The Venue Nest Podcast

Conference, course, or coach? Wedding sales strategist Shannon Tarrant shows wedding venue owners how to pick the right education, get real results from Wedding MBA, and fix their venue tours before spending on marketing.The wedding industry now shifts about every 12 months, and doing things the way you always have can leave your venue behind. On the Venue Nest Podcast, Ashley and Kelsey sit down with Shannon, who leads Wedding Venue Map in Central Florida and teaches wedding pros how to fix sales gaps and build trust with couples.In this episode, you'll learn how to tell if you need a conference, a course, or a coach, how to prepare for Wedding MBA and turn your notes into a 30-60-90 plan, and when it is okay to skip a conference. Shannon also shares where a new venue owner should spend their first education dollar, why most venue tours feel like a real estate open house, how to give your team their own education budget, and the books, mentors, and habits that keep her sharp.Your next step: write down the one gap in your venue business that education can fix (tours, sales numbers, or marketing), match it to a conference, course, or coach, and put education in next year's budget. Then join the free Venue Nest community to keep learning with other wedding venue owners: https://live.venuenest.com/signupChapters:00:00 Cold Open00:37 Meet Shannon Tarrant, Wedding Sales Strategist03:36 Community Over Competition for Venues04:15 Why Venue Education Matters05:28 Conference, Course, or Coach for Your Venue06:06 Are Wedding Conferences Worth It?07:52 Wedding MBA vs Beyond the Aisle09:13 How to Prep for Wedding MBA10:37 Conference Notes: The 30-60-90 Plan11:17 When to Skip a Conference12:46 Venue Courses vs Coaches14:43 Course vs Coach: The Gym Analogy15:10 Venue Owner Mentors: Your Board of Directors17:25 First Education Dollar for New Venues18:03 Fix Venue Tours Before Marketing19:02 Biggest Venue Tour Mistakes20:15 Venue Team Training and Education20:47 Set Education Budgets for Staff22:19 Education Budget Per Employee23:46 Lightning Round: Books for Venue Owners24:52 Wedding Venue Mentor Advice: Be Your Word25:34 Wedding Industry Podcasts for Venue Owners26:43 Weekly Planning Habit for Venue Owners27:24 A Great Venue Owner Knows Their Numbers28:08 Key Takeaway: Find Your Education Gaps28:44 Where to Find Shannon Tarrant30:11 Outro: Join the Venue Nest CommunityJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow Us:Instagram (Venue Nest): https://www.instagram.com/venuenestInstagram (Ashley): https://www.instagram.com/ashley.e.shepherdInstagram (Kelsey): https://www.instagram.com/kelseyparcellsmithFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nestWebsite: https://www.venuenest.com/Venue Nest Podcast: https://www.venuenest.com/podcastConnect with Shannon:Website: https://www.shannontarrant.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshannonexperienceHashtags#WeddingVenueOwners #VenueEducation #WeddingMBA #VenueSales #VenueNest

Burned out after wedding season? Here's how wedding venue owners can rest, run annual reviews, and thank their staff in the off season. Ashley and Kelsey of Venue Nest share what busy season really looked like across their three venues, including the exhaustion, the time management struggles, and a year of nonstop maintenance problems.In this episode of The Venue Nest Podcast, you'll learn how to recharge by going back to your why, how to set boundaries with yourself, and why every venue needs a maintenance budget. Ashley and Kelsey also walk through their annual review process for venue directors: the questions they ask, how to take honest feedback without getting defensive, and how to decide which feedback to act on. Plus, how a monthly content day works, how marketing incentives are set up for venue directors, and simple ways to show your staff appreciation during the holidays.Ready to plan your off season? Start with one step from this episode: send an annual review to your team, block off a monthly content day, or plan a real thank you for your staff. Then join the free Venue Nest community to share what you're trying and learn from other wedding venue owners. You can also learn more about the Venue Nest community, education, and software at venuenest.com.00:00 Connection Beats Gifts00:51 Wedding Venue Off Season Plan01:07 Wedding Venue Busy Season Recap02:46 Venue Maintenance Problems and Costs03:57 Venue Maintenance Budget and Hiring05:11 Venue Flooring Repair Story06:39 Venue Marketing During Busy Season07:56 Off Season Rest for Venue Owners08:27 How to Recharge: Go Back to Your Why09:25 Setting Boundaries as a Business Owner10:38 Venue Staff Annual Reviews12:40 Best Annual Review Questions for Staff14:02 How to Take Honest Employee Feedback15:23 Venue Director Marketing Incentives17:20 Venue Content Day for Social Media19:44 Setting Goals for Your Venue Team20:50 Which Feedback to Act On22:46 Holiday Staff Appreciation Ideas24:31 Connection Over Gifts25:47 Off Season Action Items for Venue Owners26:51 One Thing Challenge27:30 Join the Venue Nest CommunityJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram (Venue Nest) https://www.instagram.com/venuenestInstagram (Ashley) https://www.instagram.com/ashley.e.shepherdInstagram (Kelsey) https://www.instagram.com/kelseyparcellsmithFacebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nestWebsite https://www.venuenest.com/Venue Nest Podcast https://www.venuenest.com/podcastHASHTAGS (YouTube)#WeddingVenueOwners #VenueManagement #VenueNest #WeddingVenueBusinessPINNED COMMENT SUGGESTIONWhich off season step are you starting with: annual reviews, a monthly content day, or a thank you for your team? Drop it below 👇 And if you want to compare notes with other venue owners,

