What should I book first: Wedding venue or Wedding Planner?
Should we book the wedding venue or wedding planner first?
Planning a wedding is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel like a daunting task. One of the first big decisions many couples face is whether to book their venue or their wedding planner first.
Spoiler alert: the best answer is both! Here's why I believe these two elements go hand in hand, and why securing both early in your planning process can save you time, stress, and even money.
Why you need a wedding planner early
A professional wedding planner is your greatest ally in navigating the endless possibilities for your big day. Planners bring a wealth of knowledge about local venues, vendors, and the logistics of creating a seamless celebration. Here’s how I can help you choose the wedding venue of your dreams:
1. Before focusing on finding the venue, I dedicate the tome to understand your vision and style and who you are as I aim to create your UNIQUELY yours wedding and the venue must speak of you as well. Whether you're dreaming of a rustic vineyard, a historic villa, or a modern estate, I can narrow down venues that align perfectly with your desired aesthetic.
2. I take seriously your budget and priorities. As a wedding planner I know how to translate your budget into actionable options. I understand the hidden costs that can come with certain venues—such as mandatory catering packages, additional rentals, or overtime fees—and I can guide you toward options that align with your financial priorities.
3. I study and navigate logistics. Concerns like if the venue require shuttling guests from off-site parking or if there are noise restrictions or limited vendor options, are well covered with me. Being a wedding planner with years of experience, I have nose with identifying logistical challenges early, helping you avoid surprises later.
4. You really can save time with my guidance. Doing your own venue hunting can feel overwhelming, with too many options out there to narrow down and through the years I gathered insider’s list of venues that tick off your boxes, saving you from endless research and fruitless visits. This helps you make a confident decision.
Why booking the venue early is essential
At the same time, your venue is one of the most critical pieces of your wedding puzzle. Here's why securing your venue early is equally important:
1. Sets the tone for your wedding. Your venue defines the atmosphere of your celebration. It influences your décor, guest list size, and even your timeline. Booking it early helps ensure the rest of your plans can fall into place.
2. Venues book fast. Popular venues can be reserved 12-18 months in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons (May to September). The sooner you secure your spot, the better your chances of snagging your dream location.
3. Aligns the budget. With the venue booked, you'll have a clearer picture of how much of your budget remains for other elements, like catering, flowers, and entertainment.
Why the Best Choice is Both
By booking your wedding planner and venue together, you’re setting yourself up for success. Here’s how this dynamic duo works to your advantage:
Through the years, I have established relationships with great vendors which means being able to negotiate on your behalf. Many venues have preferred vendor lists, and as your planner who knows the business, I can secure the best ones for you as well as prices.
I always have a backup plan for you! If your dream venue is unavailable, I can suggest alternatives that still match your style and vision—or help you think creatively about transforming an unexpected space into something magical.
Being local, I can always coordinate site visits if required and also check that the venue contract is really locked in with your interests on it ensuring no details are missed. Don't do like Monica and Chris for example who came to after they have booked a venue and unfortunately after our visit, they realized it was not the right fit for them and the contract was clearly stating that the deposit was not refundable. They had to cancel and lose their money!
Save your place now!
Choosing between a wedding planner and a venue first doesn’t have to be a dilemma. By prioritizing both, you’ll have a trusted professional by your side and the perfect backdrop for your big day. This team effort ensures that your wedding planning journey starts off on the right note—organized, stress-free, and tailored to you. So, if you're ready to plan your dream wedding, remember: don’t choose one over the other. Choose both and watch your vision come to life!