Red Flags To Always Look Out For

With the exception of finding a partner whose life seamlessly blends into yours, the hardest part of the wedding planning process is finding the perfect venue that fits your vision. Not only can the location set the groundwork for your big day’s logistics—the date, budget, and number of guests, to name a few—but it will also inform the overall vibe of your celebration. 

Bohemian by the beach? Rustic farmhouse? Luxe garden party? The choice is yours—and, of course, your venue.

But, before you get swept up in a space’s potential and photogenic moments, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for potential red flags: factors that aren’t initially a dealbreaker, but might cause more problems down the road. 

The devil is in the details, so you have to be mindful of venue red flags—even if it's a minor one. A small flag can turn into a logistical nightmare and a disappointed couple very quickly!

It’s no secret that spotting a red flag during a venue tour is frustrating—especially when the location is otherwise perfect. However, doesn’t necessarily have to be a dealbreaker. In fact, it can actually offer some room for negotiation.

Your dealbreaker can give you the power to negotiate with your venue for things like a free room night, a room upgrade, or more comp valet parking, for example. Many venues will be willing to work with you if you communicate early!

If you’re trying to tell the difference between a red flag and dealbreaker, think about your non-negotiable. For example, a venue with minimal parking may be a red flag for some, but not a dealbreaker for couples who will be providing transportation. But, if a venue’s policy will throw a wrench in your vision and timeline, you might want to consider.

I recently had to move the location of a couple's reception as the venue did not allow for ample time for set up. We could have made it work, but after our site visit, we came up with a better plan that the couple loved even more.

To keep that from happening, we encourage couples to discuss their event plans in detail and upfront with the venue so all parties are on the same page—and you can focus on planning a truly special day.