The Venue HUNT

Helpful tools to assist in this MOST IMPORTANT decision!

My husband and I recently moved into a new home. We had ONE WEEKEND to choose the home we would hopefully be spending the next decade or so of our lives in, and the stress was overwhelming. We met with our realtor and looked at so many houses I thought my head would explode. All the homes started to blend together, but there was one tool that ultimately helped us chose the home we currently live in.

Before looking at homes we sat down and created our “MUST HAVES” in a home; 12 foot ceilings, large kitchen, and a wooded lot were on the top of my list.

Knowing my MUST HAVES helped me know if I even wanted to waste time looking at particular homes, and streamlined the process.

While many of you have probably used this strategy yourselves when you’ve purchased a home, it might not have crossed your mind to do the very same thing as you look for your wedding venue.

Charlotte has unique challenges as far as venues go. Being that this is a city of finance, there are LOTS of hotels. Hotels comprise the biggest market for wedding reception locations. There is also a large contingency of country clubs. Many brides today are definitely not interested in this option. So, if you feel the unique venue options are limited in Charlotte, you are correct.

As you embark on your venue hunt, let me give you some pointers that I believe will be very beneficial to your decision process.

1. Make your wish list

1. Must haves (ex. must have rain contingency location)
2. Likes (ex. would like to have a fire pit)
3. Absolutely nots (ex. do not want a public venue)

2. Discuss your Spending Plan. It is impossible to choose a venue before your know how much money you plan to invest into the celebration. Many parents want you to do research FIRST, but it saves the most time to know your rough budget ahead of time. The average wedding in North Carolina is 141 guests and 26K.
3. Do your research online before setting up a tour. Make sure every place you tour meets your predetermined criteria.
4. READ REVIEWS before you visit any venue. Do not visit a location that has less than a 4 star rating. Over 80% of couples use online reviews as part of their decision making process. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a PERFECT venue. The point is that you want to choose the location that meets most of your desires and needs.
5. Call or email for additional information. If you have a set date, don’t waste your time (or the time of the venue) by visiting if they don’t have your date available. Pay close attention to how quickly they respond to your phone calls and emails. If they aren’t quick about responding to you before they get your money, they will be even worse after they do. Customer service is a HUGE component to enjoying the planning of your event. 
   

   
   
6. Only bring essential “decision makers” to the tour. If you have children, get a sitter so they don’t distract you from the full experience. Don’t bring bridesmaids! The decision is YOURS and their opinions will only cloud your mind. As a couple, only YOU know what fits your personality and dreams.
7. Ask LOTS of questions during site visit. Go prepared with a list of questions and pay close attention to how your questions are answered. Remember that if coordinator doesn’t respect you BEFORE you book the venue, she won’t respect you AFTER. The chemistry between the couple and venue is a very important component to enjoying the planning process.
8. Ask for the venue’s “Polices and Guidelines” BEFORE you sign the contract. Ask about any fees that might not have been included in quote. Gratuities and taxes are often less than clear on contracts and can add a substantial amount to the bottom line.
9. Be gracious. When you meet with venues, know that they do not respond well to arrogance, rudeness, and the whole “bridezilla” attitude. Your kindness will most always be returned with kindness. Venues are much more likely to go the extra mile for someone that they know appreciates their hard work.

And finally…

10. Listen to your HEART. Ultimately, choosing your venue is an emotional decision. This does not mean you are being unwise in your decision making, but you must LOVE the place you choose. For some of you this may be the first location you look at and for others the 10^th. Don’t choose a venue until your heart connects with it and you can SEE YOURSELF at that location.

Enjoy the HUNT and feel free to post any questions you may have about choosing your venue!

Sincerely,

Renee Caffee

Executive Director of Sales and Marketing

Alexander Homestead Weddings