What to Look For in a Wedding Venue
There is no real cohesive price for a wedding venue. Every venue does its own thing. That is why I’m here to give you some tips to find the right venue for you.
WHAT THEY OFFER
There are different types of venues. You can get inclusive packages or DIY. Meaning it is a location with no frills or anything else. You can also find venues that offer most of what you need. I find that either one you choose you could end up spending the same amount. I don’t think one is better than the other. Consider both and find the option that fits best with your personality.
Either way, find out what the location can offer to help lighten your load later. That includes asking about:
Food packages
Bar Packages
Tables
Chairs
Linens
Table settings
Easels
Cake Table
Tablecloths
Candles
Vases
The sooner you find out what they offer the better you can budget if you're going to use them.
CONTACT THEM ALL
Don't get attached to a venue until you see it in person. A lot of locations may not even email or call you back. With that in mind, you can be a little picking but look at photos and contact as many as you can. What you will find is that there aren’t as many venues as you think in LA. Since you will hit a point where you are circling the same ones. Contact any that you can visualize having your wedding at. That way, you have a good base of options.
VIBE CHECK
When you visit these locations pay attention to how you feel when you’re there. Do you like the person giving you the tour? This will be a person you work with when planning and executing your wedding so if you don’t like them on day one. Good luck. I will say that part of the reason I booked my venue when I got married was that the person giving the tour was awesome. I ended up hiring her as my day-of wedding coordinator.
LOGISTICS
When you tour venues you love, please consider the logistics and wedding timeline. I know that you feel your wedding is the best, most awesome day ever. But please be considerate of your guests when planning. This means paying attention to how far it is, parking, transportation, hotels nearby. On top of that if it’s easy to decorate? Is there enough space for your videographers and photographers to get key shots? If you want a good amount of people to show up, even if it’s a destination wedding, make sure that it’s convenient.
HIDDEN COSTS
When the venue is giving you the tour they do not want to ruin it by telling you hidden costs. It’s up to you to figure out what they are. Make sure you ask about set-up time, overtime charges if your wedding goes a little later than cut off. Ask the cost if they have to cut your cake. A hidden cost that I didn’t know about til booking my venue is that I had to provide day-of insurance. Some venues, especially hotels already have this covered. BUT if you’re finding a venue off the beaten path it’s something to be aware of.
If you want your Ceremony in the same location as your reception make sure you ask and see how much extra that will be. Some, very few, places will waive it or give you a deal. In the wedding business, I find no one gives a deal so find out those hidden costs fast.
If you would like LA Love Weddings to be part of your special day check out our videography and photography packages here. We would love to capture your wedding!
