[Ultimate Guide] Things to Consider and Mindset Before Booking a Venue Tour

2020.09.16 published

The First Event in Wedding Preparation: Choosing the Venue!

It is no exaggeration to say that choosing a wedding venue is the most important decision in wedding preparation.

While there are many decisions to make during wedding planning, you can't proceed with things like the date, attire, and performances without first deciding on a venue.

However, most newly engaged couples looking for a venue have little to no knowledge or image of what a wedding entails.

What should you pay attention to, and what criteria should you use to choose…?

Many couples end up choosing a venue without fully understanding it, leading to regrets later or paying expensive cancellation fees.

Before Venue Tours, Keep This in Mind!

Therefore, this article lists the things you want to prepare and think about before starting venue tours.

Starting venue visits without clarity will likely make the experience much more meaningful.

Preparation and Mindset for Venue Tours ① Confirm the Number of Guests and Essential Facilities

While themes and decorations for a wedding can be changed and refined later, the hard aspects are unchangeable.

If you secure a banquet hall that only accommodates 60 people but find out your guest list is 80…! You’ll have no choice but to change the venue or date.

Before you begin venue hunting, it's best for both of you to agree on the number of guests you expect (knowing both the minimum and maximum numbers is recommended).

Also, think about whether facilities like gardens, stairs, or pools are necessary or not.

Preparation and Mindset for Venue Tours ② Solidify Your Budget

It’s said that weddings are expensive! But how much they actually cost is up to the couple.

Costs will also vary significantly depending on the type and prestige of the venue.

It’s recommended to decide in advance how much the two of you will personally contribute.

The typical guest contribution is about 30,000 yen per person, so the personal burden is calculated as the total wedding costs minus (number of guests × 30,000 yen). (High contributions from relatives are excluded at this stage.)

Calculate how much you might be able to contribute based on your current financial situation.

Generally, the final costs of a wedding are said to increase by hundreds of thousands to over a million yen from the initial estimate.

(This is typically due to adding performances or upgrading food and flowers.)

Thus, if the venue's initial estimate is already at the limit of what you can afford, it's wise to eliminate it from consideration.

There are sites where you can see actual estimates online, so checking them before booking venue tours can help avoid wasted trips.

Preparation and Mindset for Venue Tours ③ Consider Your Preferences for Dresses, Photographers, and Hair & Makeup

Some items that cannot be brought into the wedding venue or incur high fees (around 100,000 yen or more) include:

☑ Dresses

☑ Photographers

☑ Hair & Makeup

Even if you find a photographer or hairstylist you are drawn to while starting wedding preparations, if the venue prohibits bringing these in, there’s not much you can do.

Reflect on how much you want to prioritize outfits, photography, and hair & makeup.

@little.h___

Of course, it’s okay if you don’t have specific wishes at this stage for "this person!".

However, if you are the type of person who would absolutely regret it if you didn’t get to work with your preferred professionals, it’s efficient to narrow down your venue search to places that allow outside vendors from the start.

@lva__wd

Preparation and Mindset for Venue Tours ④ Ask Parents About Their Non-Negotiables

One common complaint from couples struggling with venue selection is,

"My parents opposed the venue we chose together."

After announcing the chosen venue, objections such as:

☑ We should have a formal hotel wedding

☑ I want you to wear traditional clothing

☑ A venue close to the station is preferable

☑ I don't like that venue because a friend had their wedding there

can arise, causing everything to revert back to square one.

If you want to have a wedding at a venue that both families approve of, it's recommended to ask each family about their "non-negotiable points" before starting venue tours.

@haruno45

Preparation and Mindset for Venue Tours ⑤ Discuss with Your Partner Whether to Decide on the Spot

Some venues may offer a discount for booking on the same day, such as "If you sign today, you will get 300,000 yen off."

Even if you have more important venue visits lined up later, that’s a significant amount, and it might make you reconsider.

In such situations, it’s best to decide together beforehand whether you wish to commit immediately or plan to finish touring all potential venues first and take time with your decision.

If you want to take your time but your partner wants to seize the moment to save costs, it could lead to disagreements.

It’s also important to consider possible immediate booking offers when planning the order of your venue tours.

Are You Ready for Venue Tours?

I’ve shared the mindset and considerations you should be aware of as you prepare to start your wedding.

Choosing a venue is the first step in the long journey of wedding preparation. You shouldn't stumble here.

Make sure to prepare yourself mentally before diving in.♡

@ru.023411