5 Surprising FREE Upgrades to Make Your Wedding Venue More Bookable

By Anna Langley, founder of His Day & The Author of the Inclusive Wedding Toolkit.

Wedding venues are busy places, and with the sheer number of enquiries and events to manage, it's easy for the "little things" to slip through the cracks. But here's the thing—those "little things" can be what makes the difference in setting you apart from the competition.

The good news? Making your venue more bookable doesn't have to cost the earth (or anything at all). With a little attention to detail, empathy, and flexibility, you can make your venue stand out not only as a great product but also as inclusive, thoughtful, and, most importantly, client-focused.

Here are five free upgrades that can make you stand out from the crowd.

1. Language Matters

When couples are browsing venues, they're not just looking at the aesthetics; they're assessing how comfortable they'll feel working with you.

When assessing your language, first ask yourself, 'Do I assume before I know?'. By this I mean do your forms, contracts, social media and how you interact with couples use "partners" instead of "bride and groom" or "wedding party" rather than "bridal party" before learning each couple's preferred terms? 

Making this subtle change can go a long way toward making all couples feel welcome. It's a small tweak but a meaningful one.

Example:

Instead of saying:
"Our stunning bridal suite is perfect for the bride to prepare for her big day."

Say:
"Our beautifully appointed suites are perfect for getting ready in style."

You're not just being inclusive—you're subtly showcasing that your venue fits anyone's dream day.

2. Upgrade Your Booking Forms

When was the last time you filled out your own venue's booking form? If it's more complicated than assembling flat-pack furniture, it's time for a rethink.

Ensure your forms are mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and flexible enough to cater to diverse couples. For example:

• Flexible Partner Options: offer options for both partners' names without assuming traditional gender roles.

• Streamline Essentials: Provide space for additional context, for example: "Is there anything about yourselves that you would like us to know, e.g., accessibility considerations, pronouns or important details to you".

• Go Mobile-Friendly: With most couples planning on the go, your booking form should be seamless to complete on a smartphone. Tiny text boxes, hard-to-tap buttons, or forms that don't adapt to mobile screens? Are all a recipe for frustration.

• Provide Clear Next Steps: Once the form is submitted, what happens next? Couples appreciate clarity, so let them know when they'll hear from you and what they can expect in your response.

A smooth, welcoming first step sets the tone for the entire client relationship. By ensuring your form is inclusive, user-friendly, and engaging, you're not just making life easier for couples—you're also laying the groundwork for a trusting, collaborative experience. And that's the kind of first impression they'll remember long after the big day.

3. Create a Diverse Preferred Supplier List (PSL)

Your PSL isn't just a handy resource for couples and reflects your values. A genuinely diverse list featuring florists, photographers, caterers, and planners from a range of backgrounds and specialties, ensures you're equipped to meet the needs of all your clients.

Example:

Alongside your suppliers, themselves being diverse, make sure they offer inclusive practices. For example, include bakers who can cater to different dietary requirements, photographers experienced in capturing non-traditional ceremonies and people of colour, as well as stylists who specialise in various cultural aesthetics.

Bonus? Don't charge couples to use their own suppliers IF your preferred suppliers cannot provide exactly what they are hoping for. By removing this potential barrier, you're showing empathy and flexibility—qualities couples will deeply appreciate during what can be a stressful planning process.

This policy doesn't just make life easier for clients; it reflects a forward-thinking, client-focused ethos that sets your venue apart. And who knows? Those external vendors may turn out to be fantastic future additions to your PSL!

Host Onboarding Events for PSL Members

Speaking of your PSL, why not go the extra mile to ensure your suppliers are aligned with your vision? Host a free quarterly event where you:

• Showcase your venue's unique features.

• Discuss inclusive practices and client expectations.

• Strengthen relationships with vendors so they feel like an extension of your team.

The better your PSL partners know your venue and values, the smoother the wedding day experience will be for your clients.

4. Offer Quiet Reflection Spaces

Wedding days can be overwhelming for guests and couples—whether it's an overstimulated toddler, a neurodivergent family member, or just someone needing a moment to themselves.

Creating a designated quiet area (even just a cosy corner with some chairs and plants) can be a game-changer. Mentioning this in your marketing materials not only shows thoughtfulness but also highlights your venue's inclusivity.

5: Flexible Packages That Respect Couples’ Needs

Every couple is unique, and their wedding day should be, too. Offering flexible packages—whether that means accommodating smaller guest lists, bespoke menu options, or non-Saturday bookings—shows you're willing to work with clients, not just for them.

Flexibility communicates empathy, and empathy is what couples remember when they're recommending your venue to others.

Final Thoughts

Free upgrades like these may not seem glamorous, but they can transform the way clients perceive and experience your venue. They say, "We see you, hear you, and are here to help you create the day you've dreamed of."

If you're looking for more inspiration, check out The Inclusive Wedding Toolkit—a resource designed to help wedding businesses self-audit and refine their practices for greater inclusivity.

The wedding industry is evolving, and innovation is the key to staying ahead. By implementing these small, thoughtful upgrades, you're not just making your venue more bookable—you’re making it a place where everyone feels they belong.