01 Nov The Dos and Don’ts of Touring Wedding Venues
Planning your wedding should be one of the most exciting and memorable times of your life. As you prepare to spend the rest of your life with your new partner, choosing a place to hold your wedding ceremony and reception can quickly become overwhelming. Understanding the dos and don’ts of touring wedding venues can help ensure you find a venue and establishment that is truly right for you. Here’s what you should know.
DO Consider Your Needs
Whenever you are on the hunt for a venue, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences for the venue you will be getting married and celebrating in. Consider the type of amenities that are most important to you, the size of the venue, and the overall aesthetic you want to capture on your wedding day. Brainstorming ideas and having specifics in mind can help with eliminating venues that do not meet your standards.
DO Budget Ahead of Time
Finding a venue that you love and later discovering that you cannot afford it can be heartbreaking and extraordinarily discouraging. Before you begin to search for wedding venues that are ideal for you and your partner, be sure to budget ahead of time. Budget the amount that you have available for the venue, the seating, decor, and the food you intend to serve guests. Keep additional services such as entertainment or bartending in mind when budgeting before you agree on a set price for the venue you desire.
DO Book an Appointment
Always book an appointment before touring a venue—especially if the venue is extremely popular or difficult to get into. Booking an appointment ahead of time is not only a way to alleviate stress while planning your wedding, but it is a way to ensure that you will have the ability to see more venues before finalizing your decision. Research local venues to determine which ones are most likely to require advanced appointments and bookings.
DO Arrive on Time
Wedding venue appointments are not always lengthy—especially if the venue is in-demand for the season you are interested in. Always arrive on time whenever you book an appointment to tour a wedding venue to show the venue manager or owner that you are serious. If a wedding venue is overly crowded or has a long waiting list, you may lose your opportunity to book your wedding at your preferred venue if you are late or do not schedule your tour appointment appropriately.
DON’T Rush Your Appointment
Do not rush the appointment once you have arrived to tour the wedding venue you are interested in seeing. Instead, allow the tour guide of the venue to provide you with valuable insight into the venue and why it is the best location for your wedding.
DON’T Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask questions while you are taking a tour of a wedding venue, even if you believe that you may already know the answers. Asking questions about each individual venue is a great way to get to know more about the locations you are interested in as well as amenities and features that you may not be aware of yet. Learn more about the history of the wedding venues you are interested in as well as the number of guests each location can host.
Asking questions with a tour guide is also a way to get to know more about the overall feel of each venue before making your decision. The more familiar you become with each venue and location, the easier it is to make a decision that you feel excited about and confident in for your big day.
DON’T Wait Too Long to Decide
While it is important to make a decision that is right for you and your partner, it is also important to avoid waiting too long to decide on your selected venue. Wedding venues can quickly become booked—especially during popular months or seasons of the year. If you choose to wait too long before making a decision, you may run the risk of losing your reservation or your spot in line to host your wedding at the chosen venue. Before you part ways from the tour guide of your chosen wedding venue, inquire about waiting lists and whether or not the venue has availability on your chosen day.
Although planning a wedding can feel stressful at times, it is much more enjoyable if you are prepared to tackle the necessary tasks involved ahead of time. By taking the time to prepare for your wedding venue tours, you can feel confident in the decisions you make before your big day.
Looking to book a wedding venue? Middle Ranch Lodge can provide you with a charming event space and breathtaking scenery for your special day. Book a tour today to learn more about how we can make your wedding truly special.