You’ve found your dream venue—maybe even a year or more before your big day—and now the fun of wedding planning begins! Pinterest and Instagram are your best friends, full of ideas to bring your vision to life. You pick a theme, order a bunch of things off Amazon, and get sucked into the endless recommendations that pop up.
But before you get too carried away with grand plans—like draping fabric, lighting a ton of candles, or planning a fireworks exit—have you chatted with your venue? Have you looked over your contract to make sure everything you envision is actually possible?
Trust Your Venue Manager
Your venue manager is the expert here—they know the space better than anyone. They understand what works, what’s allowed, and how everything flows. They’ll know exactly how many tables fit, what size and shape work best, and what will make the space feel beautiful (without overcrowding it).
And here’s the thing—the only stupid question is the one not asked. It’s always better to ask ahead of time than to show up on the wedding day with plans that might not work out. No one wants last-minute stress!
Schedule Meetings & Ask Questions
As you move through your planning, try to set up meetings with your venue vendors to make sure everyone’s on the same page. If you’re tight on time, it’s totally okay to call or email your venue to ask questions. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can just “make it work” on the day of—it’s always best to check ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
Work with Your Venue, Not Against It
You picked your venue because you love it, so let your decor and style enhance it, not clash with it. If your venue manager says something won’t work, it’s usually because it really won’t. And remember, your venue likely has other weddings lined up, so they want to keep the space looking amazing for the next couple too. Policies are there for a reason—whether it’s to protect the lawn or keep the walls looking perfect.
Your Venue Wants You to Have an Amazing Day
Your venue’s number one goal is for you to have the best day ever. They’re on your team, and they’ll do everything they can to make your wedding dreams come true—if you communicate early. Showing up the day of with plans you haven’t discussed yet? That might not go as smoothly as you hope.
Choose Vendors Who Know Your Venue
Using planners and other vendors from your venue’s preferred list is a great way to ensure everything will run smoothly. These professionals know the space inside and out and have tons of experience making weddings at your venue look amazing. Plus, they probably have a great relationship with your venue manager and can help make sure your plans come to life just the way you imagined.
Ask, Communicate, Plan
We’re all here for you and want your wedding day to be everything you’ve dreamed of. Just remember to ask questions, communicate openly, and take the time to plan ahead. That way, you’ll have no surprises—and no stress—on your big day!
