Choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest (and most expensive) decisions you’ll make for your big day. It sets the tone, determines the guest list, and dictates much of your budget. But here’s the thing—what you see in that gorgeous venue tour isn’t always what you get.
From hidden fees to restrictive contracts, there are plenty of surprises that can throw your wedding budget off course. Before you sign on the dotted line, let’s talk about the things no one warns you about when booking a wedding venue.
1. The Sticker Price is Just the Beginning
Most couples fall in love with a venue based on the advertised price, but what’s included in that number? Spoiler alert: probably not much. Many venues charge separately for essentials like:
✔️ Tables and chairs
✔️ Linens and dishware
✔️ Setup and breakdown
✔️ Parking or valet services
✔️ Cleaning fees
Before you commit, ask for an itemized list of ALL costs. The last thing you want is to book a venue thinking you got a deal, only to realize you need to rent furniture, pay extra for lighting, or shell out hundreds for staff to set up.
2. Service Fees & Taxes Add Up Fast
Think that $5,000 venue rental covers everything? Not so fast. Many venues add service charges of 18–25% on top of your final bill. This isn’t a gratuity—it’s a mandatory fee that covers staff and operational costs.
And don’t forget sales tax! Depending on your state, that’s an extra 5-10% tacked onto your total.
Always ask:
🔹 “What is the total cost including service fees and taxes?”
3. The Food & Beverage Minimum Can Wreck Your Budget
Many venues require you to meet a food and beverage minimum—and it’s not as simple as it sounds. For example, if a venue says there’s a $10,000 F&B minimum, that doesn’t mean you can just order $10K worth of food. It means:
You must spend at least that amount before tax and service fees.
If your guest count is too low, you’ll need to upgrade to more expensive menu items to hit the minimum.
Always clarify:
🔹 What happens if we don’t hit the F&B minimum?
🔹 Can drinks be included toward the total?
🔹 Is there a service charge on top of this amount?
4. Vendor Restrictions Can Limit Your Options
Many venues have a preferred vendor list for catering, florals, rentals, and even DJs. Some allow outside vendors, but at a hefty extra fee (think $500-$1,500 just to bring in your own caterer).
If you have a favorite florist or photographer, ask:
🔹 “Are we required to use your preferred vendors, or can we bring our own?”
🔹 “Is there an outside vendor fee?”
You don’t want to be stuck with overpriced services just because they’re on the venue’s approved list.
5. Hidden Rules About Alcohol & Bar Packages
If your dream is to have an open bar, be careful.
Some venues:
🚨 Require you to purchase alcohol through them at marked-up prices
🚨 Charge a per-person bar fee, even if some guests don’t drink
🚨 Don’t allow shots or specific drinks
🚨 Have an early last-call time (goodbye, midnight champagne toast)
If you want to bring your own alcohol (which can save thousands), ask:
🔹 “Can we provide our own alcohol? Is there a corkage fee?”
🔹 “What time does the bar close?”
6. Decor Rules You Didn’t See Coming
Imagine spending weeks crafting the perfect centerpieces, only to find out the venue doesn’t allow candles or won’t let you hang anything from the ceiling.
Some common venue restrictions include:
❌ No open flames (candles, sparklers, lanterns)
❌ No confetti or artificial flower petals
❌ No hanging decorations on walls or ceilings
❌ No DIY setups (some require a professional decorator)
If you have a specific vision for your wedding, ask about decor policies before booking.
7. Setup & Breakdown Time is Tighter Than You Think
Most venues give a specific time window for setting up and tearing down. But what if you need more time? They’ll charge you.
Some venues allow access only a few hours before the event, meaning your vendors have to scramble to get everything ready. And after the reception? You might have just an hour to clear out.
Ask upfront:
🔹 “What time do we get access to the venue?”
🔹 “How long do we have to clean up after?”
🔹 “What are the overtime fees?”
8. Parking Can Be a Nightmare (and an Extra Cost)
Some venues charge for valet or require guests to park far away and take a shuttle. Others have limited parking, forcing guests to find their own spots (which can be a hassle, especially in city locations).
Find out:
🚗 How many parking spots are included?
🚗 Is valet required? If so, how much is it?
🚗 Will guests have to pay for parking?
9. Weather Backup Plans Might Not Be Included
If you’re booking an outdoor wedding, don’t assume the venue provides a backup space in case of bad weather. Some venues require you to rent a separate tent or pay extra to move indoors.
Ask:
⛅ “What is the rain plan, and does it cost extra?”
⛅ “How late can we decide to move the event inside?”
10. Read Every Contract Clause Before Signing
Contracts are full of fine print that can impact your wedding day.
Watch out for:
🔸 Cancellation policies – Will you get a refund if you have to cancel?
🔸 Payment schedules – How much is due upfront? Are there penalties for late payments?
🔸 Guest count minimums – Some venues require a certain number of guests, even if fewer attend.
Before signing, read the contract carefully and ask for clarification on anything that seems unclear.
Final Thoughts: Book Smart, Not Fast—We’ve Got Your Back
Venues are one of the first things couples book, but rushing into a contract without reading the fine print can lead to unexpected costs and stress. Take your time, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
But let’s be real—this is a LOT to handle on your own. Between comparing venue contracts, navigating hidden fees, and making sure you’re not overpaying, the process can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Wanderlust comes in. We specialize in:
✔️ Venue research & contract review – So you don’t get stuck with surprise fees.
✔️ Budget-friendly event planning – Helping you maximize your dollars without sacrificing style.
✔️ Vendor coordination & negotiation – Saving you time and money with trusted professionals.
Don’t let venue stress take the joy out of wedding planning! Let’s chat about how we can make this process smoother—and keep more money in your pocket.
📩 Contact us today for a free consultation!
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