Top 5 Mistakes Couples Make When Booking a Wedding Venue (And How to Avoid Them)
Booking your wedding venue is one of the first—and biggest—decisions you’ll make while planning your big day. The right venue sets the tone for everything from your budget to your décor. But with so many beautiful options out there, it’s easy to fall in love with a place before considering the logistics.
At The Preston Barn, we’ve hosted hundreds of weddings and events, and heard countless stories from couples about what they wish they knew sooner. So we’re here to help you avoid some common missteps.
Here are the top 5 mistakes couples make when booking a venue—and how to avoid them:
1. Not Asking What’s Included
You’ve toured a gorgeous space, the photos are stunning, and the price feels right. But what’s actually included in that fee? Or NOT included? Does it include any services or customization? And so on…
Why it’s a mistake: Some venues offer tables, chairs, lighting, and even décor. Others are a blank canvas with added rental costs that can add up fast. Some venues will provide staff that will help with moving things around, some will charge extra for that.
What to do instead: Ask for a detailed list of what’s included—like setup, breakdown, access times, getting-ready suites, and parking. At The Preston Barn, for example, we include beautiful farmhouse tables, Chiavari chairs, weekend-long access, and more—so there are fewer surprises later.
(At the end of this blog, we’ll share some of our other blogs that will help with this!)
2. Overlooking Guest Experience
This one is huge. Your wedding should feel magical for everyone—including your guests.
Why it’s a mistake: Some venues are hard to find, have limited parking, or lack enough bathrooms or shaded areas. These details can impact your guests’ comfort and mood.
What to do instead: Walk through the day from a guest’s perspective. Is there clear signage? Is the ceremony site walkable? Will they need shuttle service? We’re proud that The Preston Barn offers spacious indoor restrooms, plenty of parking, and charming paths between ceremony and reception areas—plus the nearby Old Drovers Inn for convenient overnight stays.
3. Not Having a Backup Plan for Weather
This one’s especially important for outdoor ceremonies or cocktail hours.
Why it’s a mistake: Many couples envision a sunny day, but weather in the Northeast can be unpredictable—especially in spring and fall.
What to do instead: Ask each venue about their rain plan and make sure you like it just as much as your Plan A. We always help couples create a seamless rain option that’s just as stunning as a clear day without any added stress.
4. Booking Without Seeing the Venue in Different Seasons
Your favorite Pinterest photo may not reflect what the venue looks like in the season you’re getting married.
Why it’s a mistake: Trees, lighting, and natural décor can drastically change depending on the month. A July wedding and a November one will look (and feel) very different in the same space.
What to do instead: Ask for galleries of real weddings from your season or visit around the same time of year. We’re happy to share seasonal photos and tips at The Preston Barn, from lush summer gardens to cozy late-fall candlelit ceremonies. In fact, our photo gallery of real weddings are labeled with the months so you can take a look and see how our space looks in any season!
5. Falling in Love Before Finalizing the Guest List
It’s easy to dream big—but capacity matters more than you think.
Why it’s a mistake: A venue that’s too small can feel cramped. One that’s too big might feel empty and lack energy.
What to do instead: Rough out your guest count before falling head-over-heels for any one venue. With capacity for up to 220 guests (and intimate setups for smaller groups too), we help couples design a space that feels just right.
Final Thoughts
Booking a venue is more than just falling in love with the view—it’s about finding a space that supports your vision, fits your guest list, and makes the planning process easier, not harder.
Want help navigating the process? Our team at The Preston Barn is always here to answer questions, offer planning advice, and make sure you feel confident in your decision—every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a tour or ask about available dates!
Suggested Blogs:
The Preston Barn Wedding Venue FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
Choosing Wedding Venues: What are the most important questions to ask?
Finding Charm: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Rustic Wedding Venue