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:

  1. Is my value proposition crystal clear?

  2. Is my pricing actually accurate, or am I just guessing?

  3. How much money am I leaving on the table with unsold dates?

  4. Am I booking any couple who can pay, or do I have a clear ideal client?

  5. 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:

  1. The Over-Investors
    • Always upgrading facilities
    • Heavy advertising spenders
    • Not paying themselves

  2. The Under-Investors
    • Hesitant to spend anything
    • Missing growth opportunities
    • Hoping things will improve naturally

The Path Forward: Strategic Focus

What needs to change:

  1. Stop chasing "magic solutions"
    • New advertising platforms won't fix fundamental issues
    • Building a team won't solve core business problems

  2. Start 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.

Kristin Binford