Getting a Quote Before Viewing!

Is the venue also in Louisiana? If so, all you need to do is explain your situation and she should understand! Now, if your venue is in DC where you live, you may just have to explain that with an army schedule, it is difficult for you to get a day off just for a tour, so knowing the pricing could help with your decisions, etc.

Good luck!

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The venue is in Louisiana I explained that to her in my initial email prior to our phone call. But maybe I should reiterate that to her in a follow-up email.

We live in the DC area and are getting married in NC. Before we went down to tour, I let them know that I'd rather not waste their or our time touring something that was out of range. I offered my budget and asked if they had packages to accommodate what we want before we plan a huge trip down there, and most were happy to send over the pricing details to avoid an extra trip.

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For sure!! Yeah it would be not cool if she expected you two to fly down just for a tour without additional info!

Definitely ask. It's not inappropriate. In fact, that was the determng factor for me viewing them. However, when I went, the prices always increases🙃

I sent emails saying “hi! My fiancé and I are really interested in your venue for our wedding. But before we tour and fall completely in love with the venue, we would like to make sure it’s within our price range. Could you please send me more information with a list of packages and prices that you offer? Thank you so much! Hope to hear from you soon!” Every place I emailed sent me a quote within 48 hours. Most people don’t want to waste their time if you can’t afford it, so stating it politely like that will save their time and yours.

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Smart! I guess I should have/ be more upfront about being an out of state couple. Thank you!

Yes, most of the venues we were considering were happy to give me their pricing by email or over the phone, even before we toured them. I don't know if your venue is just different that way, or if the coordinator is just flaky, or what is going on. The venue we ultimately chose actually has their pricing on their website. It makes sense, because it takes time and effort to conduct a venue tour, so why wouldn't this place want to tell people their pricing ahead of time, in order to weed out couples who just can't afford it? I don't know the answer.

I would just politely, but firmly, explain what you've already told her, that your FH is in the Army, and won't have much time to tour, so you are trying to put together pricing options for potential venues for him, since he isn't available to tour every single place. Directly ask her to send you a list of their package options, and what is included in each. You can tell her that you are leaning towards that venue, if you think it will help smooth the way. You can also tell her that you want to schedule a tour with FH, just as soon as you know when he'll be available.

No, not at all. We didn't tour venues until we had their pricing. What if you can't afford the venue? That would be silly to tour it then. I would email and say you need specific pricing prior to scheduling a tour.

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Good to know! I assumed it would.. As long as its not too far off from quoted and still within budget haha

I myself had got many quotes before viewing a Venue. They should at least be able to tell you what there food and beverage minimum is so you at least know what your getting yourself into.

I think it's totally fine to ask that ! A lot of places can at least quote you on venue fees and service charges and then give you a menu and price it based off your guest count and any other add ons

I would call the venue and again explain your position so you don’t waste your time or their time they should be able to give you some guidance on costs.

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Thank you! I wish they had all their prices online, but after speaking she seems really nice and excited to help with planning. I definitely think firm but polite need to be my new mantra.

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That's what I thought! Especially after explaining our working and living arrangements. I'm sure after reiterating the circumstances they will be more willing to share the details.

I would 100% request pricing. We made the mistake of not doing that on one venue and while it was gorgeous it was 100% out of our price range and felt like a huge waste of time. I didn't tour any other venues without pricing.

It’s essentially the same as planning a destination wedding. Just ask for the information they have, and tell her you want a quote. There’s no reason for you to have to travel just to look at something you know you want, or are very interested in. I’d be surprised if there isn’t a price list available online or at least upon request. I didn’t go to Key West to look at venues for my wedding, and I had no problems with places giving me prices. The only thing I have to add is that if they’re being so standoffish because you’re not physically there, be mindful of this as you ask for pricing because if they continue to be difficult it may not be a place you want to deal with while planning from afar.