Last week, we shared a few tips when looking for your perfect wedding venue. From your budget, guest count, the different types of venues available in Las Vegas, and determining what your venue priorities are, we covered the basics so you know where to begin. This week, we at Bridal Spectacular are going to provide you with a couple more tips to help you become a wedding venue pro!
Visiting Different Wedding Venues
Now that you have a pretty good grasp of what your budget is and what you want out of a wedding venue, it is time to create a shortlist of the venues you like best so you can begin visiting the sites in person. And clear your calendar, as this part of the planning is going to be the most time consuming!
When you visit venues, it’s extremely important to pay attention to the little details, such as where and what are the restrooms are like, is plenty of AC/heating, and where the electrical is for your band, DJ and ceremony music. Also, be sure to ask the venue how they normally orchestrate weddings. For example, do they only have set times and packages you must adhere to or are they open to your ideas and flexible with timing? You can also ask if you can see what the furniture and linens look like. You would be surprised that many times the photos you see on the website do not actually reflect what you will really get. Better to be safe than sorry!
Additionally, it is vital that you discuss with each venue what your vision is for the wedding theme, décor, flow/timing, menu, entertainment, etc. If you have always imagined of all of your guests sitting a two or three long cafeteria-style tables and the venue only has small round tables, then it’s best to know that up front. The more details you can give and the more questions you ask, the better!
Coordinating Wedding Related Events
More than likely, having your nuptials in Las Vegas will be a destination wedding for many of your guests. Keep this in mind when analyzing each wedding venue. Is there somewhere at the venue to hold the rehearsal dinner, welcome BBQ, cocktail parties or Sunday brunch? If you have guests who come a couple days before the wedding, are there activities, restaurants and other events at or near the wedding venue that they can easily go to?
How about the day of wedding — is there a salon onsite where the bridal party can get ready or will you have to hire a separate hair/makeup vendor who will have to come to the venue? What about the guys — is there something nearby that they can do before the wedding, such as play golf or lounge by the pool?
When you select your venue, you’re not only choosing it for the day of the wedding, you are also choosing a location that is convenient and you and your guests can enjoy for a few days!
Before Signing the Agreement
Once you have selected your venue, be sure to ask to see a full breakdown of all the costs in an itemized list that shows you exactly what is and isn’t included in your contract. Also, pay close attention to the following:
- Are there any extras included in the price, such as DJ, flowers, décor, name cards/programs/menus, photographer, wedding cake, etc?
- Are taxes & service charges included?
- What is the cancelation policy & are there any fees?
- Are there payment plan options? Will you need to put down a deposit to secure your date?
- Are there any extra fees for upgrades, such as linens, tableware, décor, etc.
- Are there any corkage or cake cutting fees?
- If you want to use your own vendors, are there any extra fees?
- How much involvement does the contract say your coordinator will have with your wedding? Will they only be there at the rehearsal and the day of the wedding? Will there be unlimited contact with the coordinator for your questions or are there only certain times you can meet with her/him?
Finally, be sure to confirm who will be your main point of contact throughout the planning process and on the actual day itself. At the beginning stages you may be working with the sales team and only once booked will you work with the event coordinators. Be sure to ask up front who you will be working to ensure you are comfortable with that person. For peace of mind you may prefer to work with only one person throughout the process, but if this isn’t an option you might want to consider hiring a separate wedding planner who can oversee everything for you.
Remember, planning a wedding is a lot of work, but it’s one of the best times of your life! Keep these tips in mind and you will be ahead of the game when you are searching for the perfect spot to say “I Do!”
For more wedding planning tips and information please visit http://www.bridalspectacular.com or follow us on Facebook, twitter and Pinterest. And, be sure to save-the-date to attend our Autumn Bridal Show August 15 and 16 at Cashman Center where you will be able to gain even more wedding ideas and inspiration!
