Things to Consider and Know Before You Book Your Wedding Venue

Intro:

Booking your wedding venue is the first and most crucial step in your wedding planning journey. It’s important to secure your venue early, as all other services—like catering, photography, and decor—can be booked later, but your venue needs to be locked in to ensure you have your desired date. With the venue booked, you can plan the rest of your services around it, giving you the flexibility and peace of mind you need.

Do’s:

1. Start Early:
   • Book your venue 6-12 months in advance to secure your preferred date. This will allow you to plan other services like catering and decor around the venue’s availability.
2. Have a Clear Guest List:
   • Knowing your approximate guest count will help you pick a venue of the right size.
3. Visit the Venue in Person:
   • Ensure that the venue aligns with your vision, and inspect its layout, lighting, and overall vibe.
4. Ask About Inclusive Services:
   • Venues that offer in-house catering, decor, and AV setups can save time and money.
5. Check for Music Licenses:
   • Some venues, especially branded hotels, may require a music license for playing loud music. Independent halls and resorts often allow it without issue, but always confirm with the venue to avoid last-minute surprises.
6. Have a Backup Plan for Weather:
   • Especially for outdoor weddings, always ask if there’s an indoor alternative in case of bad weather.
7. Consider Accessibility and Parking:
   • Ensure there’s ample parking and the venue is easily accessible, especially for elderly guests.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Overshoot Your Budget:
   • Stick to your budget and avoid venues that come with too many hidden costs or extra fees.
2. Don’t Overlook the Fine Print:
   • Read the venue contract thoroughly to avoid surprise charges like cleaning, overtime, or corkage fees.
3. Don’t Ignore Venue Restrictions:
   • Check for restrictions, such as noise limits, vendor policies, and music licensing, to make sure they align with your plans.
4. Don’t Skip a Final Walkthrough:
   • Do a final check of the venue before signing anything to ensure it meets all your expectations.
5. Don’t Rely on Verbal Agreements:
   • Always have all terms, conditions, and special requests documented in writing.

Handy Venue Booking Checklist:

• ✅ Book your venue early (6-12 months in advance).
• ✅ Finalize your guest list before choosing the venue.
• ✅ Visit the venue in person.
• ✅ Check for included services (catering, decor, sound systems).
• ✅ Confirm whether a music license is required.
• ✅ Ask about weather contingency plans.
• ✅ Ensure ample parking and easy accessibility.
• ✅ Stick to your budget.
• ✅ Read the contract for hidden fees.
• ✅ Be clear on restrictions and policies.
• ✅ Conduct a final walkthrough.
• ✅ Get all agreements in writing.

By booking your venue first and checking for important details like music licenses, you can ensure your wedding planning goes smoothly without any last-minute hassles. The rest of the services will fall into place once the venue is set!