There are more to wedding venues than just glitzy dรฉcor and gorgeous pictures. Even though everyone wants to get married in a beautiful location, there is much more to choosing a wedding venue than just how it appears.
Sometimes, in their haste to find the perfect venue, brides and grooms overlook some “red flags” that may cause frustrations in the future. When making a venue decision, be aware of these red flags.
Minimum guest requirements
The number of guests attending your wedding will have a significant impact on the cost of the venue. Although you’ll probably have to estimate the number of guests you’ll have, the venue should be aware that you can’t predict who will actually show up. Avoid venues that base their pricing and contracts on you paying for a minimum number of guests. For example, if you invite 150 people to your wedding but only 120 show up, you may be forced to pay for 30 empty seats as well as 30 meals. While it’s extremely important to confirm that the venue can accommodate the number of guests expected, you should also keep it flexible. Provide a rough estimate of the number of attendees and only agree to pay for those who actually show up.
Negative reviews
The wedding of a couple should be the most memorable day of their lives, spent with loved ones, close friends, and, yes, professionals who work hard to make that day truly magical. Therefore, it is a major bummer when newlyweds are unhappy with their venue selection. Even though everything appears to be going smoothly, things can still go wrong and ruin the day. By carefully reading the reviews, you can avoid making the same mistakes as other couples and get a full understanding of what you are getting into.
A great source of candid feedback that the venue might not be willing to share is frequently provided by couples who have already been married there and regularly share their experiences through Facebook, Google, or wedding forums. Consider whether you’re willing to take a chance on the location if you notice a trend of unfavorable reviews in order to get that perfect shot. It can be helpful to ask the venue about any negative reviews and see how they respond.
No backup plan
Venues that do not have a backup plan are definitely a red flag. Venues need to have a backup plan in place rather than saying “you’re on your own” in case of bad weather, a natural disaster, or a global pandemic. Any wedding planner will tell you that having a plan A, B, and C for the wedding day is essential. You never know when it will start raining.
If the venue says there is no way to move the event inside or provide an adequate outdoor tent, it is not your best bet for a smooth-riding day. A wedding venue will be more than happy to accommodate your party regardless of the weather or exceptional circumstances; make sure there is a plan B before you book the venue.
Poor communication
It makes sense that a well-known wedding venue will be busy, and you probably won’t get a prompt response if an event coordinator is in charge of it. However, if you discover that you must repeatedly follow up with them to get a response, you should think about whether you can trust the team when it comes to formally planning your wedding with them. The staff at your venue should be eager to go above and beyond to realize your vision for your wedding and inspire confidence in their abilities. Booking there should raise a lot of red flags if they can’t respond to your questions promptly.
Couples who already have a lot on their minds can become significantly more stressed as a result of poor communication in the wedding venue. It only causes misunderstandings, confusion, and disappointment! Of course, sloppy communication doesn’t have to spell the end of the relationship. Schedule a call with the on-site coordinator to manage expectations if you’re noticing a slow response time but love the venue.
Lack of transparency regarding policies and fees
When choosing a wedding venue, consider the issues that might arise if fees and policies arenโt discussed. Choosing a venue that isn’t completely transparent about its policies and pricing can result in hidden or additional fees, omitted packages or services, rental charges on top of booked services, restrictions on decorations or catering menus, and the use of unapproved outside vendors. That is why it is important to read through documents carefully and ask questions when booking.
Difficult to understand contracts
A contract with unclear terms can cause a huge headache, leaving you liable for unexpected expenses. It is important that wedding venues are clear about their terms, and all parties should be on the same page before signing anything. This can help avoid arguments and legal trouble before or after the wedding takes place. Couples should be aware of the risks they are taking by signing a hold-harmless clause when planning their wedding. This kind of agreement limits the legal recourse the other party may have if something goes wrong by shifting liability from one party to the other.
Signing this type of agreement may appear to be prudent protection for certain individuals or organizations, but it can rob an individual of legal rights and cause financial or emotional distress if an incident occurs. Before signing any hold harmless clause, it’s essential to understand its terms so that you are aware of the risks you are accepting in the event that something goes seriously wrong on the day of your wedding.
Not flexible
If your venue has strict vendor policies, you may be unable to choose the vendors who are most suitable and within your budget. This may be a problem if you want to incorporate specific requirements, such as dietary restrictions or cultural traditions, into your wedding. It is critical to select a versatile venue that is willing to collaborate with you to create the unforgettable event you envision.
None of these experiences are reasons to avoid a wedding venue in and of themselves, but if one or more of them occur, you will be alerted to the need to be extra clear, well-planned, and flexible on your end. Even if you notice a red flag at the venue, you can still plan the ideal wedding day. Knowing that you might need to communicate more may be just the information you require to nail down all the details.
