5 Common Wedding Venue Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Wedding planning can be a bit of an adventure. And on top of all that, well, there is excitement and joy but let’s be real here: also a whole lot of stress. Venue is one of the most important, if not the most important aspect in any wedding, and there are some mistakes many couples make when it comes to choosing a venue. No worries, though… we have you covered! We have listed the top five mistakes of wedding venues and how to avoid each one.
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1. Booking Too Late
Weddings are planned years if not months in advance. The best venues fill up quickly, and if you’re late to the game, your dream venue might already be taken. Many couples make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to book, thinking they have plenty of time. Believe me, places can be booked up over a year in advance.
How to avoid it: Start researching as soon as you have a date (or even just an estimated time frame). Get your venue picked out early so you can get the one you want and avoid any last minute freak out.
2. Ignoring the Budget
It’s easy to fall in love with a stunning venue that’s way out of your price range. Occasionally, couples neglect to consider the cost of extras such as service fees, taxes or even cleanup charges. Spending all your money on the venue itself could leave you short for other aspects of the wedding.
How to avoid it: Create a clear budget before you even begin searching. Factor in all possible expenses: catering, overages, and budget, etc. accordingly. If a venue is on the high side, keep looking. There are always beautiful options within your range.
3. Skipping the Site Visit
With bookings now possible online, it might seem easier to book a venue without physically visiting. However, there are the risks of being underwhelmed on the day if a venue does not live up to your expectations. Pictures can be misleading, and some aspects (like floorplan or lighting) are difficult to understand without physically being there.
How to avoid it: Always visit your potential venues in person. View the space, familiarize yourself with the layout & feel free to ask any questions. You need to guarantee that the all elements are just as they ought to be.
4. Not Considering the Weather
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, this one’s big. Couples often forget how unpredictable weather can be – and this is especially true if your wedding day falls during a season notorious for showers, or stifling heat. No one wants their beautiful ceremony rained out or guests melting under the sun.
How to avoid it: Ask for a backup plan from your venue in case of bad weather. This could be an alternative indoor option or just needing to move the majority of your party a covered area. And, keep in mind of the season and what type of weather you will get for your venue.
5. Not Asking the Right Questions
Many couples do not realise how many rules weddding venues actually have noise limits, preferred vendors and even curfew. Failing to ask the right questions at the beginning may lead you to be disappointed on your wedding day when you discover there are restrictions you didn’t know about.
How to avoid it: Inquire about any limitations straightaway. Whether you can bring in outside vendors, the exact noise restrictions at the venue, and how much they charge if you go beyond a certain end time. The more you know from the start, the fewer surprises you will get later.