Dear Lauren: How do I choose the best wedding venue for me?

How do I choose the best venue for me?

I am planning a day of touring a few different venues for my upcoming wedding in 2025. What are some important questions I need to ask and consider before making my final decision on a venue? 

How do I choose the best wedding venue for me?

Dear Bride: Choosing your venue is arguably the most important decision you will make. For me, I believe that you have to choose a venue that you "feel" something for. If you want a mansion style venue, a barn atmosphere is not going to work for you. This works the other way around as well. You cannot force yourself to book a place just because of the price or any other reason. You HAVE to be able to envision your wedding there. You have to feel something, whether this sounds corny or not. Weddings are emotional. You have to include that component into your choices, especially the venue.

Lake House Reception Center

I have had clients walk onto the porch and start crying because they love it so much. Sometimes, I can tell that they just don't "feel" it. I always say to those guests who I can tell that is not for them, "If it is not your special place, it is okay. You have to do what is best for you. You do not have to pretend for my benefit."

How do I choose the best wedding venue for me?

Below is a list of questions that we suggest you ask when touring venues in your area. 

Questions to Ask About Pricing and Availability:

Is my date of choice available?

Are there any surrounding dates available?

Do you have a wait list for dates?

How far in advance can I reserve my date?

Are there different rates for different days of the week and times?

What about different seasons?

How many hours are included in the rental of the space?

How early can we arrive, and how late can we stay?

How do we determine the cost of the event?

Is there a venue rental fee?

Lake House Reception Center

Questions to Ask About Payment:

How much is the deposit/partial payment?

What forms of payment do you accept?

How do you structure the payment schedule?

What is included in the total?

What is the cancellation policy?

Do you offer cancellation insurance?

Can we make changes to our contract after booking?

How do I choose the best wedding venue for me?

Questions to Ask About Vendor Teams:

Do you offer in house vendors?

Do the in-house vendors require deposits?

Do we have to use your preferred vendors?

Are there limitations or guidelines we need to meet when bringing vendors in?

Do you have a list of approved or recommended vendors we can use?

Do you offer liability insurance for outside vendors?

Will your staff work with my outside vendors?

Baton Rouge Wedding Venue

Logistics:

Is the site handicap accessible?

Are the bathrooms accessible?

Are there noise restrictions?

How many dressing rooms do you offer?

Is parking available on-site and free?

Is there on-site security?

How do you count guests?

Can we utilize the venue for engagement pictures or bridal portraits?

Can we have our fur baby participate in our wedding ceremony?

Is smoking allowed?

Is there an open flame policy?

Baton Rouge Wedding Venue

Event Specifics:

What is the venue’s capacity?

Can we customize our set up for event?

Do you offer custom color choices for linens and table decorations?

Will sound equipment need to be rented or provided by the entertainment?

What is the backup plan for rain or inclement weather?

Are there any décor restrictions?

When can vendors arrive for setup?

Will your staff be involved in setting up and breaking down the décor? In what capacity?

Wedding Cake from Ambrosia Bakery Baton Rouge

Food and Drinks:

Do you have an in-house caterer?

Do you make accommodations for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions?

Can we taste the food beforehand?

Can we take the leftover food home after event is over?

Do you have a food and beverage minimum?

Do we have to purchase liquor through venue?

Is the wedding party included in the guest count?

At what age are children included in the guest count?

Do vendors such as photographers and DJ count as guests?

Can we hire our own caterer?

Can we cook and bring our own food for our event?

On site Catering Lake House Reception Center

Venue Staff:

Who will be our point person as we plan our wedding?

Is a day of coordinator included?

Is a personal butler for couple included?

Who will be our point person on our wedding day?

Can we meet them before our event date?

What are the hours of operation for the office staff?

What forms of communication are available with office staff?

Are you available on the weekends for appointments?

Does the staff wear uniforms for events?

Does the staff serve the food from the buffet line?

Lake House Reception Center

And finally, your connection to the venue's team members is crucial. You have to be able to trust and speak freely with them. They must be knowledgeable and really care about you and your wedding day. You will be able to tell if those things are true. I, personally, treat everyone like they are family. I do not know any other way to do it. Our house is your house. We all want you to be comfortable and happy when you are here. Weddings are about love and joy. You should experience that on every level. I wish you the best in your venue hunting. I hope you find your perfect one that suits you.
 

Don't forget how you exit your perfect wedding venue....

Classic Cars BR

A car rental is perfect from our Preferred Partner, Classic Cars BR. :)

If you want more information on our All-inclusive venue, check our website out:



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