When looking for the perfect wedding venue, it’s easy to get caught up in the dreamy details. After all, many brides have been thinking about their wedding day for years and likely have a carefully curated wish-list. However, knowing what you don’t want is just as important. Since you may not have thought of what not to look for, here are a few things you don’t want in a wedding venue.

A Tight Squeeze

Just because a venue says it can accommodate 250 guests, it doesn’t mean you’ll be comfortable maxing out the room’s capacity. Often the maximum capacity of a venue isn’t quite ideal for that number of guests, particularly if you want people to have room to mingle comfortably or would like to add extra decor. Try looking for a venue that can accommodate numbers slightly higher than your guest list so you have the space you really need.

Exclusive Vendor Restrictions

Some locations only work with particular vendors which can considerably limit your choice of caterers, florists, etc. Restrictions on what vendors you can hire will not only limit your selection, but is also likely to be more expensive than shopping around for the company that best fits your budget.

Time Constraints

If your venue does multiple weddings per day, they may place limitations of the duration of your room rental. While almost every venue will offer a set timeframe based on your rental fee, many include the option to extend the rental on the day of the event for an additional fee. You don’t want to feel pressured to end your special day on someone else’s timeline, and even if you don’t end up extending your rental, it’s nice to have the option to keep the reception going if the party is in full swing.

Keeping a sharp eye out for these wedding venue red-flags can help you make sure your dream day becomes a reality. Can you think of any other things you definitely don’t want in a wedding venue? Let us know in the comments!