Essential Tips for Visiting Your Wedding Venue Before Booking

Tagged as: wedding venue geelong.

So, you found your dream wedding venue online. The photos look amazing, and the reviews are stellar. Before you sign on that dotted line and hand over a deposit, you need to visit in person. We get it, you're excited. But there are crucial things you can only notice during an in-person tour. 

Don't worry, we have your back. We'll walk you through what to look for when you visit potential wedding venue Geelong offer. You want to make sure the venue lives up to the hype before you commit. 

This is one of the biggest vendor decisions for your big day. Go in with your eyes wide open by using our tips to evaluate venues on your tour. Then you can feel confident signing a contract for your ideal wedding location. Let's get started!

 

Do Your Research on Wedding Venues Before Visiting

 

Before you head out to tour wedding venues, do some homework. Check out their websites and social media pages to get a feel for the overall vibe and see photos of other weddings held there. Read reviews from other couples—they’ll clue you in on the pros and cons you might never discover on your own.

 

Check availability and pricing

See what dates they have open for your wedding month and get an estimate of rental fees. That way you can determine right away if the venue is in your budget and available when you want it. There is no sense in falling in love with a place you ultimately can’t afford or book!

 

Make a must-have list

Decide on your non-negotiables ahead of time. Enough space for 200 guests? Access to a catering kitchen? Outdoor ceremony site? The more details you determine upfront, the easier it will be to evaluate if the venue is the right fit.

 

Ask the right questions

Come armed with a list of questions about layout, amenities, restrictions, and additional fees. Can you choose your own vendors, or do you have to use their preferred pros? Are there extra charges for parking, security, or overtime? The more you understand all the details, the more confident you’ll feel in your final decision.

 

With some pre-planning and a bit of research, you'll walk into your wedding venue Geelong Tours well-prepared. And that means finding your dream wedding spot will be a lot less stressful and a lot more fun! Focusing your search by figuring out priorities in advance helps ensure you choose a place as perfect as your partner.

 

 

 

Questions to Ask the Wedding Venue Coordinator

 

When you visit potential wedding venues, the coordinator will likely give you a tour and a rundown of what they offer. But don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. After all, you want to make sure the venue is the perfect fit before putting down a deposit.

What dates are still available for our wedding?

You’ll want to know what dates they have open that match your desired wedding season. Some venues book up over a year in advance, so the sooner you start looking, the better.

What amenities are included?

See what comes with the venue rental, like tables, chairs, linens, lighting, bathrooms, parking, catering options, etc. The more that’s included, the less you have to rent separately.

Do you have a list of preferred caterers and vendors?

If the venue restricts which caterers and vendors you can use, ask for their list to explore your options. Some venues require you to choose from their list, while others are more flexible.

What are the policies regarding decorations, music, and rentals?

Find out details like if candles are allowed, if there are noise ordinances that restrict music, how early you can access the venue to decorate, and if they have additional rentals for things like photo booths or lounge furniture. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a venue only to discover their policies don’t match your wedding vision.

With the right questions, you can determine if a venue has everything you need for your perfect wedding day. And if not, you’ll know to keep looking for a place that can make your wedding wishes come true.

 

Things to Look for When Touring the Wedding Venue

 

When visiting potential wedding venues, be sure to keep an eye out for a few key details that will impact your big day.

Layout and Flow

Pay attention to how the space is laid out and how well it will accommodate your guest count. Is there enough room for a dance floor, tables, a bar, buffet, and other elements you want to include? Check that the layout allows for easy flow between areas so your guests can mingle and navigate comfortably. An open floor plan is ideal for movement and visibility.

Ambience

The ambience of a venue can makes or break the mood of your wedding. Consider how the architecture, decor, lighting, and other design elements come together to create an atmosphere you love. Can you envision exchanging vows in this space? If it feels too dark, cramped, or impersonal, keep looking. The venue should capture the style and tone you want for your wedding.

On-Site Amenities

Pay attention to what amenities are offered at the venue. Things like catering options, bar service, tables, chairs, linens, and setup/cleanup staff can save you time and money. Check if they provide extras like a bridal suite, lighting, A/V equipment or valet parking. The more they offer, the less you have to organise yourself.

