TIPS FOR FINDING A WEDDING VENUE

Finding a wedding venue can be a daunting task, even for the most prepared couple. Intertwined has helped guide our clients into finding and selecting the right venue for their perfect wedding day. Here are our top tips that should be considered before looking at venues.Guest count, Guest count, Guest count
Knowing your guest count before locking in a venue is extremely important. Some venues have smaller capacities than others. You want to ensure you aren’t locking yourself into a space that won’t fit all the important people in your life. Also, a larger guest count could mean the difference between being able to afford a venue or not.

Experience the look and feel of the venue
Try to experience each venue visit as if you were a guest coming to the venue for the first time. Does it have the look and feel you are going for? Was it easy to park and find the location? Does it provide a ceremony and reception area? Are the surroundings well groomed and restrooms easily accessible? Is the first impression one that you want to give your guests? Remember – first impressions are everything!

Budget
Know your budget before you shop! Before visiting a venue, call the catering/wedding manager and ask about their site fees and food and beverage minimums for your desired date. Ask about the things that will add up over time such as power fees for the DJ/band, parking charges, bartender fees, overtime rates, etc. Find out what’s included and what’s not.Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware and glassware provided, or will you have to rent them yourself or get them through your caterer? Keep in mind that you typically spend 50% of your budget on the site, food and beverage, so this number from the venue is very important to know. Be sure you are comfortable with the cost before you sign anything!Vendors
Find out the venue’s rules and regulations when it comes to whom you can hire on as your wedding dream team. Are you able to hire your own vendors (caterer, coordinator, DJ, etc.), or must you select from a preferred vendor list? If you can bring your own, do they have a list of recommended vendors who have worked at the venue before? Catering is the biggest piece! You want to know whom you can use, what they offer and what their pricing looks like before committing.

Read the contractThis isn’t the time to skim through something. Read the contract line by line and ensure you know what you are getting into. Make sure the terms are crystal clear as far as what room you will be using, the timing of the event, all the charges are outlined and the rules are straightforward. If something isn’t clear, don’t be afraid to ask. Take the time to read through it, ask the right questions and feel confident before signing!

Hire a great planner
And lastly, always remember, the best tip is to hire a great planner! Hiring a planner will guide you though the site selection process and even negotiate the contract on your behalf. They will have valuable insider knowledge on which venues will be the best fit for your look and budget, and may even help you discover new locations you hadn’t considered or were even aware existed. A planner’s main objective is to make sure your day is everything you dreamed of so you won’t be led astray! Trust their expertise!

Photo Credits: Serra Plaza,Casa Romantica, Montage, Pelican Hill, Rancho Las Lomas, St. Regis, Vibiana

xoxo,

The Ladies of Intertwined Events

P: 949.748.8786 E: info@interwinedevents.com

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We are proud to announce that Intertwined has won “The Knot Best of Weddings” and Wedding Wire’s “Bride’s Choice Award” for 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014!