In my years of owning a wedding venue, I hear often how often others share this big dream of venue ownership. It's a glamorous vision, filled with romance, celebration, and the satisfaction of creating unforgettable experiences. As someone who's been in the trenches designing and running successful venues, I can tell you it's also a challenging but incredibly rewarding endeavor.

Some of the common misconceptions I hear about wedding venue ownership is:

Just build it and they will come - it's easy money!
It's operates like an Airbnb, just give people the code and walk away.
You must be wealthy to start a wedding venue or come from money.

You'll quickly find that none of these misconceptions really reflect the average venue owner's experience. I don't say this with malice, I love being a venue owner and what I get to do. But I have also seen many venue owner's burn out and become quickly disillusioned with the job once they get into the work. This leads venue owners to fall victim to scammy marketing services, or becoming unprofitable as they try to keep up or stand out in a saturated market.

My goal is to empower venue owners to maintain ownership of their venue. Part of that empowerment comes from going into a new business venture with the right skills and expectations.

Wedding venue consultant — I'm sharing my experience as a venue owner and venue coach - offering advice and tools to help you navigate the journey from dream to reality. I'm aiming to help you avoid some common pitfalls and set you up for success in the wedding industry. Because I also ran my venue as a side hustle for the first 3 years (with a newborn too!), I also was the one running all the events/sales/social media/operations and toilet cleaning before I was able to build a team and create a business that worked for me, my lifestyle, and family. Without hiring outside venue management or marketing companies taking all possibilities of a profit margin.
Many people start their wedding venue ownership journey after already working in the wedding industry - as an event planning, photographer, florist, etc. But that isn't a requirement. Having an understanding of how weddings work and the key players involved is very helpful. I came to this industry after working as a project manager in the construction and IT fields - a far cry from weddings but shocking at the shared skill sets, especially when I am working on operational plans.

All that to say, I want to show you that it's possible for you too.

Is Venue Ownership Right for You?

Before diving in, it's crucial to honestly assess if venue ownership aligns with your skills and lifestyle. It’s more than just hosting parties; it’s a business. Are you prepared for:

Long hours, especially weekends and evenings? Weddings don't happen on 9-to-5 schedules.
Managing a team? From event staff to caterers, you'll be coordinating various individuals.
Handling high-stress situations? Unexpected hiccups are inevitable; you need to be a problem-solver.
Significant financial investment and risk? Venue ownership requires substantial capital and careful financial planning.
Dealing with demanding clients? Weddings are emotional events, and clients have high expectations for their special day.

If you're nodding along and these challenges excite you rather than deter you, then let's move on! If you're wanting a deeper dive into these topics, I've covered it more in Start A Wedding Venue Tips blog post.

Phase 1: Defining Your Vision and Target Market

create vision of wedding venue design — What kind of wedding experience do you want to create? This is the foundation of your entire business. Market research cannot be skipped, and should be regularly evaluated.

Consider these questions:

What's your venue's style? Rustic barn, elegant ballroom, modern loft, outdoor garden – the possibilities are endless. This will dictate your renovations, décor, and marketing.
Who is your ideal client? Are you targeting budget-conscious couples, luxury spenders, or a specific niche like eco-friendly weddings?
What services will you offer? Just the space, or all-inclusive packages with catering, décor, and planning? Offering more services can increase revenue but also requires more management.
What's your unique selling proposition (USP)? What sets you apart from other venues in your area? Maybe it's the breathtaking views, the historical significance of the building, or your exceptional customer service. Don't be afraid to talk with industry professionals to get a better understanding of the industry and how you may fit into it.

Tools for Visioning

Pinterest: Create mood boards to visualize your venue’s aesthetic and target market’s preferences.
Competitor Analysis: Research existing venues in your area. What are they doing well? Where can you offer something different or better?
SWOT Analysis: Identify your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to understand your competitive landscape.

Phase 2: Finding the Perfect Location

Location is paramount. It influences accessibility, ambiance, and market appeal. Knowing if you plan on being property owners or utilize a leased space.

Accessibility: Is the venue easily accessible for guests, vendors, and deliveries? Consider proximity to major roads, airports, and accommodations.
Ambiance: Does the location complement your venue's style? A rustic barn needs a different setting than a chic city loft.
Zoning and Regulations: Ensure the property is zoned for commercial use and complies with all local regulations, including noise ordinances and parking requirements.
Due Diligence: Thoroughly inspect the property for any potential issues, including structural problems, environmental concerns, or legal encumbrances.
Vibe Fit: Does the area fit the vibe of your desired wedding venue location - are you creating outdoor venues, barn wedding venue, industrial, modern, etc..

Tools for Location Scouting

Commercial Real Estate Websites: LoopNet, CommercialCafe, and local real estate brokers are invaluable resources.
Local Government Websites: Check zoning maps and regulations.
Environmental Consultants: If necessary, engage professionals to assess potential environmental risks.

Phase 3: Developing a Solid Business Plan

A comprehensive business plan is your roadmap to success. It's also essential for securing financing.

