The Hidden Truth About Running a Wedding Venue: Are You Fixing the Right Problems?
With Venue Owner + Venue Coach, Kristin Binford
The Common Trap Venue Owners Fall Into
As I stand here refilling our venue's waterfall after a cold weekend, I'm struck by a truth that many venue owners need to hear: We're often fixing the wrong problems.
Maybe this sounds familiar:
• "We need to update the bridal suite"
• "The landscaping needs work"
• "If only we had a new parking lot..."
• "We should increase our advertising budget"
The Costly Misconception About Growth
Here's what I've learned from speaking with hundreds of venue owners over the years: Many of us are pouring money into physical improvements or advertising, hoping it will transform our business. But here's the uncomfortable truth - it rarely does.
The Real Numbers:
• Some venues spend up to $60,000 per year on advertising
• Others invest tens of thousands in facility upgrades
• Meanwhile, many owners aren't even paying themselves
The Questions You Should Actually Be Asking
Instead of "Which improvement project is next?" ask yourself:
Is my pricing actually accurate, or am I just guessing?
How much money am I leaving on the table with unsold dates?
Am I booking any couple who can pay, or do I have a clear ideal client?
Can my business actually scale without breaking?
Quick Math: If your Saturday dates go for $5,000 and you missed booking just 10 of them last year - that's $50,000 in lost revenue.
The Two Common (But Flawed) Approaches
I see venue owners typically fall into two camps:
The Over-Investors
• Always upgrading facilities
• Heavy advertising spenders
• Not paying themselvesThe Under-Investors
• Hesitant to spend anything
• Missing growth opportunities
• Hoping things will improve naturally
The Path Forward: Strategic Focus
What needs to change:
Stop chasing "magic solutions"
• New advertising platforms won't fix fundamental issues
• Building a team won't solve core business problemsStart focusing on:
• Clear value proposition
• Strategic pricing
• Ideal client attraction
• Scalable systems
A Personal Note: The Possibility of Change
In over 500 weddings at my venue, I've never had a bridezilla (though I've met a dadzilla or two!). This isn't luck - it's strategic client selection and business positioning.
The wedding venue industry becomes more competitive each year. Those who thrive will be the ones who:
• Know their true value
• Price appropriately
• Attract their ideal clients
• Build sustainable systems
Moving Forward
Remember: If you don't change your approach, how will your business change?
The venues that thrive aren't waiting for perfect timing - they're making strategic shifts now. While others focus on their endless to-do lists, successful owners focus on the decisions that actually move their business forward.
The time for change isn't next month or next quarter - it's now.