How do you find a wedding venue that really speaks to you, that fits your needs and is able to support your whole day?
I have collaborated with boutique hotels, private villas and chain hotels and these are some insider tips that will help you narrow down your perfect venue.
Leave Instagram
Instagram is a bit like Pinterest: it is great for inspiration, but it should not be your end point. It is true that great social media presence speaks of a curated team (and we are not bashing that) but you risk your wedding looking generic and not really “you”.
Let’s take Lake Como in Italy for example: it has exploded in popularity in the last five years or so, but there are equally scenic and breathtaking lakes nearby that would love to take care of you and your party.
They might not get as much visibility on Instagram, but it doesn’t make them less fabulous or competent.
Look for hidden gems.
Talk, Talk, Talk
To see how organized a venue is, you need to talk to people. Email is great, but getting a venue coordinator or a group sales person on the phone is better. You either click or not. They either make you feel like your day matters, or they will rehearse a script they have gone through hundreds of times.
Wedding days are all about flexibility too, so you should gauge whether they are able to be flexible with their pricing and what it includes, if you can exclude some things or whether you are bound.
For example: resorts in Mexico oftentimes charge you fees to bring your own vendors, so that you are encouraged to use theirs. While it removes the burden from your shoulders, it also removes your agency.
Ask to speak to previous couples and vendors that have worked with them before (but are not on their preferred vendors list).
Get creative
I hear from engaged friends that venues are either too expensive or not exactly what they are looking for. Sometimes, they are just thinking small. A wedding ceremony can be held pretty much anywhere (check your local regulations!): your favorite park, a mountain hut, a botanic garden etc…
Some of these will require the help of a planner, but if they’re what you’re looking for over a standard venue, go for it.
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