If you’ve never shopped around for a wedding venue before, you may be wondering what to expect. One of the most important things to consider is the amenities that a venue provides, as they can have a significant impact on both your big day and your budget. Let’s go over a few different things to keep in mind when looking for a wedding venue…

Amenities

Many venues will have a list of amenities that they provide/include and a list of amenities that people can request. Understanding the differences between these two things is important, so that you can understand the bill that you’ll receive and what to expect on your big day.

Catering

One of the biggest things to consider is whether or not the venue can provide in-house catering. Some couples specifically seek this out, while others are more interested in bringing in their own caterer. If you want to bring in your own caterer, make sure that you’re aware of any restrictions or guidelines that the venue may have.

 

Keep in mind that if you do go with an in-house caterer, you may not have as many options. While this is true, it’s also a way to simplify the process, which is something that many couples do appreciate. Either way, what matters is that the food is delicious!

Tables and Chairs

Not all venues include tables and chairs in their base pricing. It’s extremely important to be clear about whether or not your venue provides tables and chairs, as they’re going to be an essential part of your wedding day.

 

If your venue does provide tables and chairs, make sure that you know what they look like so that they fit into your decor well. If your venue doesn’t provide tables and chairs, most couples decide to rent them. This is often cost-effective and makes much more sense than fully purchasing them.

Preferred Vendor List

Many venues will have a list of preferred vendors that they’ve worked with before and know will provide an exceptional experience. Being able to look through a list of preferred vendors can provide you with peace of mind and help you be sure that you’re picking a vendor who will be able to meet your expectations.

Parking

Many couples don’t think about a venue’s parking, but it can be incredibly important. Especially if you have a local venue, many people will most likely be driving there themselves. Depending on the size of your wedding guest list, that means that you may need to fit (at least) dozens of cars. Taking this into account is important. 

 

If you find your dream venue but they don’t have an ideal parking situation, then consider asking them what their plan is for overflow parking. There may be options available that you’re not aware of, so asking a venue about their parking is a great way to narrow down your options and decide if they could be right for you.