What to do before you tour wedding venues

Written By Amber McKinney

So it finally happened, you’re engaged!!!


What happens next? People are already asking us when and where! Before you start booking venue tours, check this out:


This beginner’s guide will take you from “OMG we’re engaged,” to “We officially have a wedding date at our dream venue!”

Before you book a venue tour, do this FIRST…


Comparing apples to oranges can be tough- DIY, All Inclusive, Exclusive Vendors, Open Vendor Policies, White, Rustic, Modern, Moody… 🤯

After all, you just want to marry the love of your life surrounded by your closest friends and family!

You may be wondering:

How many venues should I tour?

How much of my wedding budget should go to the venue?

How big does my venue need to be?

What questions should I ask at the tour?

Take a breath. All the “so when are you getting married” questions are on the way, but have no fear! If you take a few steps to think about your priorities, the right venue will find you.

Now that you’re engaged (or maybe you know it’s coming soon)…

1) CELEBRATE

And we mean it! Share the news with your dearest friends and family! Let the joy soak in (and all the love on socials) before you start planning. YES, everyone will be asking “when are you getting married,” but just know they mean well. Don’t feel pressured to book a date before you’re ready. Have a few conversations first….

 

2) SET YOUR PRIORITIES

Your first instinct is to show your fiancé that secret wedding Pinterest board you’ve been hiding since you knew he was “the one.” 😉. There’s no wrong answer, but you can start here:

Take a step back and talk about what you truly want for the big day.

  • What dates/seasons DON’T work for us?

  • Huge celebration with everyone you know?

  • Intimate gathering with closest loved ones?

  • Do we really even want a wedding?

  • Should we DIY all the things? Or are we too busy for that?

  • Should we look for an all inclusive venue that comes with everything done for you?

  • Do we spend our engagement and wedding day relaxing while the pros do all the heavy lifting?

  • Who are we trying to make happy? Ourselves or our parents?

  • Are we ballroom, farmhouse, or rustic style?

  • Are we SET on a day of the week? Or are we open to save thousands by choosing a Friday or Sunday?

Pro Tip: Once you know your “why,” THEN consider aesthetic and all the fun details.

 

3) CREATE A TENTATIVE GUEST LIST

Before you event consider your wedding budget, make your rough list.

Why do I need to know how many wedding guests I’ll have?

Capacity: your venue will have a maximum (and sometimes minimum) guest count. This will weed out several options.

Cost: consider the cost of food, alcohol, and table decor that increases with each guest you add. Think: $50-$100 per guest for food, drinks, linens, centerpieces.

Pro Tip: Write yourselves a permission slip to say “no” when others are pressuring you to invite someone that isn’t a big part of your life. (seriously, write it and take a picture to send each other when you’re feeling pressured to add to your list).

 

4) ESTABLISH A REALISTIC WEDDING BUDGET

  • Have honest conversations with whomever is helping pay for the wedding, in light of your priorities and guest list.

  • Your date choice can save you thousands by choosing off-season or a non-Saturday.

  • Note what should be included in the total wedding budget:

    • Venue

    • Food

    • Beverage

    • DJ/Entertainment

    • Attire

    • Event Insurance

    • Photography

    • Decorations/Rentals

    • Flowers/Decorating Service

    • Coordination

    • Dessert

    • Optional: Photo Booth, custom decor/signs, favors, etc

    Pro Tip: Consider that the wedding venue should take less than 30% of the total wedding budget. (so, if you’re looking at a 10K venue rental, you’re looking at a $30K plus wedding)

 

Now that you know your priorities, rough guest count, and a tentative budget, it’s time to shop for wedding venues!

Pro Tip: AVOID TOURING VENUES THAT ARE OUTSIDE YOUR BUDGET. This only leads to heartbreak, and there are tons out there!

Before you get caught up in all the pretty things, here are some questions to ask during a wedding venue tour:

  • WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL?

  • What are the vendor policies?

  • What are the additional fees?

  • How much is the security deposit?

  • What are the access hours?

  • What extras are included (decor, supplies), and what do I have to bring myself?

  • What’s the cleanup policy?

  • Is there dedicated seating for ceremony and reception? How many seats are available?

  • What happens if it rains?

  • Who is onsite on behalf of the venue?

  • What are your prohibited items/activities?

 

If you’re an East Texas Bride searching for an affordable wedding venue near Tyler, Texas, consider Sunset Oaks Venue!

Brides love the scenic yet modern aesthetic, the vast “something borrowed” inventory of decorations included with all venue rentals, the all white open air wedding chapel, and the convertible receptions space that opens to overlook the rolling East Texas Hills.




HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!

Venue Sunset Oaks Venue

Photos by Stone Studios

Decor by JPerson Events

Flowers by Sinke Floral









Amber McKinney
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