Welcome to the blog, sort of like a digital garden where dreams are planted and grow wild! My name is Quianna and my family calls me “Qui” like key! I’m a traveling photographer based in Scottsdale and the Bay Area.
I love adventures and creating memories even more than I love photographing them—and I LOVE taking photos! In addition to capturing weddings, family milestones, and the best memories I also offer business tools, motivation and inspiration to help creatives turn their passions into their profession. We only get this one life, why not live our days doing what we love?
Wedding Venue | 5 Things Every Venue Needs To Impress Guests
Are you hunting for your dream wedding? Do you currently own a venue that you’re trying to grow for steady bookings? Maybe you’re just looking to host an upcoming event and need some guidance for a space that your guests will love! Believe it or not, these tips are simple, but can make or break a venue.
PARKING
Sounds like a no brainer right? Well, parking can often be an after thought for event spaces. Does this venue have ample, accessible parking for your guests? Will a shuttle service be needed? Does the parking lot look like a dirt field? Paved? Long walking distance? None of these parking situations should be a complete deal breaker, but it’s important to consider them before booking and it’s always a good idea to give guests a heads up if parking is limited or they’ll be walking in gravel for a trek to the ceremony.
WEATHER OPTIONS
Well, duh – We can’t control the weather! Does your venue have options for extreme weather conditions? Do they offer Plan B options in case it pours? Does their AC kick on if everyone is melting? Wedding guests can be pretty resilient and understanding, but if they’re too hot or too cold that’s all they’ll be talking about! Consider heat lamps, cozy blankets or hand held fans may be needed.
KEY TIP: Don’t forget about the possibility of wind! Ensure your signage and decorations are sturdy and practical in case a fierce wind blows through.
Grounds + Floors
Are there too many steps all over the place? Do your guests have to walk up a hill to get from cocktail hour to the reception? Sometimes we can be blind because of the price and beauty, without realizing some venues may be a struggle for the elderly. No venue is perfect with unique characteristics, just be sure to be aware of the floor types and any uneven wobbly paths.
KEY TIP: If the grounds are full of natural grass, uneven payment or gravel I suggest giving your female guests a heads up. Nobody likes to feel like bambi walking through the wedding with heals and uneven grounds.
Amplified Music
DJ’s are such an instrumental part of your wedding, yet the best ones never get the credit they deserve. People rarely remember a good DJ, but wedding guests know all of the bad ones! Ensure your venue has electrical plugs and access to all of your locations for smooth, amplified and controlled sound. Many venues have crazy restrictions about sound and curfews. Before you sign the dotted lines ensure you’re comfortable and happy with their rules. Note: You will NOT be able to wiggle with music restrictions. Often fined! If you’re unhappy with their music restrictions and are unwilling to accept their rules, save the head ache and select a different venue.
Restrooms
Silly I know, but guests are super judgy about bathrooms! Are they clean? Multiple locations or multiple stalls? Believe it or not sometimes bathrooms can be a deal breaker! If your venue is off the grid or in your backyard, consider those pretty potties! They have come a long way!
BONUS:
Consider the WOW factor! Does your venue have multiple “instagramable” photo opts? Did the driveway or entrance create an unique experience? If your venue isn’t surrounded by natural views like the ocean, mountains or vistas, consider creating focal points with arbors, back drops or floral designs to add POP!
Guests these days are more than thrilled to even be invited to weddings! As your worrying about the details, please know that the BEST weddings I’ve ever been to were the ones that made me believe in love. Personal vows, toasts that brought everyone to tears and genuine happiness will always over rule the trendy details!
You can expect to hear back from me within 24 hours on weekdays! Weekends are reserved for shooting weddings, but I'll be back in a jif to reply to your message!
Leave a Comment