We all make mistakes – it’s part of being human! But when it comes to choosing your wedding venue, you want to make sure you get it right. Over the years at Launcells Barton, we’ve met hundreds of couples walking through our doors for the first time, and we’ve noticed a few common mistakes that can make things a little more stressful than they need to be.

So, we thought we’d share a few of them with you-  not to point fingers, but to help you get the most out of your venue visits and feel confident you’ve found the one for your big day.

1. Viewing too many venues

It’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement and book a long list of venue viewings. We’ve met couples who’ve seen as many as 15 venues! The trouble is, after a while they all start to blend into one, and it can become overwhelming.

We always recommend keeping your shortlist small and focused – maybe three or four places that genuinely fit your style and budget. That way, you’ll have the time and energy to really take everything in and ask all the right questions.

On the flip side, don’t go to the other extreme and book without seeing a venue at all. A quick in-person or online viewing makes such a difference – you get a real feel for the place, the people, and the atmosphere (which you can’t always pick up from photos!).

2. Not doing a bit of homework beforehand

It might sound obvious, but taking ten minutes to look properly through a venue’s website before your visit can save you so much time and disappointment later.

Every venue has its own way of working, its own packages, and its own feel. By checking what’s included, how flexible they are, and whether they fit within your budget before you visit, you can go in prepared – ready to ask the right questions instead of finding out halfway through that it’s not quite right.

3. Focusing only on cost, not value

We completely understand that cost is a huge part of your decision-  it’s one of the first things most couples look at. But try to think about value as well as price.

A cheaper quote might look appealing at first glance, but it’s so important to find out what’s actually included. Sometimes, what looks like a “good deal” can end up costing more once all the extras are added on.

At Launcells Barton, we’ve been hosting weddings for over 10 years, and we know just how much goes into making sure every couple has a smooth, stress-free day-  from the upkeep of the venue to the behind-the-scenes team making sure everything runs like clockwork. Those invisible details are what allow you to fully relax and enjoy your wedding day.

So, when you’re comparing venues, think about the bigger picture: the quality, the service, and how it feels to be there.

4. Being too fixed on a date

It’s completely natural to have a dream date in mind-  maybe it’s an anniversary, or a date that just feels special to you both. But try not to get too attached to one specific day before chatting with your venue.

Popular dates can book up quickly, and sometimes being a little flexible can open up more options. Even just being open to talking about alternative weekends or times of year can make it much easier to find something that fits perfectly with your plans and the suppliers you love.

We always say it’s worth having a conversation- sometimes there’s a date you hadn’t even considered that could work even better for you and your guests.

5. Missing hidden restrictions

This is one that really surprises couples. Every venue has its own rules around noise, timings, and setup – and some of them can come as a shock.

Can you have live music outside? Is there a sound limiter? Are doors required to stay closed after a certain time? These are all questions worth asking before you book.

We’ve heard stories from musicians being told on the day that they couldn’t play outdoors for the drinks reception, or couples discovering they had to keep doors shut on a warm summer evening to meet sound regulations. It’s not something you want to find out when it’s too late to change it!

6. Not talking openly about what’s holding you back

This is such an important one. We completely understand that booking your wedding venue is a big decision, and there’s often something that’s quietly worrying you-  whether it’s your budget, a particular request, or something you’re just not sure about.

Please, talk to us about it! We’re always happy to have an open and honest chat.

Can we find a way to make your budget stretch? Do you have a question you think sounds silly, but might actually be really easy to sort? Ask away!

We’d much rather have a proper conversation and see how we can help, than never hear from you again because something small got in the way.

Book your wedding at Launcells Barton with confidence

Here at Launcells Barton, we’re a family-run, exclusive-use wedding venue nestled in the Cornish countryside just outside Bude. Couples can choose from our two-night weekend hire or a one-night midweek celebration, depending on the kind of wedding you’re planning. You’ll have the entire place to yourselves, with boutique accommodation in our historic Grade II* listed manor house and space to seat up to 200 guests.

Our Reception Barn, walled garden, and stunning views across rolling fields give you a mix of countryside charm and coastal beauty-  the best of both worlds.

If you’re starting your venue search, we’d love to welcome you for a viewing and help you picture your day here. Get in touch today to arrange a visit and start planning your wedding, the stress-free way.