What to do if you don't LOVE your venue?

I'd say keep looking. I almost booked a venue that was "ok." It had some of the things I was really looking for, some bonus perks, but I just wasn't crazy about some of the things. So I kept looking. FH actually found the place we booked. It had everything we wanted and extras galore. Plus it was $1,000 cheaper than the other place. They just didn't advertise as much so we had no idea it was there. I am super excited now because I love the place and the employees are all awesome!

Following! I have the same issues, if they aren't too expensive they are too far away!

Keep looking. Look at Sundays or Fridays or holiday weekend, or off-season pricing.

Keep looking and try to find ways to make the ones you love work! Cut your guest list, pick up a part time job, etc.

Well I think our venue is beautiful but they are nickel and diming us on everything. I had found another place a little further away who didn't get back to us until a week after I secured this place. It was just as beautiful but had better pricing on individual things. Now I'm stressed about our bar prices and all the little last minute things. FH tells me to just move on and stay positive. Only 35 more days!

Initially, FH and I compromised a bit on our venue, for budget purposes. But what I once viewed as eh that'll work, I now really love. I love reading the new rave reviews our venue gets and have spent quite some time googling around photographer blogs for other weddings that have been held there, all beautiful! The staff had been great to work with thus far as well and we can choose any caterer we want and bring in our own alcohol, which is huge! Plus, the parking will be more convenient for guests. I'd say if the savings are significant, perhaps your like can grow to love. I've definitely enjoyed wedding planning more knowing that I'm not venue poor!

ETA: I should note that FH and I were not really willing to consider a non Saturday wedding or cut guests (already keeping if smaller at 75) but pretty much every place we liked at was less expensive Friday and Sunday if that's an option for you!

Honestly, I changed my date so I would be able to afford it. We're getting married on a Thursday and are prepared for a few more declines and to be maybe lacking that "party" feel.

Thank you everyone! I may change the date and keep looking...

Story of my life. My venue isnt beautiful by any means but it's what we can afford. My FBIL and his fiancée just booked my dream venue and it feels like shit.

If you are not in love with it, I would continue to look. It's your wedding day, make it special and find a venue that is right for you and FH.

That totally sucks, Ashley... I'm sorry

When I was trying to decide between two venues I googled "wedding at _____" to see pictures of weddings that had bee held there which gave me a good idea of what it looks like decorated, and got a chance to see reviews. Super helpful.

Keep looking. The venue does a lot to set the tone of the wedding.

You have to remember once you add your color scheme, your decor, it'll be way different! My venue was pretty but an odd shape and blue and gold "Royal" carpet. But once it started being decorated and everything came together it looked amazing! (See you barely notice the carpet)

What don't you love about it? Is it the decor or more like the type of venue it is?

I would keep looking. FH and I almost went with just OK... and then we found one we love... yes we are paying a bit more but I couldn't be happier with our decision ..

Keep looking. I've been there. I dragged my FH to about 20 different venues. For some reason the ones I were in love with were either WAY TOO expensive or too far away. The ones that were in our price range were just not what I wanted. So I keep searching, despite my FH request. I finally came across a venue that I feel in love with the moment I walked in. Plus the price was amazing.

So do a Google search for events venues that may not be on bridal sites. That's how I found mine. & never go with something you don't like. You'll end up regretting the it during the planning process & it will make everything twice as hard. Good Luck!!

I almost booked a venue I didn't love and ended up stumbling across the one a week or so later. Just sit tight.

We almost booked a venue that was 'ok'. Sooooo glad we kept looking! One of the venues I'd crossed off automatically ended up being perfect for us. I'd thought country clubs would be overpriced and stuffy, but it's actually laid-back and elegant, and very affordable.

Update! We visited the venue right before another wedding, and we both loved it. I think it really helped me pull everything together in my minds eye. Thank you for all of your support!