Last week I chatted a bit about what to ask a wedding venue before you sign on the dotted line. Today I have a bit more to spill to all you soon-to-bes before you make that huge financial investment into the place that’ll be the backdrop for your big day. One of the mistakes Apb and I made when we selected our venue, is we were way oblivious to all the things we really should have been more proactive about. Your wedding venue really sets so many other wedding-related decisions in motion, so picking the perfect place should be done with caution and purpose. And a little wine if needed. Yeah, it can get that stressful.
{Find out what your venue can really offer aside from space} Many wedding venues these days bundle their packages together with things like Chiavari chairs, chair covers, linens, plate chargers, a ceremony space or free wedding night accommodations. Knowing upfront what items are available to you, lets you plan accordingly and also allows you to ask if you can receive a credit back should you decide to skip out on something your venue can provide you with, to source out and bring in your own.
{Be careful about exclusive/preferred vendors} It can be great to secure a coveted reception spot that suddenly has your date open, except you come to find out that you can’t use the photographer or florist you’ve already put a deposit down on. Some venues only allow preferred vendors, exclusive to their space, to be on board with their events, meaning vendors previously hired on your part are not welcome. Avoid this sort of mess by asking upfront what your venue’s particular policy is.
{Inquire about the bar recommendations and cost} There seems to be an industry standard that at an event, one bartender is sufficient per 100 guests. Yet, extra bartenders are kind of like an extra set of house keys when you’re locked out on your front porch; it can be wonderfully convenient and practical to have them. While it’s hard to predict what kind of drinks your guests will be ordering (mixed drinks versus say bottles) asking for an extra bartender can keep a nice flow to your bar line up.
Did any of you run into these problems when you were on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue? I have heard such awful stories about brides finding their dream venue only to discover they can’t work with their fave vendors. The photo above is from the wonderful Jen Lynne who photographed one of my weddings last August. Kelli and Brandon held their reception at St. Cecilias Music Center downtown Grand Rapids and I can’t say enough great things. Happy Tuesday, bloggies! xoxo
I love all of your advice, Rhi! It’s crazy how many little details go into this one decision. I’m seriously saving all these posts to refer back to someday! Though I also might text you :) xoxox
I agree with Lisa, your advice is always fantastic! There are so many things you bring up that I would have never thought to ask about. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Hi Rhi, I have been a quiet follower of your blog for awhile. Though this post complies me to comment. I work in the Special events office for a venue in Washington DC . I loved your advice on picking a vendor! Please ask all of these questions (we prefer you ask a ton of questions up front then have a major problem down the road)! We try to explain all of the details l in our conversations and site visits but occasionally some things will slip through the cracks so questions are always welcome. I have had to deal with one of those horror stories where a bride didn’t listen when we told her that she couldn’t go with a caterer that was not on our approved catering list and she put a deposit on one that wasn’t on the list. We ended up having to make her partner with another caterer so the caterer on our list would provide all of the equipment and personnel due to our tight restrictions because we are a museum. Therefore, brides to be please ask all of these important questions, it will definitely save you trouble and possible heartache down the road!
Hearing advice from a former bride and now fabulous planner is so helpful Rhi! You have such a gift and I wish I had someone to share all your tips with me before I planned! Passing this on to a few planning brides :)
This has been such a great series, Rhi! So many things to keep in mind before making your final decision–hope you do more!:)
I can’t imagine anything being ugly on you…I bet that red blazer was totally fab!
Such a great array of tips! I love the one about the extra bartender, so essential! :)
I also recommend asking you venue if you can meet with your Maitre d’ prior to your wedding. If you are using in-house food, perhaps you can arrange your tasting on a day that you are working.
Yeeeeeees.
Love this, Rhi…all so true. The exclusive/preferred vendor thing is HUGE. Our location wound up being really flex about their preferred list, as long as we paid an additional (refundable) deposit. Thank heavens! But I’ve heard stories, too. Eek.
The other thing I learned while searching for a location is that if the staff is not excited about your wedding…email/phone call replies are slow and getting answers feels impossible…keep moving! You will absolutely find a dream location with staff that’s helpful + elated to be the backdrop of your big day.
Actually, now that I really think about it, that rule applies to all your wedding vendors. :)
Great advice, especially for figuring out the financial aspects of your decisions. I also want to underscore the point that your venue determines many of the other decisions you’ll make. Again, great advice!
Lil’ mama you nailed it again! :-)