When Chris Wooten and I were engaged, I approached our wedding planning the same way I approach every professionally produced event: with clarity, organization, and intention. I created a detailed wedding venue comparison spreadsheet that tracked more than thirty (30) wedding venues across the Washington, DC area. What started as a simple planning tool quickly grew into a full-blown spreadsheet powerhouse, but it served its purpose beautifully.

No Two Wedding Venues Are Truly the Same

That experience taught me a lesson I now share with every couple planning their wedding: no two wedding venues are truly the same, even when they look similar online or during a site visit. Wedding venue pricing, inclusions, and services vary widely. One venue may include tables, chairs, and staffing in their rental fee, while another may charge separately for each item. Assuming that one venue’s offering matches another can lead to costly surprises and unnecessary stress.

That realization is exactly why I created the Wedding Venue Comparison and Rate Sheet (Free), a practical, easy-to-use tool designed to help engaged couples compare wedding venues with confidence and clarity.

A Wedding Venue Comparison Worksheet Created by a Professional Wedding Planner

When I began caring for my wedding planning clients, I knew they needed more than a list of venues—they needed a way to evaluate value. I designed this wedding venue rating worksheet to help couples document key details for each venue they tour, from pricing and capacity to amenities, restrictions, and staffing. More importantly, it helps couples understand what they are truly getting for their investment.

A Smarter Way to Compare Wedding Venues

This worksheet allows you to weight your decision-making factors, because not every detail holds the same importance for every couple. Parking, catering flexibility, rain plans, and on-site coordination may rank differently depending on your priorities. If you do not plan to hire a professional wedding planner, I strongly encourage you to assign greater weight to the venue’s on-site coordinator—experience and expertise matter more than many couples realize.

Do You Need Deeper Wedding Venue Guidance?

For couples who want a more comprehensive approach, I created the Wedding Ceremony Venue and Reception Venue Bundle ($9.99). This bundle includes six in-depth checklists and worksheets designed to guide you through selecting the perfect ceremony and reception venues—beautifully aligned with your vision, budget, and guest experience.

Are You Looking for Assistance from Professional Wedding Planners?

If you want expert support with your wedding venue search, your professional wedding planning team at Howerton+Wooten Events is here to help. We specialize in worry-free wedding planning and thoughtful guidance for couples who value both beauty and strategy.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania

Photography: Terri Baskin Photography

P.S. If you’re interested in booking me as a speaker or wedding industry expert, click here to learn more.