The whirlwind of excitement that comes with getting engaged is unmatched, but soon after, the reality of planning your dream wedding begins! And one of the most crucial steps in the wedding planning process is selecting your dream venue. But when should you start touring wedding venues so they’re not sold out for your wedding? What questions should you ask, and how can you make the most out of each visit? Here’s a quick guide to answer all of your questions!
When should you start touring wedding venues?
Start touring wedding venues as soon as possible after getting engaged, especially if you have a specific wedding date or season in mind! Popular venues often book out a year or more in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons like spring and fall.
- 12-18 months before your wedding: Start researching and touring venues.
- 9-12 months before your wedding: If your engagement is shorter, prioritize venue tours immediately. If you wait this long, you may need to be flexible with dates or consider weekdays and off-season options.
If you’re planning a destination wedding or an elopement, adjust this timeline with a little more padding for travel and logistics.
What to bring to a wedding venue tour
Being prepared for your wedding venue tour helps you get the most out of the visit. Here are the essentials to bring:
- A notebook or wedding planner app: Take notes during the tour to keep track of details and impressions for each venue- this is super important for helping you decide between venues later if you’re having trouble deciding!
- Questions: Prepare questions to ask during the tour (more on this later!)
- A budget outline
- Guest list estimate
- Camera/phone: Take photos or videos to review later, especially if you’re touring multiple venues.
- Your partner or key decision makers: Bring the people whose opinion you trust and who you want to weigh in during the tour.
Questions to ask during your wedding venue tour
This is your chance to gather all the information you need in person! Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions to avoid surprises later. Here are some essential topics to cover:
Logistics and availability:
- Is my desired date available?
- How many weddings do you host in a day?
- What is the backup plan in case of bad weather for outdoor weddings?
Cost and payment:
- What is included in the rental fee? What isn’t included?
- Are there additional fees for setup, cleanup, or overtime?
- What are the payment terms and cancellation policies? Are there payment plans available?
Capacity and restrictions:
- What is the maximum capacity of the venue?
- Are there noise or timing restrictions?
- Can we bring our own vendors, or do we need to use your preferred list? Can I get a list of your preferred vendors?
Decor and customization:
- Are there any restrictions on decorations, candles, or confetti?
- Can we rearrange the layout to suit our vision?
- Do you provide tables, chairs, linens, or other rentals?
Catering and bar services:
- Do you have an in-house catering team, or can we hire an external caterer?
- Are there any corkage fees or bar package options?
- Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Extras and accommodations:
- Do you offer a bridal suite or getting-ready space?
- Is there on-site parking or transportation services?
- Are overnight accommodations available for guests?
So when should you start touring wedding venues? The earlier, the better! And at the end of the day, choosing a venue that feels right and matches your vibe as a couple comes down to a gut feeling after you’ve made sure that all the logistics are there.
At Hightower Falls wedding venue in North Georgia, we have a gorgeous, 80-foot spring-fed waterfall, stunning forest grounds, and a newly renovated reception space! We offer a variety of wedding packages, from flexible, intimate elopements to all-inclusive 200+ guest weddings that are beautiful in every season in the North Georgia mountains (just 1 hour from Atlanta!). View our stunning indoor and outdoor spaces here!
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