How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue: The No-Nonsense Guide
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue: The No-Nonsense Guide
So, you’re engaged? Cue the confetti cannons! Now comes the first major decision in wedding planning: finding the one. No, not the partner (hopefully you’ve got that sorted)—but the venue. Your wedding venue sets the whole vibe, so this is big. But don’t stress! Here’s your ultimate guide to locking down the perfect spot, plus the real questions you need to ask before you sign anything.
What’s Actually Included in the Price?
Venues price things in mysterious ways. Some give you tables, chairs, linens, and glassware in one neat package. Others will have you paying extra for every napkin and fork. Get that breakdown now—because budget surprises are only fun when they involve extra cake.
Some venues have noise curfews, vendor restrictions, or rules against gasp real candles. Others charge extra for setup, teardown, overtime, or even cake-cutting (yes, really). Get the fine print up front so you don’t get hit with unexpected costs.
What’s the Food & Booze Situation?
Some venues have in-house catering (great for convenience), while others let you bring in an outside caterer (great if you’re a foodie with strong opinions). Ask about menu options, dietary accommodations, and—most importantly—the bar. Can you have an open bar? A signature cocktail? An oyster bar? Get the deets!
How Many Guests Can Fit (COMFORTABLY)?
Guest count matters. You need to know how many people can actually fit—not just standing, but sitting, eating, dancing, and throwing down on the dance floor. Oh, and ask whether the room has to be flipped between dinner and dancing. (Because no one wants to watch tables being dragged away mid-reception.)
What’s the Plan B for Bad Weather?
Getting married outside? Mother Nature loves drama, so always, always have a Plan B. Ask about backup indoor spaces, how fast they can flip the setup, and when final decisions need to be made. No one likes a last-minute scramble!
What’s the Payment & Cancellation Policy?
Some venues want a giant chunk of money up front. Others offer payment plans. And what happens if you need to cancel or reschedule? (Not saying you will—but, you know, life.) Make sure you understand their policies before committing.
Can We See It When a Wedding is Set Up?
Seeing a venue fully set up for a wedding is a game-changer. It’s the best way to visualize how your own day will look. If you can, book a tour when they’re prepping for an event—you’ll get the real deal, not just an empty room and a sales pitch.
What About Guest Accommodations?
If you’ve got out-of-town guests, where will they stay? Some venues have on-site accommodations (hello, wedding weekend vibes!), while others have hotel partnerships. Figure this out early so your guests aren’t scrambling for rooms.
How Much Time Do We Get for Setup & Teardown?
Some venues give you a generous setup window, while others expect your whole wedding to materialize in two hours (yikes). Ask when you and your vendors can arrive, how long teardown takes, and whether you can leave decor overnight.
Do We Actually Like the Venue Team?
Beyond the logistics, trust your gut. These people will be major players in your wedding experience. Are they helpful? Excited about your vision? Or do they seem like they’d rather be anywhere else? A good team makes a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
Picking your venue is a big milestone, but asking the right questions will save you stress (and surprise fees) later. If you’re ready to find the one, book a tour with us at Strathmere and let’s make some magic happen!
From the desk of Megan Craig, Strathmere Wedding & Sales Manager
