Why choosing locally owned wedding venues is so important?
Why Choosing Locally Owned Wedding Venues is So Important
In light of recent news where corporate wedding venues have abruptly closed, leaving couples devastated and scrambling to find another location, choosing privately owned venues is more important than ever. Often, these corporate venues buy and/or lease multiple properties and, when the numbers are not as profitable as they like, they simply shut the doors and often file bankruptcy.
Privately owned venues, run by individuals who love what they do and have "skin in the game," offer a level of commitment and reliability that is unmatched. Owners of locally owned venues are deeply invested in their businesses and communities, ensuring a more personalized and dependable experience for your special day. This dedication not only helps to avoid the uncertainty and disappointment associated with sudden closures but also supports local economies and fosters a sense of community and sustainability.
Weddings are more than just ceremonies; they are stories of love, community, and tradition. One of the best ways to ensure your wedding reflects these values is by choosing a locally owned wedding venue. These venues provide a personal touch and creativity that chain venues simply can't match. From unique aesthetics to personalized service, locally owned wedding venues offer an authentic experience that chain venues can't touch.
Why Choose Locally Owned Wedding Venues?
- Personalized Service: Owners of local venues often handle bookings and event planning themselves. This means you get a more personalized experience and attention to detail, ensuring your big day is exactly as you envision it.
- Unique Charm: Locally owned venues often reflect the character and history of their location. Whether it’s a charming barn in the countryside, a historic mansion, or a picturesque vineyard, these venues offer unique settings that can't be replicated.
- Community Support: Choosing a local venue means your money stays within the community, supporting local jobs and businesses. It’s an investment in the local economy and a way to give back to the place you call home.
- Sustainability: Local venues often source products and services locally, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local vendors. This makes your wedding more eco-friendly and helps sustain local artisans and businesses.
Meet Didi Russell: Champion of Locally Owned Wedding Venues
One of the most passionate advocates for locally owned wedding venues is Didi Russell, founder of the "WVOWV" (Wedding Venue Owners Working for Venues) trips. Didi’s mission is to connect likeminded venue owners, providing them with resources, networking opportunities, and a platform to share their unique stories and challenges. As a venue owner who started before the "barn wedding" craze hit Kentucky, I can tell you from experience that it can be an overwhelming and exhausting, not only physically but mentally! Having fellow venue owners to collaborate with is wonderful. It validates, encourages and empowers you!
The WVOWV Trips
The WVOWV trips are not just networking events; they are immersive experiences that foster collaboration and growth among venue owners. Didi organizes trips across various regions, bringing together venue owners to tour each other’s properties, share insights, and build a supportive community. I have personally attended 3 of these trips. Austin, Texas in 2021, Nashville in 2023 and 2024, and I will be attending the event in Charleston, South Carolina in just a couple of weeks! Here’s what makes these trips special:
- Peer Support and Learning: Venue owners get the chance to learn from each other’s experiences. Whether it’s innovative event planning ideas or effective marketing strategies, the knowledge exchange is invaluable.
- Showcasing Local Venues: Each trip includes tours of participating venues, giving owners a chance to showcase their unique spaces and get feedback from their peers.
- Workshops and Seminars: Didi arranges for industry experts to conduct workshops and seminars, providing participants with the latest trends, business strategies, and tools to enhance their operations.
- Building a Community: The camaraderie and connections formed during these trips often lead to lasting professional relationships and friendships. Venue owners leave feeling inspired, supported, and part of a larger community working towards a common goal.
Didi’s Impact
Didi Russell's efforts have significantly impacted the wedding venue industry. By focusing on the strengths and needs of locally owned venues, she has helped many businesses thrive in a competitive market. Her dedication to promoting local charm and sustainable practices resonates with venue owners and couples alike, creating weddings that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and community minded.
If you are a wedding venue owner you are welcome to reach to me (Amy) and I especially encourage you to check out Didi Russell and the WVOWV trips, visit WeddingVenueOwners.com and join the movement to celebrate and support locally owned wedding venues.
If you are interested in buying or selling a venue, Didi is gracious enough to share (free of charge) on her website and social media to help connect the buyers and sellers.
Conclusion
Supporting locally owned wedding venues is a beautiful way to ensure your wedding day is filled with love, authenticity, and a sense of community. Thanks to advocates like Didi Russell and initiatives like the WVOWV trips, locally owned venues are gaining the recognition and support they deserve. When planning your special day, consider choosing a venue that celebrates local charm and contributes to the community that surrounds it. By doing so, you’ll create unforgettable memories while supporting a thriving local economy.
Check out some of the venues we have become friends with while attending "Wedding Venue Owner Working Vacations". It's wonderful to have friends in the industry that we can share ideas, concerns and brainstorm with!
Cornerstone Ranch, Amarillo, TX
Midtown Events Center, Bowling Green, KY
Gulf Shores Wedding Chapel, Gulf Shores, AL
