Venue Touring Secrets: Small Details That Make a Big Impact

Choosing your wedding venue is the first big step towards creating an unforgettable celebration. With so many options, each offering something unique, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming! As a recent bride (I celebrated my wedding 2 years ago at Brookshire Event Venue!) and now a salesperson at WatersEdge Event Venue, I’ve compiled some of my favorite secrets for touring and choosing a venue. No matter your vision or price point, every couple should consider these insights while planning their special day. And remember – myself and our team will be cheering you on every step of the way!  

1. Pay attention to the people.  

Your wedding day is the one day where you are surrounded by all the people who love you most… and also your venue staff! While the person giving your venue tour may not be present on the big day, they represent the venue and the company’s values.

Take note of the details:

Do you feel genuinely valued and heard?

Is the staff as enthusiastic about your wedding as you are?

Do they embrace your unique vision for the day?

These qualities often reflect a company’s culture, giving you insight into the experience you can expect from everyone on staff, including your salesperson and coordinator to the servers and DJ.  

In addition to interacting with staff, you can learn more about the company culture by reading reviews, exploring their website, or seeing if they’re featured on “Top Places to Work” lists—such as the one we were proud to appear on last year! 

2. Look for industry expertise.  

While your venue team’s primary role is to manage everything related to the space, they can also be a fabulous resource as you plan your big day! So, don’t be afraid to ask more general questions during your tour. While most venues can help with questions regarding lodging and transportation, an exceptional team may also offer insight into details such as the best ceremony timing for optimal lighting in your season, meaningful ways to honor loved ones, incorporating four-legged friends into the celebration, or creative alternatives to a traditional dance floor.  They may not have every answer, but true industry professionals are happy to collaborate beyond venue logistics to help bring your unique vision to life.  

3. Understand responsibilities.  

Every venue operates differently, making finding the right fit for your wedding day essential. Part of that is understanding whose responsibility different aspects of the day fall into. Beyond what’s included in your package, many roles and responsibilities throughout the day will need to be assigned. Some venues handle these details in-house, while others may recommend hiring an outside coordinator for specific tasks. Knowing who’s managing what in advance can prevent your bridesmaids and family from scrambling on the big day.  

Consider details such as lighting candles, sending the bridal party down the aisle, keeping the timeline on track, and setting up escort cards. At a BTTS venue, these tasks are managed by your day-of coordinator, but responsibilities vary at every venue. Be sure to ask about these responsibilities to ensure a seamless experience! 

4. Take a deeper look at what is included.  

Before visiting venues, you’ve likely looked at digital packets and lists explaining what is included in a rental or package. However, it’s worth asking additional questions beyond the standard list.

Here are some of my suggestions:

If your package includes an open bar, does that include mixers?

Is there an upcharge if you want to create a signature drink?

If your venue includes set up + tear down, does this only cover venue-provided items, or does that extend to any personal décor items you bring?  

It is also worth asking if there are any complementary extras available. At our BTTS venues, we have a few items that may not appear in our standard packages but are available to all our couples. That typically includes table numbers, a card box, a cake stand and knife, and easels for any signage you’d like to bring in. Be sure to check with your venue for the specific items available!  

At the end of the day, remember that choosing your venue is more than just finding a beautiful space; it is also about finding a team and experience that aligns with your vision and values. By asking the right questions and understanding each venue’s unique offerings, you can feel confident that your day is in good hands.

To hear more about our BTTS Events family of venues, please contact info@btts.biz.

We can’t wait to create your unforgettable day!