When a mother books the venue tour and the bride isn't thrilled, venue pros are left in an awkward position. In this episode of The Venue Helpline, we’re diving into how to handle tours where the bride isn’t on board from the start - without losing your cool, your credibility, or the booking.

You’ll learn how to connect with the decision-maker, manage expectations on the front end, and avoid the ripple effect of a mismatched venue choice. If you’ve ever felt stuck between a pushy parent and a picky bride, this one’s for you.

• How to shift your tour approach when the bride isn't the one who booked it
• Questions to ask that instantly make the bride feel heard and included
• Ways to gently prevent unqualified tours before they happen
• Why mismatched bookings can trigger a domino effect of client dissatisfaction

• Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline#subscribe
• Call and leave us your venue frustration: (713) 367-1009
• Submit your challenge online:https://www.venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline
• Enjoying The Venue Helpline? Leave us a review on your podcast app or share this episode with a fellow venue owner.

Cancellations are one of the most frustrating challenges wedding venues face - especially when prime dates get released just weeks before the big day. But what if there were practical ways to reduce cancellations and protect your revenue when they do happen?

In this episode of The Venue Helpline, we dive into real-world strategies wedding pros can use to strengthen contracts, adjust payment schedules, and create a smart cancellation strategy that works in your favor. Whether you're seeing a spike in cancellations or just want to tighten your booking policies, this conversation offers actionable insight every venue owner needs.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most wedding cancellations happen—and which ones you can control
• How to structure payment plans that reduce risk and increase commitment
• What strong contract language should include to protect your business
• Creative ways to rebook canceled dates or come out ahead financially

Helpful Links:

Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline#subscribe

Call and leave us your venue frustration: (713) 367-1009

Submit your challenge online: https://www.venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline

Enjoying The Venue Helpline? Leave us a review or share this episode with a fellow venue owner.

Should wedding vendors be allowed to drink at weddings? This hot-button issue sparks debate among venues, vendors, and couples—and if you’ve ever dealt with drama around the open bar, you’re not alone.

In this episode of The Venue Helpline, we dive into why so many venues enforce strict vendor alcohol policies, the potential risks of allowing vendors to drink, and the headaches that come when couples push back.

We’ll share practical tips for setting clear expectations, handling conflicts without ruining relationships, and offering hospitality options that keep everyone happy (and professional).

• Why vendor alcohol policies are essential for professionalism and liability protection.
• How to communicate your rules without upsetting couples.
• Simple hospitality alternatives to keep vendors happy without alcohol.
• Strategies to avoid awkward conflicts during the event.

Subscribe for new episodes delivered to your inbox:

https://www.venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline#subscribe

Call and leave us your venue frustration: (713) 367-1009

Or submit your challenge online: https://www.venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline

Enjoying The Venue Helpline?

Leave us a review on where ever you listen or share this episode with a fellow venue owner!

the call-in podcast for wedding venue owners, managers, and sales pros who are juggling all the hats (and sometimes lighting them on fire).

In this short teaser, host Shannon from Venue Help Desk gives you the inside scoop on why we created the podcast, how it works, and how YOU can be part of it.

We’re officially launching on August 1st, but starting today, you can:

• Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
• Call the helpline and leave us a voicemail with your biggest venue challenge
• Join the email list so we can send you updates when new episodes go live

Join our email list for launch updates: venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline

Call The Venue Helpline: 713-367-1009

Ask for help via online form: venuehelpdesk.com/thevenuehelpline

Every episode of The Venue Helpline tackles one real problem from one real venue—so the advice is practical, bite-sized, and actually doable.

You’ll hear from Shannon Tarrant, Ian Ramirez, and Paul Pettie at Venue Help Desk, plus guest experts when needed.

Got a venue meltdown moment? You’re not alone. And now, you’ve got a place to call.