Planning a wedding can be as exciting as it is overwhelming (Trust me as I have did it before and we do this EVERY weekend!). One of the most crucial decisions you'll make is selecting the perfect venue. What is your estimated guest count, style and of course... Budget? Attending wedding venue open houses is a fantastic way to explore your options and find a space that feels just right for your big day. Here are some of our suggestions of how to make the most out of them (financially, time spent and overall morale):
So, Jimmy... What is a venue open house?
A wedding venue open house is an event hosted by wedding venues to showcase their spaces and of course vendors, to potential clients. These events often include tours, sample setups, tastings, and the opportunity to meet some of their preferred vendors. Open houses provide a firsthand look at what a venue can offer, giving you a better sense of the atmosphere and amenities.
Why Should You (And Your Future Better Half) Attend a Wedding Venue Open House?
Visualize Your Wedding: Seeing the venue in person allows you to imagine your wedding day more clearly. You can assess the size, layout, and ambiance of the space. Also, it allow you to visualize your vendors all setup and still allow you to see potential table layouts.
Meet PREFERRED Vendors: Open houses often feature preferred vendors, such as caterers, florists, and photographers... And of course, your DJ/MC. This is a great opportunity to meet them, ask questions, and see their work in action. Oh, and at Enloe Entertainment LLC, we STRONGLY disbelieve in the industry "Pay to Play" aspect. Meaning, when we are at venue open houses and you see us on their preferred vendors list, it means that we EARNED our spot there... Not paid to be there!
Ask Questions: You can get immediate answers to your questions from the venue’s staff, which can help you make an informed decision. Also, our motto... "There are no dumb questions. The ONLY dumb questions are the ones you didn't ask!"
Exclusive Deals: Many venues and vendors offer special discounts or packages to attendees, which can help you save money on your wedding.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Wedding Venue Open House as presented by a wedding DJ in Houston, Texas
Do Your Homework: Research the venues and vendors that you plan to visit. Check their websites, read reviews, and look at some of their photos. This will help you prioritize your visits and prepare specific questions. You will also be able to make your visits more efficiently.
Create a Checklist: List the features that are most important to you, such as capacity, availability, amenities, and price. Use this checklist to evaluate each venue and vendor systematically.
Bring Your Partner aka Your Better Half: Having your partner with you ensures you’re both on the same page and can discuss your impressions in real-time.
Take Notes and Photos: Document your visit by taking notes and photos. This will help you remember the details of each venue and vendor when it's time to make a decision. Our advice... Don't wait to book your vendors or venue. When you find the one... Book them!
Ask Detailed Questions: Prepare a list of questions in advance. Ask about availability, pricing, inclusions, restrictions, and any other concerns you might have. With the DJ... What genres do they specialize in? Are they bilingual? Do they have extra staff in the event that you are sick?
Explore the Surroundings: Check out the surrounding area to see if it matches your vision for your wedding day. Consider the convenience for your guests and the availability of nearby accommodations. Basically, does the venue actually match your style?!
Sample Everything: Take advantage of tastings and sample setups. This will give you a taste of the quality of service and products the venue and its vendors provide. From tasting the food and drinks, to viewing photos and videos, to hearing your DJ mixing live... Take it all in!
Network with Vendors: Collect business cards and contact information from vendors you like. Building relationships early can make your planning process smoother. *** BONUS TIP *** Fold the corner of the cards of the vendors that you actually could see at your wedding day!
Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the open house. Take your time to explore the venue thoroughly and absorb all the information. Worst case scenario (assuming you got there plenty early), go back and do follow up questions.
Follow Up: After the open house, follow up with the venues and vendors you liked. Schedule a more detailed tour or a meeting if needed. Again, book early!
Making the Final Decision
After attending several open houses, compare your notes and discuss your options with your partner. Consider the pros and cons of each venue/vendor, how they fit your vision and budget, and the overall vibe you got during your visit. Trust your instincts and choose the venue/vendor that feels right for your special day.
We will be at these open houses: Olde Dobbin Station | Sunday, August 18th, 2024 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Peach Creek Ranch | Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Magnolia Meadows | Sunday, October 20th, 2024 | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Conclusion
Wedding venue open houses are a valuable resource in your wedding planning journey. They offer a unique opportunity to explore, envision, and engage with venues and vendors, making it easier to find the perfect match for your wedding like having Enloe Entertainment for your wedding DJ in Houston, Texas. By preparing ahead of time and being strategic during your visits, you can make the most out of these events and set the stage for a memorable wedding day. Happy planning!
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