Top 5 Mistakes Couples Make When Choosing a Wedding Venue (…and How to Avoid Them!)
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding—it sets the tone, determines your budget, and shapes the entire experience. But with so many options (and Pinterest dreams), it’s easy to get overwhelmed or overlook key details.
Berkshire Ridge gorgeous outdoor space for cocktail hour
At Berkshire Ridge, we've seen it all—and we’re here to help you avoid the most common venue regrets. Here are the top 5 mistakes couples make when choosing a wedding venue—and how to make sure you don’t fall into the same trap.
1. Falling in Love with Looks Alone
A beautiful venue might steal your heart, but make sure the function matches the form. Ask questions like: Is it climate-controlled? Are there private suites for getting ready? What’s the restroom situation? Can guests move easily from ceremony to reception?
👉 Avoid it by choosing a venue that balances beauty with comfort and thoughtful amenities. At Berkshire Ridge, couples love our 6,000 sq. ft. reception space, custom-designed bridal and groom suites, and climate control. Plus, we offer spacious, modern restrooms—including three stalls in both the men's and women’s bathrooms, along with a large, family-friendly handicap-accessible bathroom for maximum guest comfort.
2. Underestimating the Budget Impact
Some venues advertise a low base price but charge extra for everything—from tables and chairs to lighting, restrooms, or even trash removal. These “a la carte” add-ons can quietly blow up your budget.
👉 Avoid it by asking for a clear breakdown of what’s included. At Berkshire Ridge, we believe in transparency. Our only additional fee is standard sales tax—everything else, from tables and chairs to use of the entire venue, is included. Even our optional $500 decor closet can outfit your entire reception space. The only thing you’ll need to bring? Your candles (live flame allowed!).
3. Overlooking Accessibility
That dreamy spot in the woods might look magical—but not if it’s a hassle for guests to find or tough to walk through. Poor access, uneven ground, and walks through grass can be frustrating (and even dangerous) for elderly guests or anyone in formalwear.
👉 Avoid it by choosing a venue with smooth access from start to finish. Berkshire Ridge is located just a straight shot down Highway 21 from Highway 270 at Tesson Ferry—with no winding backroads or confusing directions. Our gravel parking lot connects directly to concrete sidewalks that lead to every area of the venue: the reception hall, bridal and groom suites, ceremony site, and lower patio.
At the outdoor ceremony site, we’ve even added granite gravel beneath the benches—creating a solid, heel-friendly surface that’s much more comfortable than grass or mud. From the first step to the last dance, your guests will appreciate how easy and accessible everything is.
4. Not Considering a Weather Plan
Missouri weather can be unpredictable, and outdoor venues without a backup plan can lead to last-minute chaos—or a rushed shift indoors that no one planned for.
👉 Avoid it by choosing a venue with built-in flexibility. At Berkshire Ridge, you’ll enjoy a beautiful outdoor lakeside ceremony site complete with a lighted fountain, and we understand how important outdoor vows can be to our couples. That’s why we can wait until the very last minute to make the call—giving every bride the chance for that dream ceremony under the sky. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate? Your reception space is fully climate-controlled and ready to serve as a beautiful indoor backup.
5. Ignoring the “Vibe” of the Venue Team
You’re not just booking a space—you’re working with a team. A venue with poor communication or inflexible policies can make the planning process stressful.
👉 Avoid it by choosing a venue that’s responsive, honest, and genuinely invested in your day. At Berkshire Ridge, we’re known for our hospitality and support. From your first tour to your final dance, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Oh—and did we mention the disco ball? Suspended from our glass cupola high above the dance floor, it drops, spins, and reflects shimmering light across the entire venue—adding a one-of-a-kind magical moment that your guests will talk about for years.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these five common mistakes can make all the difference in your wedding planning experience. The right venue isn’t just beautiful—it’s transparent, functional, and easy to work with.
Schedule your tour today and see why couples across St. Louis, Farmington, and beyond trust Berkshire Ridge to deliver affordable elegance with luxury amenities.
Because your big day deserves to feel high-end—even if it’s not high-cost.
Berkshire Ridge Wedding Venue
From Our Venue to Your Love Story - Kim
Berkshire Ridge is a locally owned and operated business just south of St. Louis, Missouri. We sincerely hope to encourage our couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it is time to book your wedding venue and vendors. Locally owned venues will offer a high level of hospitality, attentive communication and a desire to ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a shout out in our blog!
Yellow Brick On 39, The Barn at Twiggy’s, 1908 Grand, Pleasant Pastures Events, Willow Oaks Weddings & Events
Island View Waterfront, Madison Green Country Club, Palafax Wharf Waterfront, Ballroom at Windsor, La Joya Dulce