Any wedding-planning process begins in the same place: The venue. An all-important factor for any event, your venue is the beating heart of your wedding. That’s why it’s crucial to find the right one – the perfect backdrop to your celebration that ties it all together. But scouting for that ideal location is, by no means, an easy task! There’s so much that goes into the decision-making process. 

Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Walters Wedding Estates boasts a myriad of venue options, from luxury mansions to gorgeous spaces surrounded by nature. Our Wedding Specialists are there to help you narrow down your search, whisk you away on a tour, and whip up a proposal based on your needs and wants. That said, it certainly doesn’t hurt to be armed with the right questions to ask (and answer) to make the most out of the experience. Here are a few things to think about before, during and after your tour.

BEFORE THE TOUR

You’re finally going to tour what might end up being the scene of your big day! There’s a lot of anticipation swirling; it’s a fun-filled moment. It’s easy to get lost in the excitement, but now is the time to think about those crucial details – both big and small things that can help ensure a seamless experience.

1. Know your desired season

Yes! On your tour, we’ll likely ask you: When are you planning on tying the knot? Chances are, you won’t have the answer to that just yet. But you might, at the very least, have a season in mind. Knowing your preferred time of year will help us determine availability and other crucial factors.

2. Visualize your general aesthetic

As we mentioned, WWE boasts an incredible range of venues tailored to so many different aesthetics and styles. Knowing what your general preferences are will help our Specialists narrow down the search. Consider: Are you leaning more toward a rustic or a modern look? European or nature inspired?

3. Talk budget

Your budget has a lot of say in what your event will look like. It also gives our Wedding Specialists some preliminary information on your expectations and the scope of your event. So, have a general budget in mind, but be open. As you start planning, factor in the benefits some venues tuck into the overall price. Walters Wedding Estates, for example, includes almost a dozen wedding services in our packages. 

4. Determine your guest count

Guest counts are largely influenced by your budget, so if you have the previous point covered, you should be able to put a number down on paper – or at the very least, a ballpark estimate. This will help eliminate a few venues that might not be the ideal size for your event.

DURING THE TOUR

As soon as you arrive at the venue, you’ll be greeted by your dedicated Wedding Specialist. They’re industry experts – with years of experience under their belts! They’ll guide you around the property; you’ll get to peruse the ceremony space, suites and reception area. During this time, here’s what you’ll need to be prepared to discuss.

1. Register your overall feelings about the venue

What were your general impressions of the venue? What did you like or dislike? Did it fit your vision for a perfect wedding? These are all questions your Wedding Specialist will likely ask you on the day of your tour. As you stroll through the venue, make sure to take thorough mental (or real!) notes.

2. Considerations for Food and Beverage

What is your general vision for Food and Beverage? Are you interested in a plated dinner or buffet-style affair? Our Wedding Specialists will use this time to introduce a few of our menu selections as well as our tiered packages, each designed to fit an array of needs and wants.

3. Prepare to discuss packages

One of the biggest perks of choosing WWE? We streamline the wedding-planning process by offering a handful of packages – Elite, Exceptional, and Essential – that take care of a lot of the big-ticket items for your big day, like catering, drinks, and vendor services. On the day of your tour, our Wedding Specialist will sit down with you to match which one of these packages is the best fit for you.

4. Don’t forget the details

Keep a running list of small-but-important details that matter to you. Ask questions like: What is your policy on pets? Can I add a late night snack? Is there flexibility in the ceremony time? Knowing the answers to these questions will come in handy.

AFTER THE TOUR

So, you’ve toured the ceremony space, admired the reception area and envisioned your dream wedding in the space! You and your partner both agree; it’s the right fit. Now that you’ve decided to move forward, what happens next?

1. Expect to receive a proposal at your tour

You might’ve said “yes” to the first one, but that’s not the only proposal you’ll have to agree to! During venue tours, our Wedding Specialists listen to the experience you want to have and create a custom-crafted proposal based on your preferences. You’ll leave with your proposal to review at home, but if you already know it’s the one – what are you waiting for? We will sign the contract on the spot with you!

2. Review any lingering questions

Take this opportunity to think of everything and anything you might have missed or forgotten to ask during your tour. This is your chance to explore any undiscussed questions that you might be thinking about. WWE Wedding Specialists are here to help ease your mind and guide you through every step!

3. Sign the dotted line

So you’ve skimmed through the proposal, and everything reads to your liking? Now’s the time for you and your partner to make it official. This means signing the contract and making your deposit. Once this step is complete, your venue is locked in. From there, you’ll be introduced to the planning team to set the wheels in motion.

4. Not the right fit? Don’t fret!

If you decide it’s not the right fit for your dream wedding – don’t worry. Our Wedding Specialists will evaluate their needs and suggest other WWE venues that might align better with your vision! At the end of the day, that’s what WWE does best; work feverishly to dream up the perfect start to ever after.