Executive Summary: A brief overview of your venue concept, target market, and financial projections.
Market Analysis: Research your local wedding market, including competitor analysis and pricing strategies.
Services Offered: Detail the packages and services you'll provide - the target booking fee for each package.
Marketing Plan: Outline your strategies for attracting clients, including online marketing, social media, and networking.
Financial Projections: Develop realistic financial forecasts, including startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections. This is crucial for securing loans.
Management Team: Describe the experience and expertise of your management team.

Tools for Business Planning

SBA.gov: The Small Business Administration offers resources and templates for creating a business plan.
Business Plan Software: LivePlan, Bizplan, and Enloop can help you create a professional business plan.
Financial Advisors: Consult with financial professionals for guidance on financial projections and funding options.

Phase 4: Venue Design and Development

wedding venue consultant process design to reality

This is where your vision comes to life! This is also one of our favorite areas to help other venue owners - whether they are brand new or an experienced wedding venue owner. Quality design is the key and secrets for some of the most successful wedding venues. If you want our help creating a virtual design plan, or more in-depth plans - you can see more about our services here.

Layout and Flow: Design the space to optimize flow and functionality for events. Consider guest movement, vendor access, and staff efficiency.
Aesthetics and Decor: Choose décor that complements your venue's style and creates the desired ambiance.
Infrastructure: Ensure adequate utilities, including power, water, and restrooms. Consider climate control for year-round events.
Accessibility: Comply with ADA guidelines to ensure accessibility for all guests.

Tools for Design and Development

Architects and Interior Designers: Engage professionals to help you create a functional and beautiful space.
Event Venue Design Software: Social Tables and Allseated can help you plan layouts and manage event logistics.
Contractors: Hire reputable contractors for renovations and construction.

Phase 5: Marketing and Sales

Attracting clients is essential for your venue's success. A strong marketing strategy is pretty much a requirement for both new wedding venue owners and successful venue owners alike. I definitely did not expect how much of my time and energy working on this business would really come down to sales and marketing.

Website and Online Presence: A professional website and active social media presence are crucial. Showcase your venue's beauty and highlight testimonials from past clients.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and content for relevant keywords to attract organic traffic from search engines.
Social Media Marketing: Engage with potential clients on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
Networking: Attend industry events and connect with wedding planners and other vendors. Also plan on hosting your own open houses as you're up and running.
Public Relations: Seek opportunities to get your venue featured in local publications and wedding blogs.

Tools for Marketing and Sales:

Website Builders: Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress are popular platforms for creating websites.
SEO Tools: SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Search Console can help you optimize your website for search engines.
Social Media Management Tools: Hootsuite and Buffer can help you manage your social media presence.
CRM Software: HubSpot and Salesforce can help you manage leads and client communication.

Phase 6: Operations and Management

Running a successful venue requires efficient operations.

Staffing: Hire and train a reliable team of event staff, bartenders, and other personnel.
Vendor Management: Develop relationships with trusted vendors, including caterers, florists, and photographers.
Event Coordination: Implement systems for managing bookings, contracts, and event logistics.
Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service to ensure client satisfaction and positive reviews.

Tools for Operations and Management:

Event Management Software: Honeybook and Planning Pod can help you manage bookings, contracts, and event details. (Use our referral link for Honeybook and you’ll get 30% off your subscription!)
We have personally used Honeybook for years - the automation tools are incredible. Early on, I searched and searched for something better than Honeybook but when they launched a plethora of updates in 2024 that made us stick with them. I still wish it had better reporting and customization options for reports, but hopefully that's coming next.
Payroll/Staff Scheduling Software: Homebase can help you manage your staff's schedules, payroll, payroll tax filings, and workman's comp insurance. I can't get enough of how much this simplified staffing for us.
Accounting Software: Google Sheets can help you manage your finances. I'm not a fan of Quickbooks. That is really putting it too lightly. I loathe Quickbooks, but that is a story for another day. I have still been searching for the perfect alternative. For now, I just use the CSV files from the bank and data from Honeybook. I'll update with new recommendations as I have them.

Owning a wedding venue is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. By carefully planning, diligently executing, and continuously learning, you can turn your dream into a thriving business. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for creating magical moments for couples. You'll be shocked to learn that not every wedding venue company is a profitable business. That's why it is important to come in with the right plan and adjust your plan and strategy as you grow and learn.

wedding venue consultant design process — **Need A Wedding Venue Consultant?**

I'd love to help you create your own wedding venue - that is not just a building but a successful business that can stand out in the market and have raving fans. I can guide you through the venue design, to teaching you best practices for venue tours, website/lead management, a deep dive into operational processes, effective marketing, and so much more. As a wedding venue owner myself to two wedding venues in a very saturated market - I've had to get creative, and innovative to get ahead. I can help get you there too, contact me today.

You don't need to be afraid of becoming a business owner, I'll be here to guide you and teach you any new skill you may need along the way to success.

And if you want to know more. You can hear more about my journey on an episode of the Venue RX podcast here as we talk more in detail about the realities of the wedding venue industry.

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Wedding Venue Ownership: Advice and Tools to Get Started