One of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is choosing the venue. There are lots of great venues around Anaheim and Southern California. Touring various venues is an important step in the process, as you can actually start visualizing and planning your big day. Obviously, you’re busy with wedding planning and your time is valuable, so you want to make venue tours worth your time. As a top wedding venue here in Anaheim, we have many happy couples coming for tours of our space and hosting their weddings here. Along the way, we try and help couples by sharing what to expect when touring wedding venues and what they can do to make the tour more beneficial. Here are some of our best tips to help you get the most out of your site visit.
1. Research the venue ahead of time.
Most wedding venues around Anaheim have tons of details on their websites regarding what they offer, specific wedding policies, and more. You don’t want to go into a tour unprepared. Take the time to read through everything carefully beforehand. That way, you’ll be able to go into the tour feeling as prepared as possible and can really focus on the details.
2. Set up an appointment.
This seems like a no brainer, but we figured we should mention it anyway. A scheduled time assures you’ll get the time, attention, and service you need during your visit. Everyone is busy and time is valuable. You don’t want to drop in unannounced only to have the wedding/event coordinator out or areas of the building closed for cleaning or another event. If your wedding planner, caterer, photographer, or other vendors want to see the venue and talk through logistics, scheduling an appointment will be a necessity as well.
3. Take notes about the wedding venue.
Whether it’s on an electronic device, a notebook, or our handy event venue checklist, take plenty of notes during your visit. Following the appointment, go back to add details and update your notes as needed while everything is still fresh. You’re going to be visiting a lot of venues, so good notes will help you compare and contrast.
4. Take lots of pictures and videos.
Smartphones make it easy to take pictures these days, so utilize yours fully. You only have limited opportunities to get inside the venue before your big day, so these visuals are going to help you remember specific details about the space as you’re planning decor and layout. Get some full room shots for that big picture visual as well as details of flooring, woodwork, and other design elements you may want to remember or match later.
5. Grab handouts & organize them.
Most venues will have brochures, business cards, and other handouts available on site. Grab them and file them in an organized fashion. The information will definitely come in handy later and these printed materials can be fun additions to wedding scrapbooks and albums.
6. Bring a tape measure.
As noted above, you only get limited time in the venue before your wedding. That means you’ll want to get all the details you may need — including dimensions. With that in mind, it doesn’t hurt to put a tape measure in your bag before heading out. If the venue doesn’t already have this information handy, be sure to measure the rooms overall. Also consider measuring things like windows, door frames, and tables that you may want to decorate with fabric or florals.
7. Wear comfortable clothes & shoes.
You’re likely going to be shown all around the venue and grounds, which means a lot of walking. Plan accordingly. You don’t want to be cold, uncomfortable, or have sore feet during the visit. Consider layers, just in case the air conditioning is chilly in comparison to the warm California sunshine.
8. Wear sunscreen.
As mentioned above, you’ll probably spend part of the tour exploring the outside of the venue. If you’re having an outdoor reception or ceremony, you’ll likely be spending a lot of the tour outdoors. It’s generally sunny here in SoCal, so it’s important to protect your skin. Wearing sunscreen can help assure your comfort and safety.
9. Act like a guest.
Once you have all the details ironed out and logistic questions answered, take some time to put aside the wedding planning hat and put yourself in the shoes of your guests. If the venue has a restaurant or onsite dining options, consider eating there — especially if they’ll be catering your wedding. Drive around the venue and check out the parking lot. Were transportation and parking easy? What attractions are close by? If the venue offers shuttles to Disneyland or other nearby attractions, try out the service. All of this can help you make an educated venue decision and provide better recommendations to your guests.
10. Have fun.
Sure, wedding planning can be stressful at times — but it should also be fun. Relax and have a good time during your venue tour. The right venue should give you that magical, fuzzy feeling that you can’t find anywhere else. Take some time and make a day of it. Consider hitting up Disneyland or one of the great shops nearby with your fiance or wedding party, just for fun. You deserve a break.
Come experience the magic of Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
Damaris Mia Photography
If you’re planning your wedding in Anaheim, we’d love to have you stop by for venue tour. Our magical castle-themed decor and gardens are sure to add a little extra magic to your big day. Plus, we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Disneyland® Resort and other amazing SoCal attractions. Contact our wedding planning experts to book your big day.
Read now:
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