With proposal season fully underway, Coco Wedding Venues invited our Director Emma Deeley, as owner of Tythe – one of the UK’s most established wedding venues – to guide couples through the do’s and don’ts of venue showcases and why they play an important role in the early stages of a couple’s venue search.
Our owner, Emma Deeley, the creative force behind Tythe for almost three decades, shares her insight on how to approach wedding venue open days, what to look for, and the questions worth asking before you commit. Emma draws on over 27 years of hosting barn weddings in Oxfordshire.
If you’d love to have a look around Tythe, we are available for viewings on weekdays and weekends – book your tour.
WHY WEDDING VENUE OPEN DAYS ARE WORTH ATTENDING
There’s something incredibly special about walking into a space that’s been styled and dressed for a wedding. Before the dress fittings, menu tastings, or vows, an open day gives you a rare glimpse of what a wedding venue actually feels like in its setting, when it’s alive with energy and expertly styled details.
At Tythe, we host open days every January, just after the post-Christmas proposals have been announced. It’s always one of our favourite moments in the calendar: couples arriving excited, a little overwhelmed, and full of ideas. We throw open the barn doors and welcome them in with cocktails, tasters, and our full team on hand.
After nearly three decades of running weddings, we’ve found that open days offer something even the best private show-round can’t, and it’s not just about logistics; it’s about giving people a sense of how the place works when it’s full of movement, sound, and life.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Every venue runs its open days slightly differently, but most follow a similar format. You’ll usually find the space beautifully styled, with tables laid, candles lit, ceremony areas dressed, and thoughtful décor touches in place to help you imagine how things might look on your own day. It’s often a relaxed format – whether drop-in or by appointment, there’s (hopefully) no hard sell, just time and space to wander, explore, and take it all in.
You’ll also get to meet the team behind the scenes, from the wedding coordinators (that’s us!) to some of our trusted suppliers, including stylists, florists, and photographers. Many of our couples tell us how helpful these early conversations were in forming their plans and vision. You’ll often find a few drinks or tasters on offer, too. At Tythe, our brilliant Mixologist Connie serves up seasonal cocktails while couples explore the barns, Farmhouse and gardens. Above all, open days are about feeling welcomed, inspired, and confident in your choices – so bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe a notebook or two!
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK THE VENUE TEAM
An open day is a great time to gain early clarity on the details that will help with your planning. Here are a few of the most valuable things to ask the venue team:
Availability & Capacity
- Which dates are available in the season we’re considering?
- What are the guest number limits for the ceremony, wedding breakfast, and evening?
Logistics
- What’s included in the hire (tables, linens, lighting, décor basics)?
- Are there any restrictions (sound curfews, candles, styling limitations)?
Catering & Drinks
- Do you know if in-house catering is required? Can menus be tailored?
- What are the rules around corkage and outside suppliers?
Planning & Support
- Will we have a dedicated coordinator on the day?
- What does the planning timeline look like once we’ve booked?
Budgeting
- What’s the deposit and payment schedule?
- Are there any additional costs (e.g., cleanup, staffing, service charges)?
Top Tip
Jot down your questions as you go round. And don’t worry if something only occurs to you on the drive home; most couples follow up afterwards once things have had time to settle.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT
- Arrive on time! If the event is appointment-based, punctuality ensures you get your full slot. And if it’s drop-in, arriving early can mean more time and attention.
- Take notes (and photos).You can use your phone or a notebook to capture what you liked (and maybe didn’t like): lighting, layout, flowers, the feel of the space.
- Compare while it’s fresh. If you’re visiting more than one venue, jot down your pros and cons the same day. It’s easy for details to blur together later.
- Talk to the suppliers. Open days are a great way to meet potential florists, stylists, or photographers in person and get a feel for their work/vibe.
- Ask about offers. Some venues offer perks if you enquire or book shortly after an open day.
- Bring someone with you. Another pair of eyes (and ears) is always useful. They’ll spot things you might miss and help you process the visit afterwards. This could be your partner, or a parent or a friend. Just don’t bring an entourage! Too many opinions can clutter your own thought process.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Beyond the practicalities, there’s something else that matters: how the venue makes you feel. Did it give you butterflies? Can you imagine walking into the space on your wedding morning? Can you see your guests enjoying themselves here? Sometimes your gut will give you the answer before your head has time to catch up.
We’ve had couples come to Tythe thinking they wanted a summer wedding, only to fall for the candlelight and cosy atmosphere of the barns in January. That’s the beauty of seeing a venue in person – it shows you possibilities you might not have considered.
If you missed our Wedding Showcase, do get in touch with the team on [email protected] or call us on 01869 321442. Alternatively you can book a tour directly on the website here.
Photography: Beccy Goddard, Igor Demba, Laura Mac Photography, Dearest Love Photography, Poppy Carter Portraits, New Forest Studio, Dominika Miechowska, Lauren Juliette.
