Finding your wedding venue is a major moment, it sets the tone, the style and even the flow of your entire day. With so many stunning options out there, narrowing it down can feel like a full-time job.
These five essential tips will help you focus on what really matters and make venue visits more productive (and less overwhelming).
1. Start With Your Guest List
Before you fall in love with a venue’s exposed beams or lake views, make sure it actually fits your guest list. Too small and you’ll feel squeezed. Too large and it could lack atmosphere. A rough headcount helps you avoid wasted visits.
đź’ˇ Pro tip: Jot your venue shortlists and guest list ideas in one place, keeping all your planning tools organised from the start makes the whole process smoother. (Subscribers to Love & Beyond receive planning tools and checklists in their first box to help with exactly this.)
2. Nail Down Your Style & Setting
Are you picturing a romantic barn wedding? A grand manor house? A seaside celebration? Your venue should reflect your personality as a couple. Pinterest boards help, but nothing beats visiting a place and seeing how it feels in real life.
Make note of whether the venue allows you to decorate the space. Some allow full styling freedom, while others prefer to keep things neutral.
3. Understand What’s Included
Some venues offer everything from caterers to tableware, while others are dry hire, meaning you’re starting from scratch. Neither is wrong, but it’s important to know what you’re committing to.
Questions to ask:
- Do you have on-site or preferred caterers?
- Are tables, chairs, and crockery included?
- Can we bring in our own suppliers or décor?
With each visit create a simple checklist to compare what’s included. (Love & Beyond subscribers get venue visit worksheets in their early boxes to help with this kind of thing it’s all about saving time and reducing stress.)
4. Ask About the Logistics
This is the bit that often gets overlooked in favour of the dreamy stuff, but it’s essential. Always ask:
- What time can we access the venue from?
- What time does everything need to be cleared away?
- Is there on-site parking?
- Is there accommodation nearby?
- Are there noise or supplier restrictions?
A venue might be picture-perfect, but if you can’t start setting up until noon or need to stop the music at 9pm, it could be a dealbreaker.
5. Plan for the Weather
If you’re considering an outdoor ceremony or reception, always check what the backup plan is. Does the venue have indoor options or a marquee on standby? If not, you’ll want to factor in extra costs (and peace of mind).
Making Wedding Planning Feel Less Overwhelming
Between spreadsheets, site visits, and endless questions, venue hunting can feel a little… intense. That’s why many brides are turning to services like Love & Beyond—a bridal subscription box designed to guide you through each stage of the wedding planning journey.
From planning tools and timelines to calming self-care treats, it’s a monthly reminder that you can enjoy this season while still ticking off your to-do list. Think of it as your wedding planning sidekick—no overwhelm, just joy.
We hope this has helped!
With love,
Natasha and the Love & Beyond team x