How to Tour a Wedding Venue

Decide on a Budget

Budgets don't have to be scary! During your venue consultation, your coordinator will ask you about your wedding budget, but there's no need to stress. Their job is to create a pricing quote that's right for you. If you're not sure where to start with creating a budget, The Knot has helpful info on average wedding costs. The number of guests, time of year, and the package you choose are the three largest factors in determining how much your wedding will cost.

Think About the Time of Year

After getting engaged, the most common question you'll likely hear is "When's the date?" However, we recommend focusing on the season you'd like to get married in rather than a specific date. Venues can book up 12-18 months in advance, so it's best to be flexible. Consider selecting the time of year you prefer for your wedding and see what dates are available at your chosen venue. You can also ask to compare pricing for different seasons, such as on-season versus off-season, to help make your decision.

“I always recommend that couples keep an open mind about date availability. You'll have a much easier time with your venue search if you prioritize a time of year versus a specific date."

— Alyssa, Wedding Expert, Stonebridge Manor by Wedgewood Weddings

5 Things to Look for In a Wedding Venue:

• Cleanliness
• Friendly, organized team
• Clear, concise answers to your questions
• No pressure to book
• The guest experience – Was it easy to find? Where would they park?

“I always suggest that couples write down any questions they have and bring them with them on the tour. They often get a little distracted (in a good way) while on the tour, so having that original list of questions will keep them on track and make absolute sure that they won’t get home and realize they totally forgot to go over some important details!” 
— Kimberly, Wedding Expert, Aliso Viejo by Wedgewood Weddings

3 Things to Consider During Your Venue Tour:

• Most importantly, can you two picture yourselves getting married here?
• Can you see yourself working with the wedding planning team?
• Can you realistically afford it?

Questions to Ask During the Tour:

• How long is the space available for on the day?
• Is there a dressing room on site?
• Who would be your point of contact through the planning process?
• Are there any limits to the food and alcohol you can serve?
• Is there anything you’ll have to provide on your own?
• Are there any restrictions? (Like noise ordinance, curfew, parking)

“I suggest only bringing the ‘decision-makers’ to your tour. It’s fun to bring along all your closest friends, but choosing your venue is an important decision - it makes sense to only have yourself, your partner, your parents, and/or any financial contributors at the tour. They’ll be the most helpful (and impactful) when trying to narrow down your options!"
— Paige, Wedding Expert, Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings

You can relate to the feeling of knowing when something (or someone!) is right for you. That same gut feeling will hit you when you walk into your future wedding venue. If you and your partner absolutely LOVE a venue when you tour and know it’s the right space for your wedding, you can absolutely book right then and there. But it’s also totally normal to think about your decision for a little while, too.

It’s also possible to be really torn after touring venues... If that's the case, talk it over with your partner, take the time to see which one keeps coming to mind, and listen to your gut. There’ll be different pros and cons to each option, but if you have a strong feeling about a particular venue, it’ll make everything worth it!