VENUETORIAL
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VENUETORIAL

Updated: Jun 9

YOUR ESSENTIAL WEDDING VENUE TOUR GUIDE

You found your person – huge congrats! Now for the exciting next step: finding the perfect place to celebrate your love. Your venue choice is a big deal; it truly shapes everything, from the overall vibe and your wedding photos to the entire experience for you and your guests.


Feeling ready to dive into the search? We've got you. Our guide is packed with insights to help you prep effectively, research like a pro, and ask all the right questions to discover your 'the one' when it comes to venues. Your journey to finding that perfect wedding venue match starts right here!


BEFORE YOU SEARCH

FORMULATE A VISION

And the crucial first step in our guide, before you even peek at a single venue? It's all about getting perfectly aligned with your partner. Let's explore four essential questions to discuss that will help you build that foundational wedding vision together.


  1. WHAT'S YOUR PLANNING STYLE?

    Discuss with your partner how much you want to be involved in the wedding planning process. Are you envisioning a hands-on approach with a blank-slate venue (DIY), or do you prefer the convenience of a full-service location that handles more details?

    WHY IT MATTERS: A DIY venue offers maximum control but requires more effort, while a full-service venue streamlines the process but may offer less customization. Understanding your preference early will help you target the right kind of spaces.


  2. WHAT'S YOUR GUEST COUNT?

    Have an early conversation with your partner to get a rough estimate of the number of guests you plan to invite.

    WHY IT MATTERS: Your estimated guest count will immediately determine the capacity requirements for potential venues, helping you avoid spaces that are too large or, more importantly, too small to accommodate everyone comfortably.


  3. WHAT'S YOUR AESTHETIC?

    Explore styles (classic, industrial, rustic, glam?) & indoor/outdoor preferences.  WHY IT MATTERS: This vision acts as your filter, ensuring you only consider venues that align with your desired atmosphere and style.


  4. WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET

    Discuss your overall wedding budget and how much you're comfortable allocating to the venue and catering (a common starting point is around 40%).

    WHY IT MATTERS: Your budget acts as a crucial filter, immediately narrowing down venue options and preventing you from falling in love with spaces that are financially out of reach.



THE VENUE HUNT

NARROWING YOUR CHOICES

Which venues deserve an in-person visit? Here are our tips to help you choose wisely.


Social Sleuth First: Scope out their Instagram and other social profiles! Real wedding photos give you a genuine feel for the space in action.


Price & Dates, Please: Reach out to your top contenders to gather their pricing information and date availability before scheduling a visit.


Quality Over Quantity: Limit your in-person tours to your top five researched venues. Ideally, the ones that align most with your style, guest count, and priorities. Afterward, pause to reflect. If none of them feel like “the one”, then expand your list. Purposeful planning leads to powerful results.




UNLOCK THE DETAILS

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR VENUE VISIT

When touring venues, it's crucial to ask all the essential questions upfront so you aren't surprised by unexpected costs or overlooked details later. Navigate your venue search with ease using this comprehensive checklist, designed to pinpoint your perfect wedding venue.


SCHEDULING & AVAILABILITY

  • Is our preferred wedding date available?

  • When should we book?

  • How long is the rental, and when will I have access on the day?

  • What time can vendors arrive for setup, and when must they depart?


PRICING & PAYMENTS

  • What is the rental fee, and what does it include?

  • What is the deposit amount, and is it refundable?

  • Do you have seasonal or off-day discounted rates?

  • Are there additional costs for cleaning or staff?

  • What is the payment schedule, and what forms of payment are accepted?

  • Will a service charge or gratuity be included in my bill?

  • When is the final balance due?


FOOD & BEVERAGE

  • Do you offer in-house catering, or can we bring our own?

  • Is there a food and beverage minimum?

  • Can we bring our own alcohol, and are there corkage fees?

  • Do you provide servers and bartenders?

  • Do you accommodate dietary restrictions? (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, kosher, gluten-free)

  • How much do you charge for children's meals?

  • How much do you charge for vendor meals?

  • Do you offer any packages featuring locally sourced, organic ingredients?


VENDORS & COORDINATION

  • Do you have a list of preferred or required vendors?

  • Can we use our own vendors, and are there any restrictions?

  • Is there an on-site coordinator or day-of planner included?

  • Do you require that we have a professional coordinator for the wedding day?


FACILITIES & AMENTITIES

  • How many guests can the venue accommodate?

  • Will the venue team handle setup and breakdown?

  • Do you include getting-ready rooms? How many?

  • How many restrooms are available for guests?

  • Is parking available on-site, and is it included in the rental fee?

  • Is the venue ADA-compliant and accessible for all guests?

  • Are there accommodations onsite or nearby for out-of-town guests?

  • Is there a backup plan for inclement weather, a “rain plan”


POLICIES & RESTRICTIONS

  • How many guests can the venue accommodate?

  • Are there any restrictions on decorations, candles, or signage?

  • What is the cancellation or refund policy?

  • Are there any restrictions on vendors?



YOUR PERFECT VENUE AWAITS!

Finding the perfect wedding venue is a big step, and we hope this guide has empowered your search! 


If you're looking for a premier venue in the Portland area, explore the unique indoor and outdoor spaces at Abernethy Center. Our team is ready to help your vision come to life. Happy venue hunting!


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