One of the first major decisions many wedding planners help their clients make is choosing a venue. All wedding planners have a list of their preferred venues, but sometimes your clients are looking for something different. If you find yourself touring new venues, watch out for some of these common red flags. Identifying potential problems before your clients sign a contract will save all parties a lot of stress and headache during their wedding planning journey. 

À la carte pricing

When reviewing the venue pricing with your clients, make note of how the venue totals the cost. If every single item is a separate cost, the total could be much higher than your clients expect. Many venues have a standard fee with a few add-ons, including extra time or a cleaning fee. If every item in the venue is a separate fee, dig deeper. While this type of pricing might seem like it allows your clients to only pay for what they need, it can end up costing more than a flat fee. 

Often, these extra fees can all add up on the wedding day, resulting in a higher than expected post-wedding bill. Separate pricing might break things such as tables and chairs into a per-piece charge, so the simple action of a caterer grabbing additional tables can add up. If your clients end up at an à la carte-priced venue, make sure there is a clear understanding of what authority you have to approve additional fees on the wedding day, so there are no surprises the day after. 

High staff turnover

It is always a good idea to look into staff longevity at a venue. This info can often be found in online reviews and checking with past couples. Working with new staff at a venue may present a learning curve, as it can be challenging to facilitate communication between outgoing and incoming staff. If one venue representative agrees to certain things with your clients but  the next venue representative has no record, it may be difficult to prove. 

It is always a good idea to keep documentation of every conversation. This way, if the venue changes staff you have a paper trail. If most of your communication is in-person or over the phone, send a follow-up email with all details discussed and ask for confirmation. 

Negative reviews

A large number of negative online reviews about a venue should immediately raise suspicion. If your clients love a venue, but the reviews are poor, ask the venue representative if they have any past clients you can reach out to for their experience. A professional wedding venue should always have a list of happy couples ready to sing their praises—just ask! 

Complicated or one-sided contracts

COVID-19 taught the wedding industry to always pay attention to the contract. Ensure the venue’s contract is not one-sided to protect the venue. A good contract should clearly outline what happens if the couple cancels or unforeseen circumstances arise. While contracts have certainly been tightened up since 2020, they should not be overly complicated. A venue contract not understandable by you or your clients is a red flag. If the couple wants to move forward with the venue, advise them to consult with a lawyer to make sure that the contract also addresses their rights as the renters. 

Remember your clients rely on you to help them make the best decisions possible when choosing their wedding venue. No matter where they end up, the best advice you can give is to secure event insurance. Many venues require this, but even if it is not part of the contract it is always a good idea for an extra level of protection.  

Markel Event Insurance is an easy and affordable solution for your clients, with policies starting as low as $75.  A free event insurance quote takes only a few minutes online or on the phone. 

Get more information now on the Markel Insurance website on how easy it is for event planners to recommend event insurance to their clients. (link to www.markelinsurance.com/event/planner). 

*This post is sponsored by Markel Service, Incorporated

This blog is intended for general information purposes only, and should not be construed as advice or opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. The content of this document is made available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of any kind. This publication is not intended to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of professional advice.  Persons requiring advice should consult an independent adviser.  Markel does not guarantee any particular outcome and makes no commitment to update any information herein, or remove any items that are no longer accurate or complete. Terms and conditions for rates and coverages varies. Insurance and coverage are subject to availability and qualifications and may not be available in all states. Coverage descriptions listed are intended to be brief and do not replace actual policy language. Nothing herein shall be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation or offer to purchase any products or services. Coverage is provided by one or more of the insurance companies within Markel and policyholder services are provided by the underwriting manager, Markel Service, Incorporated, national producer license # 27585, in California d/b/a Markel Insurance Services, license # 0645481.  Certain products and services are provided through various non-admitted insurance company subsidiaries of Markel and are offered through licensed surplus lines brokers or through Markel West Insurance Services California license # 0D95581. 

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