Monday, January 13, 2014
Tips for Finding a Great Venue...Just for You
TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT VENUE!
1. PUT EVERYTHING OUT THERE TO START THE PROCESS
Start with the major three: date, time, # of guests. Don't forget to inquire about a separate space for the ceremony, if having both wedding and reception at the same location. Does the venue provide for rehearsal? When? All of these questions and any others that you come up with on your own will help you to decide if this is the right space for you.
2. DID I MENTION DETAILS?
So you think that the space is a possibility, ask for and do a walk through before signing any documents. If you have a planner, verify that there are no contractual items that might prevent her from providing the services for which you are paying from being performed in this particular venue; some venues/churches have in-house planners. Pay close attention during your walk through, verify all items included in the contract. In addition look at things such as the bathrooms, dressing spaces that you might be using; are they clean, are there smudges on the walls, are the mirrors clean and shiny. If there is, staff are they appropriately dressed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take notes!! After all, these are the things that you and your guests will see on your wedding day.
3. TAKE A MOMENT TO STOP AND BREATHE BEFORE YOU WALK
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| Bass Performance Hall Foyer-Ft. Worth |
When visiting the venue try not rush in, shake hands and start walking. It is to your advantage to stand still for just a few minutes. When you stop, it will give you an opportunity to see what your guests will see when they walk into the entryway, room, or foyer. Your guests won't rush in they will more than likely meander in talking and visiting before being seated.
4. CHECK IT OUT
Try to see all of the items you deem important during the tour. Remember to bring a camera or video device, this helps because once you leave you won’t remember all of the details of what you saw. Photos or video are also important when discussing or making decisions about your décor and set up with your other vendors.
5. MAKE A LIST
Control your visit. Make a list of what's important, know what are you are looking for in the perfect venue. In addition to looking for all of your must-haves, you should be open to any unexpected WOW factors. Make note of what impresses you and also any turn offs.
6. TALK ABOUT $$$ UPFRONT. DON'T KEEP THEM GUESSING
Talk about costs upfront; food and beverage minimums, costs of parking, AV equipment, or any other facility fees; know the included items, cost and what's extra. It’s always good to know if it fits your budget early on rather than later. Ask about setup and tear down times and access to the space. Are there extra charges if any additional time is needed, either on the front end or back end of the event. Do you pay for thins such as security? DON'T ASSUME ANYTHING- ASK!
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| Fairmont Hotel-Dallas, Tx |
8. DOES IT FIT YOUR NEEDS.
Ask specifics about what is included, right down to the linens and amenities. Ask if you can see a set up of a table, for instance if you are having a plated meal, prior to the event. Ask about tastings, if there is in-house catering.
9.WHAT TO DO AFTER THE WALKTHROUGH
To prevent the phone ringing off the hook and a barrage of email, make sure everyone understands your decision-making process and time frames.
Almeta Smith
Owner/Principal Designer
Floral Designs by Meta
Floral and Event Designers
(972)617-2473
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| Ruthe Jackson Center-Grand Prairie, Tx. |
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