5 Questions Every Couple Should Ask When Touring Wedding Venues

You said yes to the ring, and here you are planning the most important day in your life.  Before diving into planning, there are two things you need to get out of the way: the wedding date and wedding venue.  The question of what comes first solely depends on the couple.  However, one thing remains indisputable; finding a meaningful venue to hold the most memorable day in your life is the end goal.  Wedding venues contribute to the overall feeling of the special day; thus, couples give their all to finding the perfect spot to say, “I do.”

A deep dive into the internet will throw at you many wedding venues, but it falls upon you to filter through the list and find the most suitable ones.  Finding the perfect venue is not just about finding the prettiest setting your Champaign wedding videographer can work with, although it is part of it.  Scouting the venues and asking questions to ensure the locale fits your budget and vision for the big day is a must-do when venue hunting.  Every time you tour the wedding venues, here are questions you can pose to the potential venues before signing a contract

1.       Will the venue fit my guests?

Capacity is a crucial consideration when deciding on your venue, more so now when there are safety regulations when it comes to gatherings.  Ensure you are clear about the capacity of the locale against your guest count.  If the guest count is too high, it could be a cue to consider a bigger venue.  Also, you do not want a too large space for your guests; your venue will look empty.  Finally, let’s not forget how off it will look in your wedding shots.

Right off 1-5, there’s a beautiful venue where you and your other half can celebrate with your loved ones.  Jupiter’s at the Crossing has an ideal outdoor space decorated with beautiful twinkle lights.  Are you planning a large ceremony?  Then you have hit the jackpot here as the mezzanine level will fit your group of people perfectly.  The position of the dance floor makes it easy for the guest to get a clear view of the first dance and offers different angles for the Champaign wedding videographer to document intimate and personal moments between the two loved birds.  Did we mention the romantic sunset shots you could capture with your Illinois photographer outside as the sun goes down?  With Kinard Photography & Wedding Films, we ensure that not a moment is missed as you get two photographers with no time restrictions.  So as one captures your evening shots under the evening lights, you can be assured the other is capturing all the jolly moments of the ceremony.

2.       Do you have a rain plan?

Are you planning a beautiful outdoor ceremony?  That’s amazing!  But make sure you consider the chance of rain because you never really know.  Does the venue have a contingency plan in such cases?  Is there an indoor space available if it rains?  Do not leave the venue until you have settled on a backup plan.  Do not settle for it will not rain as the solution for your rain plan because rain showers even in the summer are possible.  If the venue has an indoor space, check it out to ensure you are happy with the inside just as you are the outside. If the set up and venue capacity meets your needs you are good to go.

3.       How much will more decorating go into the space?

Some wedding venues come with lighting, candle holders, and centerpieces; the choice of whether to use them or get yours solely depends on what the couple decides and the venue policy.  You could choose what you would like to borrow for the event and bring down the rest.  But before you do, request to see the existing décor.  Are there pieces you can integrate into your décor?  Which décor can you borrow and how much more should you buy?

The lobby upstairs at City View Banquet& Meeting Center allows for custom lighting, so couples have free reign to choose the decorations of their liking.  The elegant spot offers a 360-degree angle view of downtown could be the space you could mark the beginning of your journey as a lifelong couple, and your Champaign, Illinois videographer will be there to ensure you will have a cinematic wedding film for keepsakes.  From the beautiful lighting, personalized décor to the candid atmosphere, we will convey the essence of your day in quality wedding photos and film.

4.       Is there space for me to get ready?

Prepping for the venue from home is just too much hassle for some couples; the wrinkling of your tuxedo or trying to get in the car with your massive gown sometimes does not work.  So instead, see if your venue offers a space where you and your soon-to-be spouse can get ready on the premises.  The Pear Tree Estate is a distinctive venue where you can hold your special day.  The different spots at the locale allow you to find a space that suits your wedding style best.  From the rustic Anjou Room with magnificent high ceilings and a beautiful fireplace to the lush green outdoorsy, all providing a picturesque backdrop for your wedding photoshoot.

You can also organize with your Champaign, Illinois Wedding Videographer to have the pre-wedding shots and film at The Concorde Room, which is much more convenient.  Here you can bet on our cinematography pros to capture everything from the getting ready of the bridesmaids, the dress to the accessories and all the special moments in time.  The small moments that build up to you saying ‘I do’; the laughs, the morning coffee moments, the getting ready shots, and the maids’ reactions when you reveal the final look.  We believe all this deserves to be captured on camera, and at your request, we will have two photographers with each couple to document the first look.

5.       What is your cancellation policy?

Pre-COVID couples gave little to no second thought to the venue cancellation policy, but things have changed.  The pandemic dragged in a lot of unpredictability which we have to weigh in on when booking wedding venues.  Before inking the dotted line, ensure you are fully aware of any cancellation fees and how far in advance you need to communicate your cancellation.  Use this chance to ask about where the venue stands on postponement.  Are there penalty fees charged for postponement?  If so, how much?

Now that you are a step closer to finding a spot for your story, you can focus on telling your story with the best team by your side.  Kinard Photography & Wedding Films is here to ensure you can enjoy your cinematographic experience for a lifetime.  Our expert shooters use their seasoned skills to make your big day everything you envisioned and more but capturing raw, intimate, and meaningful moments between you and your special someone.  Sixteen years is how long it has taken us to perfect our shooting skills, so best believe your wedding photoshoot  is in competent hands.

Our services vary from wedding photography to wedding videography to ensure all those who want to document their memorable event whether in candid shots or magical film do not miss the chance.  With each package, we provide 400 to 600 online proofs accessible to our clients with no expiry.  Don’t fret because this still extends to couples who would like our customized package that fits whatever they request.  For further questions, you can set up a consultation with us via email, message, or call; we are here for you!