Pro Tip: Tour Only Your Top 3-4 Wedding Venues

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make during wedding planning. It sets the stage for everything - your style, your photos, even the energy of the day. Nothing compares to stepping foot into the space yourself. That's why we always recommend touring your top three or four venues before you say sí, this is the one. (And for those planning from far away, a virtual FaceTime tour can give you that same in-person feel when distance is a factor.)

Why Just 3-4 Venues?

In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you could spend months touring venues - there are hundreds in every style imaginable. But here's the truth: after touring more than four venues, decision fatigue sets in. Everything starts to blur together. You'll confuse which venue had the beautiful bridal suite versus which one had the stunning sunset views. Too many options don't make the choice easier - they make it overwhelming.

The key is doing your homework first to narrow down your list based on what truly matters to you: budget, service style (open vendor vs. all-inclusive), ceremony setting (indoor vs. outdoor), and location vibe (countryside vs. urban). Once you've filtered by those essentials, you should have a tight list of 3-4 contenders worth your time.

And here's something interesting: you might only need to tour one.

"About 10% of our clients toured only one venue and then booked. They were specifically searching for a Hacienda style space in our area and we checked their boxes when they saw the space in person." - Mamie Hudson, owner of Lazy S Hacienda

When you know what you want and a venue delivers on that vision, sometimes the decision is crystal clear from the moment you walk through the door.

TOUR YOUR TOP VENUES

When you know what you want and a venue delivers on that vision, sometimes the decision is crystal clear from the moment you walk through the door.

What to focus on during each tour (And Why You'll Thank Yourself Later):

1. Meet Your People

Your venue team is with you every step of the way. Touring lets you meet them face-to-face, feel their vibe, and see if you click. The people behind the venue matter just as much as the space itself.

2. Walk the Guest Experience

From the parking lot to the front door, you'll see exactly what your guests will see. Touring helps you understand the flow, the signage, and how easy it is for friends and family to arrive and feel comfortable.

3. Beyond the Photos

Photos are curated. Real life is where you'll notice the lighting, the layout, the views, and the little details. Sometimes a venue feels even more magical in person (and sometimes… not so much).

4. Take in the Views

At Lazy S Hacienda, the sunsets over wide Texas skies sell themselves - but every venue is different. Touring gives you a chance to soak in the scenery and decide if this is the backdrop you've been dreaming of.

5. Ceremony Site Options

Most venues have more than one ceremony space. Touring lets you stand in each one, picture your walk down the aisle, and feel which spot is the spot.

6. Flow of the Day

Walking through the venue helps you imagine how your wedding will unfold: where you'll get ready, where you'll say your vows, where the band will kick off the party. You'll see how it all connects.

7. Getting-Ready Suites

Don't overlook the getting-ready spaces. Touring lets you see if they're comfy, spacious, and full of natural light for those unforgettable pre-ceremony photos. Almost half of the day is spent with your closest people getting ready before the big event!  At Lazy S Hacienda, we've made sure both sides of the wedding party are taken care of - our large bridal and groom's suites mean no one gets overlooked. The guys get just as much space to hang out, get dressed, and celebrate before the big moment.

8. Test the Acoustics

Music and laughter sound different in every space. Touring lets you get a sense of how your vows will carry and how your DJ or band will sound once the dance floor is packed.

9. Notice the Small Things

Restrooms, climate control, accessibility, décor options—these details make a big difference on the day-of. A tour helps you see them firsthand.

10. Trust Your Gut

More than anything, touring is about how the space makes you feel. Do you light up when you walk in? Can you see your family and friends here? Does it feel like your place? That instinct is worth listening to.

Bottom Line

Touring your top venues is more than just a box to check. It's about connection, comfort, and confidence. When you find the right spot, you'll know—you'll feel it.

If none of your first 3-4 venues spark that joy, add a couple more to your list. But start smart, stay focused, and trust the process.

Book your tour now and let us show you the magic of The Hacienda. Mi Casa Es Su Casa.