Planning Tips :: Wedding Budget Breakdown :: Venue Rental

Your venue can be anything from a very basic blank space to an exquisite all-inclusive resort. While a basic venue may be cheaper to rent, you may have to outsource additional things such as tables, chairs, china and glassware that the all-inclusive venue already has for you. Make sure to find out everything the venue offers (or doesn't offer) before you book so you'll know what extras you'll need.

The suggested amount for your venue rental is 5% of your budget . As I always explain....if you're budget is $20,000, your budget for your venue rental would be $1,000. Keep in mind, if your venue offers things such as linens, chairs/chair covers, onsite catering or other things, you may be able to decrease other areas of the budget and/or add it to the venue rental budget. Compare everything included in your venue rental to other categories to see how much you can save in other areas.

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by: Miranda Taack Photography

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by: Miranda Taack Photography

:: TIPS ::

1. Make sure to find out what's included with your venue rental before you sign on the dotted line. See if things like tables, chairs, china, tableware, glassware, linens, lighting, dance floor, on-site kitchen, valet, bridal room for getting ready, coat check and other items are included in your venue rental. If not, you may be required to source and rent them on your own, which will add to the overall budget.

2. Most venues charge a per person charge with additional or optional fees on top of that. Make sure to inquire about any additional fees that are not included in the per person charge such as security, clean up, cake cutting fee, corking fee, valet, bathroom attendant, over-time...make sure everything is listed out in your contract so you know what to expect before signing.

3. Is there an approved vendor list you must choose from, or are you able to choose your own vendors? Some venues require that you select your vendors from their list of approved vendors. If you have your heart set on a certain caterer but the venue won't allow them because they're not on the list, you'll have to change plans...

4. Make sure to get the timeline of your venue rental in your contract. Some venues allow you time throughout the whole weekend, and some only give you one day with specific times and limits. Be sure you have the timeline ironed out so you don't incur additional charges for going over.

5. Your wedding photos will be taken in and around the venue you select, so inquire as to what's available on their property for photographs. It doesn't matter if you're in the country or in the city, the venue can give you suggestions on great spots for photos, both on-site and nearby.

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by: Miranda Taack Photography

Venue :: Sparrow Creek Ranch

Photo by: Miranda Taack Photography

If you're not from the DFW area or just need assistance finding your perfect needle in the haystack, we offer a Venue Tour package in which we assist you in finding and booking your venue. You give us the details of what you're looking for, we cut the venue list down to what falls in your category and budget, and we schedule tours with three venues you select. You get to see each one, gather up all information, and have our assistance through the entire venue booking process. Contact us if you'd like more information! info@michellevents.com or (469) 475-7089.



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