Southeast Missouri Wedding Venue Shows are a MUST When You're Newly Engaged

Chrystal Battaglia
Jan 8
4 min read

You’re engaged. You’ve got the ring. Your camera roll is already 90% hand photos. And now everyone is asking “Have you picked a date yet?” Deep breath.... this is where wedding venue shows come in clutch.

If you’re newly engaged and starting the venue hunt, going to wedding venue shows (sometimes called open houses or venue tours) is hands-down one of the smartest things you can do. And no, it’s not just a fancy walkthrough with some brochures. It’s real-life wedding planning magic.

Let’s break down why.

Bride and groom dance under white drapery and chandeliers in a festive hall. Guests sit at tables adorned with colorful flowers and lights.

You Get to Actually Feel the Venue

Photos are great. Instagram is inspiring. But nothing, and I mean nothing, replaces walking the property in person.

At a venue show, you get to:

See the ceremony and reception spaces up close
Walk the grounds at your own pace
Picture where you’ll say “I do,” where cocktail hour will live, and where the party really starts
Notice the things photos don’t show (flow, lighting, vibes, how it feels)

It’s the difference between liking a venue online and knowing it’s the one.

You Can Ask the Questions You Didn’t Even Know You Had

Bride and groom kiss in a church aisle, surrounded by pews and arched ceilings. The bride holds flowers, and sunlight emphasizes their embrace.

Venue shows are perfect for the “wait… how does that work?” questions.

Things like:

What happens if it rains?
Where do guests park?
How late can the party go?
What’s included and what’s extra?
How does catering and bar service work?

When you’re there in person, those answers make way more sense and you leave feeling confident instead of overwhelmed.

Two women in black uniforms stand in front of a decorative red door, with a young man in a suit nearby. They appear focused and professional.

You Meet the People Behind the Scenes

This one is big.

Your wedding venue isn’t just a building, it’s the people running it. At a venue show, you get face time with the team who will actually be there on your wedding day. You’ll know quickly if you feel comfortable, supported, and understood.

Spoiler alert: that matters a lot.

Bride in lace gown and groom in blue suit serve food at a buffet, smiling, with a woman in blue. Warm-lit venue in the background.

You Get a Taste of the Food (Literally)

Let’s be honest. Food is one of the most talked-about parts of any wedding.

At our venue show, you’ll get sampling from Thee Abbey Kitchen Catering, so you’re not guessing what your guests will be eating and you’re tasting it. No imagination required.

Just real food, real flavors, and real opinions.

And yes… people absolutely book venues after eating the food. We see it all the time.

You Can Meet Other Local Vendors in One Place

Instead of chasing down florists, photographers, DJs, and planners one by one, venue shows bring them together for you. It’s efficient, helpful, and honestly kind of fun.

You can:

See different styles in person
Ask quick questions
Start building your vendor dream team without the awkward cold emails

Woman in a green dress smiling in a vintage phone booth, holding the receiver. Background features newspaper-patterned wallpaper. Warm lighting.

It Helps You Narrow Down Your Vision (Fast)

Even if you don’t leave with the venue booked, you’ll leave with clarity.

You’ll know:

What you love
What you don’t
What style fits you best
What questions to ask moving forward

And that alone saves you time, stress, and decision fatigue.

Join Us for Our Wedding Venue Show ✨

If you’re engaged and venue shopping, we’d love to see you at ours.

📅 March 7

⏰ 12:00–2:00 PM

📍 Arcadia Academy

Here’s what to expect:

Sampling from Thee Abbey Kitchen Catering
Complimentary champagne (because wedding planning deserves bubbles)
Self-guided tours of our historic property
Local wedding vendors ready to chat, inspire, and help you plan

Come dressed casual, bring your fiancé, your mom, your best friend, or all three.

Wander, sip, snack, ask questions, and see if Arcadia Academy feels like your place.

Newly engaged or just starting the planning process? This is exactly where you should be. 💍✨

We’ll have the champagne ready.

P.S. When you choose a locally owned and operated wedding venue or small business, you’re doing more than booking a service — you’re supporting families, local jobs, and the community that makes your wedding location special.

From the food on your plate to the people behind the scenes, small businesses pour heart, care, and personal attention into every celebration. Your wedding dollars stay local, your experience stays personal, and your big day is supported by people who truly care about getting it right — not a corporate checklist.

Planning a wedding is about love, connection, and community. Supporting local just fits the vibe. ✨