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Booking your venue is no doubt one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding. It’s the first time you’ll be able to see a physical space that allows you to envision all the beautiful and intimate details of your big day. Plus, it’s a huge “to-do” that you can cross off your list once it’s booked. A solidified location for your nuptials allows you to hit the ground running on all of the other booking details like catering, floral arrangements, and decorations. 

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But, with all of that excitement and anticipation in mind, it can become extremely easy to overlook several key factors when booking your venue. You want to get going on your wedding planning, but you also want to make sure that you are asking the right questions. This is a huge decision, so you’ll want to make sure that you have all (and we mean all), of your questions answered. 

If you’re unsure of where to start, don’t worry. We have a list of questions to ask any venue before booking your wedding to make sure you are getting exactly what you’re looking for. Because you deserve it, beautiful bride! 

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1. Can I Afford this Venue?

First and foremost, this should be the question that you ask yourself before stepping foot into any wedding venue. And don’t be afraid to ask that question immediately. The last thing you want is to take a tour of a gorgeous place and envision every detail that you want to include in your dream wedding only to find out that the venue is out of your price range. 

Honest and reputable venues will be open to sharing their pricing packages with you upfront. If you get unclear answers or vendors that aren’t immediately upfront about their prices, you might want to reconsider your location. 

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2. Are There Any Hidden Fees?

Sometimes the price that’s given is only a ballpark estimate, and several venues may have hidden fees or a la carte items that cost extra. This could include setup fees, cleaning fees, or any other venue fees involved in the package. So, after asking about the pricing, make sure to inquire about any additional fees that may come along with the booking. 

3. Can This Fit All of My Guests?

It’s best to pre-determine, or at least have a good understanding of your wedding guest count before booking your venue. When you have a good idea in your head of how many guests will be invited, you’ll be able to gauge how large or small your wedding venue will be. 

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4. Am I Dead-Set on a Date, or am I Flexible?

Tons of couples choose to share their nuptials on a date that is meaningful to them. This could be an anniversary, a milestone in their relationship like a first date, or simply a number that would look good on the wedding invite (like 2.22.2022 for example). 

However, there are other couples that aren’t as hard-pressed to get married on a specific date, and are more focused on the “where,” and less on the “when.” 

If the date that you get married is more important than the venue, consider casting a wider net for venues and seeing what your options are. It’s best not to get emotionally invested in one venue if you’re tied to a date. If the specific day isn’t as important to you, finding a few venues that suit your vision can be your way of adding a personal touch to your big day.  

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5. Have I Considered the Elements?

Are you living in a location with fickle or unpredictable weather? If you’ve always dreamed of having an outdoor wedding, but don’t want to leave your wedding day in the hands of the weather gods, consider booking a venue that contains the best of both worlds. Perhaps that looks like a location that’s able to pivot your ceremony and reception indoors at the last minute, or the ability to put up tents in the case of rain or other bad weather.  

6. How Much Time Does Setup Take?

When touring your venue, ask them how early you can get into the venue to start setting everything up. Determining this will help you map out a schedule for the rest of the day or weekend. Some venues will take several hours of setup, depending on how many decorations and helping hands you have, while others will need minimal or no setup. This kind of information is especially helpful if you plan on having a brunch wedding. 

We want to hear about your wedding venue! Tell us in the comments or show us on Instagram @lulusweddings and head to our Weddings Shop to shop Lulus wedding dresses, as well as engagement, bridal shower, bachelorette, and rehearsal dinner looks!