Wedding Planning Questions?

We recommend booking your Florida wedding venue 12-18 months in advance, especially for popular dates like winter months (December-April) and Saturdays. Peak season venues can book up 18-24 months ahead. For weekday or off-season weddings, 6-9 months may be sufficient. Beach venues and historic estates tend to book fastest.

Florida wedding venue costs vary widely by location, capacity, and amenities. On average, expect to pay $3,000-$12,000 for venue rental alone. South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale) and beachfront venues tend to be pricier ($8,000-$15,000+), while Central Florida and rustic venues may range $2,000-$8,000. All-inclusive packages with catering, bar, and coordination can range $80-$250+ per guest.

The best wedding season in Florida is November through April, offering mild temperatures (65-80°F), low humidity, and minimal rain. Peak months are December-March. Summer (June-September) brings heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, but offers lower prices and greater availability. Fall (October-November) provides excellent weather at better rates. Consider hurricane season (June-November) when booking outdoor venues.

Choose a venue with a capacity range that comfortably fits your guest list. For a 100-guest wedding, look for venues rated 80-150 capacity. Too small feels cramped; too large feels empty. Consider space for ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, dance floor, and buffet/bar areas. Account for 10-15% no-shows when estimating final count. Ask venues about their recommended guest counts for different setup styles (seated dinner vs. cocktail reception).

Basic venue rentals typically include the space, tables, chairs, basic linens, and parking. Many Florida venues also provide ceremony and reception space, bridal suite, getting-ready rooms, and basic sound systems. Premium venues may include coordination services, bar service, and décor. Always clarify what's included: setup/cleanup, liability insurance, preferred vendor list, overtime fees, and whether catering/bar are exclusive or outsourced.

Florida outdoor weddings require careful planning: Always have a backup indoor/tent option for rain or extreme heat. Book during dry season (November-April) for best weather. Provide shade, fans, and hydration for guests. Consider afternoon thunderstorms (common June-September). Protect against bugs with citronella and consider sunset timing for lighting. Check venue's contingency policies and tent rental costs. Beach weddings need permits and tide schedules.

Many Florida venues have preferred vendor lists, but policies vary. Some venues require exclusive catering and bar service. Others strongly recommend preferred vendors (photographers, florists, DJs) who know the space well. Ask about restrictions: Can you bring outside vendors? Are there additional fees for non-preferred vendors? Some venues charge facility fees or require vendors to have specific insurance. Preferred vendors often offer discounts and know the venue's logistics, timeline, and setup requirements.

Yes, most Florida beaches require permits for weddings and events. Requirements vary by county and city. Permits typically cost $50-$300 and must be obtained weeks in advance. Rules often limit guest counts (usually under 50-75 people), prohibit alcohol, restrict setup times, and require cleanup. Private beach venues handle permits for you. Public beaches may have noise restrictions and require liability insurance. Check with local parks and recreation departments for specific requirements.

Essential venue questions: What's included in rental price? Maximum guest capacity? Available dates and booking timeline? Payment schedule and cancellation policy? Setup/cleanup timeline and restrictions? Vendor policies (preferred vs. outside)? Backup plan for weather? Parking availability and cost? Liability insurance requirements? Alcohol policies and bar options? Overtime fees? Noise/music restrictions and curfew? Getting-ready spaces? Accessibility for disabled guests? Recent reviews or references?

All-inclusive Florida wedding packages can be worth it for convenience and budget predictability. They typically include venue, catering, bar, coordinator, linens, and décor for a per-person price. Pros: Less planning stress, one vendor, known costs, often better deals. Cons: Less customization, may include services you don't need, locked into venue's vendors. Compare package costs to à la carte options. Best for couples wanting simplicity or destination weddings where coordinating multiple vendors is challenging.

Florida wedding tipping guidelines: Venue coordinator: $250-$500 or 15-20% if exceptional service. Catering staff: 15-20% of food bill (check if gratuity is included). Bartenders: 10-15% or $50-$100 each. Photographer/Videographer: Optional, $100-$200 if exceptional. DJ/Band: $50-$150 per musician. Hair/Makeup: 15-20%. Delivery drivers: $20-$50 each. Officiant: $50-$100 donation if religious, $100-$500 if professional. Check contracts—some include gratuity.

Wedding insurance is highly recommended in Florida due to weather risks (hurricanes, tropical storms, rain). Policies cost $150-$550 and cover: Cancellation/postponement due to weather, illness, or venue issues. Liability insurance (often required by venues). Lost deposits from vendor bankruptcy. Damaged attire, gifts, or photos. Florida's hurricane season (June-November) makes coverage especially important. Many venues require $1-2 million liability coverage. Purchase policies 12-24 months before the wedding for best coverage.