10 Insightful Things to Know When Choosing a Wedding Venue
- Jo Dee Krotz
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
(From a Couple Who's Seen It All – and Still Believes in the Magic)
You’re engaged—congrats!
Before the whirlwind begins, let’s take a breath. Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make—and it can set the tone for everything else. At 1884 On The Bluff, we've welcomed couples in every season of life, and over the years, we’ve gathered a few insights worth sharing. Whether you're booking with us or just starting your search, here are ten things we genuinely believe matter.
1. The team matters as much as the view.
You’re not just booking a backdrop—you’re hiring humans. The team behind the venue sets the tone for your entire experience, from first email to final sendoff. Look for people who care as deeply as you do.
2. Ask about what’s included… and what’s quietly extra.
The prettiest price tag doesn’t mean much if it’s missing tables, chairs, lighting, or bathrooms. Transparency matters—ask early, ask kindly, and make sure you know what your day will really require.
3. What’s the rain plan? (Ask now, not later.)
If a venue says “we’ll just move it inside,” ask what inside actually means. Walk through the set-up. Ask how it feels. A good venue will have a Plan B that still feels like a celebration—not a compromise.
4. Does the place have soul?
You can feel it. Some venues are curated. Others are cultivated. One is beautiful in photos. The other becomes part of your story.
5. How much freedom do you have to create your day?
Do you get to choose your own caterer? Can your florist work on-site? Can you start the ceremony at sunrise, or serve breakfast-for-dinner? Some places are flexible, others are firm. Know what works for your vision.
6. Guest flow matters.
It’s easy to focus on the altar or the cake table—but don’t forget the journey in between. Where will guests gather? Do the spaces invite people to explore, connect, and enjoy the setting? Will your guests feel like they're part of something special? Can older family members walk easily? Is the bathroom a hike? Details like this shape the guest experience more than you’d think.
At 1884 On The Bluff, we've had grandparents beam from the front row, explore the property with a cane or arm-in-arm, or relish in the structure of the authentically old barn. Guest flow isn't just about movement - it's about how people experience the day, moment by moment.
7. What’s the real rhythm of the day?
Every venue has a natural pace. Some are fast-turnover, others let the story breathe. Ask about setup time, how early you can arrive, and what happens if things run a little behind. Grace and breathing room go a long way.
8. Support behind the scenes is everything.
You might never notice the person bussing your tables and cueing the reception lighting while you're in your wedding ceremony space, but you’ll feel their presence in how smoothly the day goes. Quiet help often makes the loudest difference.
9. How does the space feel when it’s full of love?
Look past the styled shoots. Ask to see real wedding galleries. How does it all come together when the music plays, when grandma dances, when everyone exclaims over the golden hour sun-
streaks peaking in through the spaces? That’s what you’re really booking.
10. Trust your gut.
You’ll know. If you leave a tour feeling inspired, cared for, and already dreaming in detail—you’ve found something special. And if you leave thinking about the people more than the pictures? You’ve likely found the right fit.
Still searching for your spot?
If soulful fractured lighting, historic charm, and heartfelt hospitality speak to you—we’d love to show you around 1884 On The Bluff. We’re perched 180 feet above the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa, and we believe that every step is a story.
Schedule a tour or reach out anytime—we’d be honored to be part of your beginning.
1884 ON THE BLUFF
2663 300th STREET
MONTROSE, IA 52639
MOBILE TEL.817/247-5787
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