Take on your first venue tour like a pro!

Yay! You’re engaged!! Congratulations!! You’re ready to set out into the world and plan the wedding you have been dreaming of since you were five years old. When I got engaged, I was calling venues that very next day booking appointments that very week! Although I was so excited and thought I was more than prepared since I had my Pinterest board filled with ideas, I was so lost on my first tour. There was so much information I needed to provide the venue in order to get answers on pricing and dates that I didn’t have! I am here so you don’t make the same mistake I did and can walk into your first venue appointment prepared and ready to book if needed! Here are four things you need to know before going wedding venue shopping!

1. Budget

This may be an obvious one but make sure you determine a budget for your big day. Talk to all parties involved and get a rough idea of how much you are able to allocate towards the day. Since venues do not normally share their prices online or over the phone, it may take going to one or two venues to determine your price range and how much of your budget you want to allocate toward your venue!

2. Estimated Guest Count

This number is actually crucial! It not only helps determine to price but may also determine what room you will be in, whether or not you are the only wedding at that time, if the venue can accommodate the guest count, and the reasons go on and on! Have a general ballpark so you know if the venue is even an option for your event!

3. Potential Dates

Although the venues normally hold all the cards for this (especially due to the wedding boom), have a general idea of the time of year you would prefer, and what day of the week, these things are all things that help determine to the price! If you want to get an accurate quote, try to have these details ironed out!

4. List of Must-Haves

Determine what are your absolute must-haves for the venue! Whether it’s the view or the type of food or the size ballroom, have that list ready to go when you are narrowing down your search!

I would have been a lot more prepared for my first venue tour if I knew these 4 things upfront which is why I am here to pass this knowledge on to you! When you go in prepared, you are able to focus more on the venue and the questions you have versus trying to count your potential guest list in your head!