If you are booking wedding venue site visits, then I’ve got something very special for you! Whether you have already secured your venue and you want to book in another visit, or you’re on the hunt for your dream venue and you’re booking visits, then this is for you. I’ve got 7 guest experts joining me today! They are wedding venue coordinators who really know their stuff and they are helping me to answer your questions about how to nail your wedding venue site visit.
This week’s guest experts are:
Julie from Cloughjordan House, Mary from Diamond Coast Hotel, Tee from Arklow Bay Hotel, Leone from Castleknock Hotel, Raina from The Johnstown Estate, Denise from Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo, and Lynn from Springfield Hotel.
Is it ever acceptable to visit a wedding venue while another wedding is taking place?
Julie from Cloughjordan House says:
To get the most from your venue visit and to get full attention from the coordinator, as well as time to ask the questions you need to ask, it’s best to book a private appointment with the venue. If there’s a wedding going on at the time, you won’t get the full view of the venue (like bedrooms and so on). A lot of the spaces you’ll want to see may be in use at the time.
It’s best to book on a day where there’s not much going on, so you can have an in depth look at all the different spaces.
Wedding days on site can be very busy!
If you’re choosing an exclusive venue, nobody else will be on site other than your guests and staff team (no showarounds with strangers on your Big Day).
Once I’ve secured my venue, when should I plan to visit again?
Mary from Diamond Coast Hotel says:
Once couples have paid their deposit, it’s recommended that they visit again at least 6 months before the date (which includes a menu tasting too).
Couples are encouraged to get in touch or drop in when a venue is set up for a venue.
Couples are also invited to keep in touch with them. The coordinators can help them source suppliers and pull their plans together!
An open line of communication is so important and you can get to know the venue coordinator team.
How many site visits do I need?
Tee from Arklow Bay Hotel says:
There’s no magic number – for some it’ll be one visit and for some it takes more.
Do some homework so you already know the venue ticks the boxes for style, capacity and budget. Then you’ll know the venue is the right fit for you!
If at all possible, try to get to a venue showcase so you can see what the venue looks like when it’s set up.
Take notes, take photos, take videos.
If your venue isn’t set up, take another look! Third visits are usually to show the venue off to family and friends.
Trust your gut.
What should I expect to learn during each site visit?
Leone from Castleknock Hotel says:
Firstly, you’ll see the ceremony and reception areas along with the garden! You’ll get an understanding of how they can be used for your wedding.
You’ll see the spaces for pre- and post-wedding relaxation.
You’ll chat about the packages and how they can be tailored.
You’ll also go through menu options but there will be time in the future to go through this in more detail.
The coordinators will give you an understanding of the wedding day timeline as well as preferences to create the perfect wedding package.
You’ll leave the showaround feeling confident in your coordinator!
What are the pros and cons of a private site visit compared to an open wedding showcase?
Raina from The Johnstown Estate says:
One to one:
- A personalised experience at a wedding venue
- At a time that suits you
- You’ll get undivided attention of the coordinator
- Distraction-free and in a quiet environment
- The venue may not be exactly set up for a wedding (it might be set up for a conference or a private gathering, so you’d need to use your imagination) – just ask for photos!
Showcase:
- The venue would be fully set up for a wedding (decor, lighting, table settings, menus, etc)
- Lots of trusted suppliers in attendance showcasing their services (candy carts, entertainers, photographers and so on) so you could tick off all your boxes
- Venue coordinator may not be able to devote a full amount of attention to you on a showcase day, it’s a busy day with lots going on
What questions should I ask during my venue site visit?
Denise from Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo says:
Check how many bedrooms they have – can they accommodate guest numbers? Are there BnBs and guest houses nearby?
Are there any fees for hosting your ceremony at the hotel or any other hidden costs?
What are the payment terms and when is the next instalment due? When are the final numbers required?
Does the coordinator have any top tips?
What are the best practices for when I can’t visit my venue in person?
Lynn from Springfield Hotel says:
Have all your questions ready – it’s best to be prepared, the more questions the better.
Communication is key!
Ask your coordinator if they have a video of the venue or the option for a live video call.
Reviews and testimonials are great too.
Or designate a trusted friend or family member to visit the venue too.
