Strategic Planning for Wedding Venues: Why Now is the Critical Moment

With Venue Owner + Venue Coach, Kristin Binford

 

Are you so caught up in the day-to-day operations of your venue that you're forgetting to plan for the future?

As a venue owner and coach to hundreds of others across North America, I've noticed a concerning pattern: We're often too busy executing today's events to plan for tomorrow's success.

The Planning Paradox

While September and October might feel too hectic for strategic planning, this is precisely when you need to pause and look ahead. The decisions you make now will impact your business not just next year, but for years to come.

Four Essential Questions Every Venue Owner Must Answer

  1. What's Your Number?
    • How many weddings do you want to host next year?
    • What's your ideal capacity?
    • Are you planning for cancellations?
    • Have you considered your team's capacity?

  2. Who's Your Ideal Couple?
    • What type of clients bring you joy?
    • Where do they spend their time?
    • What are their expectations?
    • How do they communicate?

  3. What's Your Ideal Life?
    • What role do you want in your business?
    • How much time do you want for family?
    • What activities don't you want to miss?
    • How can your business support your lifestyle?

  4. What's Your Path Forward?
    • What specific actions will get you there?
    • What's currently standing in your way?
    • Do you need help identifying the gaps?
    • What systems need to change?

Why Traditional Planning Doesn't Work

The wedding venue industry is evolving rapidly:
• Increased competition
• More venue options for couples
• Higher client expectations
• Need for better systems

The Action Plan

  1. Schedule a Strategic Planning Day
    • Get your team together
    • Order lunch
    • Block uninterrupted time
    • Make it a priority

  2. Look Beyond Current Season
    • Plan for engagement season
    • Consider next year's goals
    • Think about long-term vision
    • Address current challenges

  3. Focus on Implementation
    • Create actionable steps
    • Assign responsibilities
    • Set deadlines
    • Schedule regular check-ins

Remember: What got you here won't get you there. The most successful venues are already planning their next phase of growth.

Kristin Binford