Choosing the Perfect Venue
Finding the perfect wedding venue is no easy feat, and the plethora of options can be overwhelming. Selecting a venue for your wedding day is one of the first and biggest decisions you'll make after getting engaged, so we've made a list to help alleviate some of the stress that comes with such a daunting task.
#1. Have a Vision
How do you envision your big day? Indoor or outdoor? Do you want a romantic look? Whimsical? Rustic? Vintage? Bohemian? Something alternative? Whatever it may be, it's best to have a big picture idea of what you want on your wedding day (This is especially important if you're hiring a wedding planner.) Start a pinterest board, keep a list of your must haves and always take into account your "big picture" when considering venues.
#2. Size & Accommodations
Know your needs. Do you need space for 250+ guests? Or does a small, intimate gathering sound more enticing? Will you and your bridal party need space to get ready or maybe a hotel room nearby? Are outdoor photo areas that are easily accessible a priority for you? Most venues aren't going to have this information at the ready, so it's best to be prepared!
A few things we recommend asking when shopping for a venue:
Do they permit open-flame candles? This policy varies widely from venue to venue, so if it's a must have for you, ask.
Space. Can they accommodate your guests for a ceremony, sit-down dinner and a night on the dance floor? Will the whole evening take place in one room? Will a room flip be necessary? If so, who will oversee it?
Is rehearsal included with the cost or is there an additional fee? How much time will be allotted for rehearsal?
Do they provide a day-of coordinator, or do they have suggestions on some who are both amazing at their job and familiar with the space?
Ask about meetings and walk throughs in preparation for the big day. Do they have a set number of visits you can use during the wedding planning process? Is there an additional charge for planning visits? Do they offer an open planning day once a month (sometimes common)?
Vendor policies. Does the venue have an open-vendor policy? (Meaning you can choose whomever you'd like.) Or do they have a set list of vendors for you to choose from? More importantly, do they have any preferred vendors they'd like to recommend?
(They should be able to give you specific reasons why each vendor stands out to them. Some venues get kick backs from using specific vendors, don’t be afraid to ask. After all, you want the best team behind you on your wedding day!)
The above questions are a good place to start when deciding on a venue, but we highly suggest you come up with a list of questions for each venue you visit. Before taking a tour, visit each venue's website, do some research and come up with a list of questions to ask during your walk through.
#3. Do Your Research
Wedding planning
This cannot be stressed enough. Check reviews for each potential venue and consider the experiences of others when weighing your list of options. Take a private tour of the venue (perfect time to feel out the personalities of the staff and get an idea of the company culture) and request to meet some of the staff who might be working with you on the big day. It's important you feel at ease with these individuals and trust they will do their best to meet your needs and expectations when the time comes. Ideally, the venue staff are friendly with a relaxed demeanor, yet professional and knowledgeable. Look for transparency and detail-oriented vendors. You should feel comfortable when working with any wedding day professional.In addition to secondary resources, take note of your own experience in communicating with each potential venue on your list. How quick is their response time? Are they effective in communicating with you? Do they answer all of your questions thoroughly and in a timely manner? Are they excited to work with you or at the very least, pleasant? Although these might seem like minor details, they often speak volumes of the overall attitude and professionalism of a company, which is something of great importance when it comes to your wedding day.
#4. Read the Fine Print
You would hope asking all of the right questions and talking to the right people would cover all of the bases, but it's usually a good idea to make sure you get it in writing. If a sparkler sendoff is a must have, and your venue has verbally given the OK, make sure it's written in your contract. Company policies are changed and updated frequently, and people make mistakes.It's also a good idea to thoroughly look for any additional and/or hidden fees before signing with a venue. Booking fees can be common with venues; it all varies based on wedding packages. We personally like our clients to have ALL the information upfront, that way they know exactly what to expect and are never left feeling confused or caught off guard.
#5. Love Your Venue
If you are not crazy or excited about the venue when you book it, you aren’t going to be happy with it on wedding day either. The venue possibilities in Tulsa are endless, and there is no reason to settle for something that doesn't fit your vision and style (Yes, no matter the budget!) It's so important to LOVE your venue
And that concludes our tips for choosing the perfect venue. Is there anything you'd add to our list? Share with us in the comment section below.