the springs blog

Venue Visits: Do's & Don'ts

When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, a little preparation can make a world of difference. Venue visits are exciting but can also be overwhelming without a clear game plan. From booking appointments in advance to bringing along essential questions, our guide will help you navigate each tour with ease, ensuring you capture every detail, ask the right questions, and feel confident in choosing the ideal spot to say “I Do!”

DO ARRIVE ON TIME

It’s a good idea to schedule appointments in advance and set aside 45 minutes to an hour for each venue. Also, be sure to let the staff know if you’re running early or behind—it’s always appreciated!

DO SCHEDULE A VENUE VISIT

Scheduling an appointment allows you to have dedicated one-on-one time with the venue staff, ensuring they’re available to meet without overlapping with other tours, photo shoots, or events happening simultaneously.

DO TAKE PHOTOS

Capturing the venue from your own perspective can help you recall what you loved—and what didn’t stand out. After visiting a few locations, details can blend together, so documenting each tour will keep every place distinct in your memory.

DO EXCUSE YOURSELF

Choosing a venue is a deeply personal decision for you and your partner. You may feel a range of emotions and have thoughts you’d rather discuss in private. Don’t hesitate to ask for the space you need to have those candid conversations.

DO BRING A LIST OF QUESTIONS

Comparing venues can be challenging, but asking the same questions at each one allows you to evaluate them side by side from your own perspective.

DO CHECK OUT REVIEWS

Read reviews and seek recommendations. While Google provides insight into guest experiences, platforms like Wedding Wire and The Knot reveal personal stories from past couples. Bonus tip: pay attention to how the venue responds to negative reviews—it speaks volumes about their business ethics.

DO ASK FOR A FINAL QUOTE

If you’re unfamiliar with the term ‘plus plus,’ it typically means the base price plus tax and gratuity/service fees. Be sure to get a detailed quote that includes all additional fees and a sample payment plan, so you have a clear picture of the total cost.

DO REVIEW PACKAGES BEFOREHAND

Review the wedding packages or service options before your venue visit. This helps you ask informed questions and get specific answers about any add-ons. Knowing what’s available will make it easier to find the perfect fit for your vision.

DO EXPLORE THE ENTIRE PROPERTY

Don’t just focus on the main event spaces—be sure to check out the restrooms, kitchen, vendor parking, dressing suites, and other logistical areas. Explore each space you’ll have access to on your wedding day to help visualize the flow, from the first look to the grand exit. Also, remember to ask about any additional facilities, like a chapel, that might be available for your use.

DO KEEP YOUR TOUR GROUP SMALL

Keep your tour group small, ideally just you, your partner, and one or two key people. While others’ opinions are valuable, a large group can be challenging—especially if the venue is setting up for another event. If you’d like to bring more people, consider scheduling your venue visit on a non-wedding day to minimize disruptions.

DON’T FEEL PRESSURED

Yes, dates can book up quickly, but you should never feel pressured into making this decision. The deposit is typically non-refundable, so move forward at your own pace—you’ll know when you’re ready.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT A COPY OF THE CONTRACT

Weddings are exciting, but contracts are serious. Take the time to review it without distractions, ideally in the comfort of your own home. Highlight any areas you have questions about, and follow up with the venue for clarification before you sign.

DON’T BE SHY ABOUT ASKING ABOUT MULTIPLE DATE OPTIONS

A venue should be transparent about their available dates. This helps you understand how quickly dates are filling up, which months are the most popular, and which options you can consider if this is the place for you!

DON’T TOUR ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

It’s hard to focus when you’re hungry! It may seem obvious, but we’ve seen couples schedule back-to-back tours without allowing time for a lunch break. Weddings should be joyful, and so should tours—no one’s at their best on an empty stomach!

Choosing your wedding venue is a significant step, and a bit of preparation can make the process enjoyable and stress-free. By taking the time to plan, ask questions, and explore your options thoughtfully, you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect place to bring your wedding vision to life. Remember, this is a moment to celebrate, so take it all in, trust your instincts, and look forward to creating unforgettable memories in a space that feels just right for you.

Find your perfect Springs Venue here. We can’t wait to meet you!