The 6 venue mistakes that could derail your Italian wedding

Venue mistakes can snowball quickly: they affect your planning, your budget, your guest experience, and ultimately the vibe of your entire wedding.

So let’s talk about the big ones. The mistakes we see all too often – and exactly how to avoid them.

1. Over-Researching and Under-Preparing for Your Venue Trip

Yes, you want the perfect venue. But falling into a rabbit hole of endless spreadsheets, 300 tabs, and second-guessing doesn’t help. In reality, only a limited number of venues are truly right for weddings - and some of IG’s trending ones are lacking! Choose smart, not just pretty!

How to fix it:

Set clear criteria before you start. Know what you want, rank every venue against it, and don’t waste time viewing places you know aren’t right. This avoids confusion and helps you focus on what matters. See fewer venues. See better venues. Have a call with the venue before the trip to ask all the important questions - don’t use your trip to discover more, go armed with information knowing all venues you’re seeing are suited to your wedding - then judge them on how you feel when you’re there.

2. Ignoring Red Flags in Communication

Unclear responses. Slow replies. Staff changes. Contract mistakes. These aren’t just admin hiccups—they’re warning signs.

If it starts messy, it usually stays messy!

What to do:

Trust your gut. If communication is confusing now, it may become chaotic later. You deserve a venue that makes you feel important and supported. Don’t settle for less.

3. Compromising on Your Most Important Criteria

It happens: you fall in love with a venue… and suddenly your must-haves go out the window. Now guests have a 2-hour transfer. Or you’ve booked in peak heat, even though that’s not what you wanted.

The result?

Logistics get harder, guests get grumpier, and the wedding can lose the vibe you originally imagined.

Remember: Don’t compromise on the foundational aspects—location, season, accessibility, capacity—no matter how beautiful the view.

4. Booking Before Budgeting

This one’s huge. Venue costs go way beyond the hire fee and can seriously bring the panic when you see costs going up and up.

Before you sign:

Does the venue require in-house catering or preferred vendors?
Will you need to bring in lighting, a wet weather tent, extra staff or sound systems?
What’s the transport situation like for guests?
Do they charge more for ‘extras’, which don’t naturally feel like ‘extras’?

Often two venues with similar hire fees often end up £5–15k apart once you get into the details. Always do this homework before booking.

5. Feeling the Pressure and Acting Too Fast

“The date’s about to go!”

“You have one week to decide!”

“Your family loves it—just book it!”

Sound familiar? The pressure is real—but acting under stress leads to regret.

Take your time.

If you don’t have the full details, haven’t visited yet, or feel uncertain, pause. Don’t let anyone—vendor, planner, or relative—rush you into a decision you’re not ready to make. A venue booking should feel exciting, not anxiety-inducing.

6. Not Getting the Rules (and Costs) Crystal Clear

It sounds obvious, right? But time and again, hidden rules and surprise costs creep in after the contract is signed.

Surprise rules might include:

Mandatory use of their wine, caterers, or lighting
Fees for extra staff or cleaning
Restrictions on tents, platforming, or where you can party
Unexpected charges for spaces already included in the brochure

Ask all the questions. Don’t assume anything.

When signing, include a clause:

“By signing this agreement, we confirm that all rules and costs associated with [Venue Name] have been communicated in full. No additional charges will be applicable post-signing unless mutually agreed in writing.”

And always—have a buffer. Every wedding has a curveball. Plan for it.

Good News: La Lista Can Help You Avoid All This

Every venue in the La Lista Directory is carefully vetted. We check for transparency, professionalism, and clear communication—so you don’t have to worry. Our Code of Ethics holds venues to high standards, giving you peace of mind and confidence from the start.

Want step-by-step guidance like this throughout your planning journey?

Join The Club—our private planning membership packed with videos, tools, and templates to help you avoid stress, stay on track, and actually enjoy planning your wedding.