As a wedding planner, specialising in creating unique, detail focused weddings, I’m here to guide you through every step of the planning process—starting with one of the most crucial decisions: Choosing your venue.
Finding the perfect venue is one of the most pivotal steps in bringing your wedding vision to life. In this article, I’ll highlight five common mistakes that couples often make when making this important choice and walk you through why hiring a wedding planner early on can make all the difference when it comes to selecting the right venue.
1. Not Prioritising Guest Comfort
- A venue may look breathtaking, but it’s important to think about how your guests will experience the day. Overcrowded spaces or a lack of amenities can quickly lead to discomfort, which could dampen the mood.
- Tip: Be minful that your venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list and offers practical facilities like restrooms, parking, and accessibility for older or disabled guests.
2. Ignoring Venue Restrictions
- Many venues have restrictions around noise, décor, and even vendor choices. This could mean no live music after a certain time, or limits on decorations like open flames or confetti.
- Tip: Always ask about venue restrictions upfront and make sure they align with the vision you have for your day. A wedding planner will help navigate these potential roadblocks early on to avoid dissapointment.
3. Overlooking Hidden Costs
- That seemingly perfect venue might come with a lot of extras you weren’t anticipating—like service fees, overtime charges, or mandatory insurance. (have you planned for the charge to cut your cake?)
- Tip: Understanding the full scope of costs is crucial. A wedding planner will ensure every client has full transparency about pricing, so you’re not hit with unexpected expenses later.
4. 
Not Planning for the Weather
- Outdoor venues offer stunning backdrops, but failing to prepare for bad weather can leave you scrambling on your wedding day.
- Tip: Always have a backup plan for outdoor spaces, whether it’s booking an indoor area at the same venue or renting a marquee.
5. Choosing a Venue Based on Looks Alone
- It’s easy to fall in love with a venue based on appearance, but the layout and flow of the space are just as important.
- Tip: One of my favourite things, is venue visits. As a planner, I can help couples to see beyond the aesthetics, ensuring the venue is not just beautiful, but functional for your ceremony, reception, and all the moments in between.
Selecting the right venue can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. Avoiding these common mistakes will mean you’ll be well on your way to finding a venue that perfectly fits your dream wedding. If you feel you need a little help to make this important decision so that your big day is exactly as you envision it, feel free to contact me for a chat - Let me know how i can help you.