8 Things You NEED to Consider Before Booking Your Wedding Venue

The Tea

Let’s face it: picking a wedding venue is huge—probably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make while planning. The venue sets the tone for your whole day, so it’s gotta be just right. But don’t stress—we’ve got your back. We’ve broken down the top 8 things you absolutely need to consider before signing that venue contract. Let’s dive in!

1. What’s Your Vibe? Wedding Style, Baby!

First thing’s first: Is your wedding more “classic elegance” or “boho chic”? Maybe you’re vibing with something rustic, or perhaps you want to dance under the stars at an alfresco dinner. Whatever your style is, your venue has to match. You don’t want to end up with a sleek, modern space if you’re planning a cozy, laid-back vibe, or vice versa.

Pro tip: If you’re working with a specific color palette or theme, make sure the venue’s existing décor won’t clash with your vision. The goal is seamless, not stressful.

2. Budget Reality Check

You’ve got to know your budget. Like, really know it. Before you get attached to any venue, make sure you have a solid understanding of the total overall cost. If adding all the extras pushes you over budget, it’s time to either scale back or start looking for more affordable options. Warning: Don’t let the venue fee trick you—consider hidden costs like service charges or extra fees before you sign anything.

3. How Many Guests Are We Talking?

You don’t want to fall in love with a venue that can’t fit your guest list. Check the capacity—and not just for the ceremony, but also the cocktail hour and reception. You need enough space for everything, from getting ready to your first dance. A little secret: Ask if any spaces will need to be re-used during the day—because your timeline and guest flow depend on it.

4. Location, Location, Location (And Parking!)

It’s your wedding day, but it’s also about making the day amazing for your guests. Make sure your venue’s accessible. Ask questions like can guests easily get there? Is there parking or shuttle service between locations? Check if there are hotels nearby for out-of-town guests. The less stress your guests have traveling, the more fun they’ll have celebrating with you. Happy guests equals unforgettable memories.

5. Full-Service or DIY? Know What You’re Getting Into

Some venues come with everything (tables, chairs, linens, catering)—others? You’ll need to bring in your own vendors. Both options have pros and cons, so make sure you do the math. A venue that includes rentals might cost more upfront, but it could save you a ton of stress (and potentially a lot of extra work). And, P.S.—this is where our Full Service or Partial Planning Package comes in handy for venues that need a little extra TLC.

Also, don’t forget about the fine print. If your venue offers in-house catering, double-check the service fees and gratuity. Many places charge a hefty service fee on top of the minimum spend. You don’t want any surprise charges sneaking up on you!

Now, this one’s big—do you need to get married on a certain date, or are you flexible? If you have your heart set on a specific venue, you might need to shift your wedding date to match their availability.

Pro tip: Always have two or three date ranges in mind, just in case your dream venue is already booked. And don’t forget to ask about curfews and noise restrictions! Make sure your late-night dance party doesn’t get cut short because of a local noise ordinance.

6. Flexibility on Dates & Curfews: Plan Ahead

Planning an outdoor wedding? That’s amazing, but you gotta think about the what if. What if it rains, or the wind decides to make an entrance? Always ask your venue about their weather backup plan. You don’t want to be scrambling for solutions the day of. Ensure there’s an indoor option or a tent ready to roll out if the weather doesn’t cooperate. With a solid backup, you can rest easy knowing that no matter what Mother Nature throws at you, your day is still going to be amazing.

7. Weather Back-Up Plan = Stress-Free Wedding

8. Your Gut: Trust It. Always.

This is the big one. After all the details, the logistics, and the decision-making, you’ve gotta ask yourself: Does this feel right? Your wedding venue should feel like a perfect reflection of who you and your partner are. Your gut feeling matters—trust it. You want to feel that spark when you step into space, like, “Yep, this is it.” Your wedding day needs to feel authentic to both of you. If you’re not feeling it, keep looking. You’ll know when it’s the right place.

Ready to make your wedding epic in Bend, Oregon or Scottsdale, Arizona or any other dreamy destination? Let’s chat—The Indigo Bride has covered every step of the way.

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