Your Next Step After “Yes”: Choosing the Venue That Fits Your Story
Your venue is one of the first major decisions you make after getting engaged, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. To help couples navigate this moment with clarity and confidence, we chatted with Jenna Zamjahn, one of our senior venue sales consultants, whose experience has guided countless couples through the earliest stages of planning.
Understanding the Full Picture
Jenna encourages couples to look far beyond capacity and base pricing when comparing venues. “Most couples don’t realize how differently venues package their offerings,” she shared. “You have to understand the full picture before you can truly compare.”
She recommends asking detailed questions about added charges such as tables, chairs, linens, lighting, audio, staffing, and setup fees. Ceremony fees, service charges, taxes, and vendor policies should also be discussed early.
One of the most common mistakes she sees is underestimating the real cost of a venue. “A low rental fee can be misleading,” Jenna said. “You have to build an all in comparison to understand the true value.” This includes the rental fee, taxes and service charges, décor needs, lighting and audio, staffing, and any additional setup or teardown.
Feeling the Space
Jenna’s biggest piece of advice is simple but powerful. Get inside the space. “You’ll know the moment you walk in,” she said. “There’s a feeling couples get when a venue matches their vision.”
She suggests paying attention not only to the main room but also to the surroundings because views, textures, and architectural details influence the atmosphere more than couples expect.
She also encourages couples to notice the people behind the venue. “How the team makes you feel matters just as much as the space itself,” she explained. “You want to feel supported from the very beginning.”
A venue shapes the mood, the flow, and the comfort of your guests. Consider how guests will move from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception, and how elements like climate control, seating, and accessibility might affect their experience. “A thoughtful venue choice makes the day feel natural and effortless for everyone,” Jenna noted.
Choosing your venue is the first step after “yes.” With the right questions, a clear understanding of true cost, and guidance from experts like Jenna, you can trust your instincts and find a space that feels like the perfect beginning to your story.
Find the Perfect Venue
If you want guidance choosing the perfect setting, our team would love to help you explore what’s possible. With six beautifully curated venues across Minnesota, there is a space for every style, every vision, and every love story. Connect with us to discover the one that feels unmistakably yours.
