you can incorporate them into your wedding day.
Top tip: take photos so you can remember each space!
7. Follow up
After visiting a wedding venue and taking the time to explore the space, it’s important to follow up with the venue coordinator or salesperson if you have any additional questions or if you’re interested in booking the venue.
Following up with the venue shows your interest and commitment to the space, and it allows you to gather any additional information that you may need to make a final decision.
Choosing your dream wedding venue is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. By following these 7 steps, you can ensure that you find the perfect venue that fits your style and preferences. With careful consideration and a little bit of research, you can find the perfect location to host your celebratations and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Happy venue hunting!
