Tour venues during the same time of day and season you plan to get married. Lighting, temperature, and ambiance change dramatically. A venue that looks stunning at 2pm might be dim and cold at 6pm in winter. This helps you visualize the actual experience.
Source: www.theknot.com
All-inclusive venues that provide catering, tables, chairs, linens, and sometimes decorations can simplify planning and often cost less than piecing everything together separately. You'll have fewer vendors to coordinate, one point of contact, and bundled pricing. This is especially helpful if you're planning from a distance or have limited time. Ask what's included in their packages and what flexibility you have for customization.
Beyond the base rental, ask about: setup/cleanup fees, overtime charges, vendor fees (if bringing outside caterers), cake-cutting fees, corkage fees, parking costs, and required insurance. These can add 15-25% to your venue budget. Get everything in writing.
Go beyond traditional vendors to create a unique experience. Consider: mobile bar or vintage trailer bar, food trucks for late-night snacks, donut wall instead of cake, live painter who creates ceremony art, caricature artist for entertainment, photo booth with props, lawn games (giant Jenga, cornhole), fireworks or sparkler exit, live musicians during cocktail hour, signature cocktail station, s'mores bar for outdoor venues, or a champagne tower. These special touches become talking points and create Instagram-worthy moments.
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