‹ Back

5 Mistakes People Make When Choosing an Event Venue

 

By: Sharee Murphy

Master Planner, Plan & Pop Events

 

Your venue sets the tone for your entire event. Choose the wrong one, and you could face budget overruns, logistical nightmares, and unhappy guests. The good news? Most venue mistakes are completely avoidable if you know what to watch for.

 

Mistake 1: Booking Before Setting a Budget

It’s easy to fall in love with a space, but if it eats up too much of your budget, you’ll have to cut corners elsewhere — usually in food, décor, or entertainment.

 

Mistake 2: Not Asking What’s Included

Some venues include tables, chairs, and linens in the rental fee; others charge extra. Forget to ask, and you could be hit with surprise costs for items you assumed were part of the package.

 

Mistake 3: Ignoring Accessibility

If your venue isn’t accessible to all your guests, you risk excluding important people or scrambling for last-minute accommodations. Accessibility should always be part of your venue checklist.

 

Mistake 4: Overlooking Parking & Transportation

Even the most beautiful venue loses its charm if guests can’t find parking or have to walk a long distance to get inside. Think about both convenience and safety when evaluating parking options.

 

Mistake 5: Skipping the Fine Print

Your venue contract matters — it outlines everything from cancellation policies to noise restrictions. Skipping this step could cost you money, time, or even your booking.

 

Avoid These Mistakes with the Perfect Place Planning Guide

    We created the Perfect Place Planning Guide to help you:

• Compare venues side-by-side

• Track must-ask questions before booking

• Avoid common mistakes that derail events

→ Start your Perfect Place Planning Guide here.

 

Takeaway
Choosing the right venue isn’t just about looks — it’s about making sure it fits your budget, your needs, and your vision. When you plan with the right tools, you can book with confidence.