Accessibility

Consider how accessible the venue is for your guests. Is there adequate parking? Are there any mobility issues getting into and around the space? Make sure older guests, those with disabilities, and anyone else who may struggle can fully participate and navigate the venue comfortably. You want all your loved ones to be able to safely access and enjoy this special day.

By paying close attention to the layout, ambience, amenities, and accessibility, you can find a venue that will make your wedding day perfect. The perfect venue is out there, you just have to keep looking!

 

Picture Yourself Getting Married There

 

Visiting your potential wedding venue Geelong in person is the only way to know if it’s “the one.” Walking into the space, you should be able to visualise yourself celebrating there and feel a spark of excitement. Some things to visualise:

The Ceremony

Stand at the front of the ceremony space and imagine exchanging vows with your sweetheart in front of friends and family. Can you see the altar or archway you might use? Picture the aisle you’ll walk down and guests all around. Make sure there’s enough room for the number of guests you plan to invite. The space should feel intimate yet open.

Cocktail Hour

Envision your guests mingling, chatting and enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres after the ceremony. Is there an adjacent patio, garden or lawn area for a cocktail hour? Imagine any décor or lighting you might want to use to set the mood. The space should accommodate bars, high tables, seating areas and still allow guests to move around freely.

The reception

Picture your grand entrance into the reception space, then you and your new spouse sharing your first dance. Visualise the tables, chairs, linens, centrepieces, lighting, and any extras like a photo booth or dessert table. There should be enough room for a dance floor, DJ or band, buffet tables or a seated dinner. Imagine guests celebrating, laughing, and dancing the night away in this space.

Other Logistics

Consider the venue’s amenities like bridal suites, catering options, parking, accessibility and lighting. Picture vendors loading in and out and guests navigating the space. Determine if there are any layouts or restrictions that could impact your vision. The venue should suit all your needs and allow the wedding of your dreams.

If you can close your eyes and see your wedding unfolding in this venue, if it gives you goosebumps and fills you with joy, you’ve likely found your perfect place. Keep an open mind, but also trust your instincts—you want a venue that feels utterly and completely “you”. 

The space should transform into your ideal wedding backdrop, allowing the beauty of the day and your love to shine through.

 

Compare Venues Before Making a Final Decision

So, you've narrowed down your wedding venue options to a few favourites. That's great, but don't sign on the dotted line just yet! Before booking, it's essential to visit each venue in person. Pictures online or recommendations from friends only tell part of the story. There are so many details that matter for your big day, and many can only be assessed by seeing the venues firsthand.

Logistics

When touring venues, consider the logistical factors for hosting your wedding there. Think about where guests will park, if there's enough space for the ceremony and reception in one spot, how accessible it is for older or disabled guests, and if they have options for indoor/outdoor spaces in case of rain. 

Ask about what's included in the rental fees like tables, chairs, lighting, or sound equipment. Make sure the venue can accommodate your guest count comfortably.

 

Aesthetics

Of course, you want a venue that matches your wedding vision aesthetically. See what the venue looks like decorated for an actual event. Determine if you'd want or need to do a lot of decorating to achieve the look you want. Think about how the architecture and any permanent fixtures will be photographed. An attractive spot that doesn't photograph well won't capture the memories of your day.

 

Experience

Pay attention to how the staff interacts with and assists you. They will play a huge role in how the event runs, so you want a team that is competent, professional, and aligns with your needs. 

Ask if they have a dedicated wedding coordinator and how involved they will be in planning and setup. See if they can provide references from previous brides.

Comparing venues in person is the only way to determine which option is right for your wedding. Go with the place that checks off all the logistical and aesthetic boxes, has a staff you mesh well with, and just feels right from the moment you walk in. 

Your venue will set the tone for the entire celebration, so take your time exploring all the options before settling on “the one”.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it! By visiting your potential wedding venue in person before signing on the dotted line, you’ll get a real feel for the space, flow, lighting, and overall vibe. 

Chat with the coordinators, explore all the nooks and crannies, envision your reception layout, and picture yourself walking down the aisle. If you can see your wedding day unfolding there, it could be the one! 

Trust your gut, and find the venue that makes your heart flutter and feet start dancing. Your big day deserves an amazing backdrop. With the right wedding venue Geelong, your wedding will be a dream come true.