Things We Wish More Couples Knew Before Booking a Venue
Trust us, we get it - booking a venue feels like ticking the biggest box on your wedding to-do list. It’s the thing that makes it real. You’ve likely fallen in love with the view, the staircase, or the way the sun hits the terrace at 4pm? Chef’s kiss.
But as wedding planners who’ve helped hundreds of couples, we’ve learned that there’s a lot more to booking a venue than just good vibes and a decent drinks package.
Here are the top things we wish every couple knew before signing on the dotted line:
Not All Venues Include the Same Stuff
That jaw-dropping price tag? It might not include chairs. Or tables. Or heating. Or, occasionally, toilets.
Ask for a breakdown of what’s included in the venue hire cost. You’ll want to know if essentials like furniture, staffing, cleaning, security, and kitchen facilities are part of the package—or if you’ll need to bring those in (and budget for them).
Ask About Curfew + Noise Restrictions Early
You’ve envisioned dancing into the small hours…but your venue’s license might cut the music at 10pm sharp.
Double check:
What time music has to stop
How long before carriages does the bar close
If there’s a hard out (when guests must leave)
Whether sound limiters are installed (these can affect your band or DJ)
We’re all for a chic countryside wedding but don’t let your reception end in a whisper.
Power and Parking Matter More Than You Think
Is there enough power for your lighting, band, and kitchen?
Can delivery vans actually get down the drive?
Do guests have somewhere to park (without a 15-minute uphill trek in heels)?
Unsexy details, we know. But they can make or break a seamless setup and your suppliers will thank you for thinking ahead.
Dry Hire ≠ Cheaper Overall
A “dry hire” venue gives you the space and often nothing else. Sounds flexible, right? It can be! But it also means hiring in absolutely everything:
Furniture
Kitchen equipment
Staff
Fridges
Glassware
Toilets (yes, again)
Dry hire venues give you creative freedom, but they also require serious logistics (and budget). Make sure you’re up for the challenge or work with a planner who is. (hi!)
The Venue Coordinator Isn’t Your Wedding Planner
Louder for the people in the back!
Lovely? Yes. Helpful? Often. But their job is to represent the venue, not you. They won’t:
Manage your timeline
Liaise with all your suppliers
Help with design details
Stay through the whole day to troubleshoot
We love venue coordinators, they’re vital! But they’re not a substitute for a planner who’s got your back from start to finish. It’s an ‘and’, not an ‘either/or’.
Check Access Times (And the Day Before!)
You might think you have the venue all weekend, but read the fine print.
Can you access the space the day before to set up?
Do your suppliers have time to get in and out?
Is there storage for deliveries?
Some venues offer generous access windows, others are in and out on the day. Make sure that fits your vision (and your hire van schedule).
It’s Okay to Ask for Help Before You Book
You don’t need to have it all figured out before hiring a planner. In fact, one of our biggest value-adds is helping you choose a venue that fits your style, budget, and priorities - before you accidentally commit to something that makes everything else harder.
Even if you’re not sure what help you need yet, we’re always happy to talk it through.
TL;DR: The right venue makes everything feel possible. The wrong one can create a lot of hidden headaches.
Ask questions. Check the fine print. Think beyond the aesthetic. And if you’re unsure - bring in a planner who speaks fluent venue contract (hi again!)