Why do so many wedding venue owners feel like they have no money, even when they have a wedding almost every weekend? If your venue finances feel confusing, your cash flow swings between busy and slow months, or you're not sure you're actually profitable, this conversation is for you.In this episode of The Venue Nest Podcast, Ashley, Kelsey, and returning guest Matt Monson, Venue Nest co-founder and owner of four wedding venues with his partners, break down the money side of running a venue. You'll learn the difference between fixed and variable expenses, how to find your venue's break-even number, how to manage cash flow between peak wedding season and slower months, and why money in the account isn't always money you can take. They also cover where venue money quietly disappears (including a $20,000-a-year lawn lesson), the difference between gross and net revenue, and why a profit on paper can still leave you short on cash.Know a venue owner who's booked all season and still stressed about money? Share this episode with them, then join the free Venue Nest community to swap questions and practical advice with other wedding venue owners.00:00 Why Venue Owners Feel Broke With Weddings Every Weekend01:56 Fixed vs. Variable Venue Expenses03:38 Escaping the Month-to-Month Money Mindset04:49 Seasonal Expenses and Consistent Bookings06:55 The 30-Minute Weekly Money Check-In07:29 Managing Venue Cash Flow Highs and Lows09:52 Where Venue Money Disappears: The $20K Lawn12:04 Common Misconceptions About Venue Numbers12:42 Profit Isn't Take-Home Pay: Taxes on Money Never Received14:18 Gross vs. Net Revenue Explained16:19 Cash Flow Projections: Spreadsheets, Bookkeepers, or Venue Software18:05 How to Find Your Venue Break-Even Number19:10 Action Item: Review Your Last 90 Days19:45 ClosingJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram (Venue Nest) https://www.instagram.com/venuenestInstagram (Ashley) https://www.instagram.com/ashley.e.shepherdInstagram (Kelsey) https://www.instagram.com/kelseyparcellsmithInstagram (Matt) https://www.instagram.com/matt_monson1Facebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nestWebsite https://www.venuenest.com/Venue Nest Podcast https://www.venuenest.com/podcast#WeddingVenueOwners #VenueManagement #VenueNest #WeddingVenueBusiness #VenueFinances

Is your venue management software saving you time, or making your job more complicated?In this episode of The Venue Nest Podcast, Ashley, Kelsey, and Braden discuss how the right venue management software can simplify operations, automate tasks, and help venue owners make better business decisions. You’ll learn which features to look for, how marketing analytics can help you track leads and bookings, and how automation can free up time for clients and sales.If you’re overwhelmed by manual processes or struggling to find software that fits your venue’s needs, this episode will help you identify what’s missing from your operations and what to look for in a better system.Know a venue owner who’s spending too much time managing tasks instead of growing their business? Share this episode with them! Then join the Venue Nest community to connect with fellow wedding venue owners and exchange practical advice.00:00 Venue Ownership’s Stress and Purpose02:06 From Pen and Paper to Software05:09 The Cost of Avoiding Software07:29 Support for Less Tech-Savvy Owners09:39 Why Venue-Specific Software Was Needed11:13 Data, Automation, and Simplicity14:12 Connected Workflows and Better Experiences16:16 Marketing Analytics and Venue Nest Features17:24 Client Portals and Increased Value18:34 Episode Takeaways20:10 ClosingJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram (Venue Nest) https://www.instagram.com/venuenestInstagram (Ashley) https://www.instagram.com/ashley.e.shepherdInstagram (Kelsey) https://www.instagram.com/kelseyparcellsmithFacebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nest

What if your next wedding booking came from a vendor who already trusts you?Wedding venue vendor relationships can lead to more referrals, repeat business, and a stronger reputation. Ashley, Kelsey, and Alex share how to build genuine connections with photographers, planners, caterers, and even other venue owners without treating everyone like competition.They also explain how giving value, asking for advice, and being willing to reach out can open doors for your venue.Know a venue owner who wants more referrals? Share this episode with them! Then join the Venue Nest community to connect with fellow wedding venue owners, exchange real-world advice, and get practical support for managing clients, protecting your business, and growing your venue.00:00 Building Relationships for Recurring Business01:31 Learning to Network03:23 Why Networking Matters in the Wedding Industry06:10 Building Relationships With Nearby Venues08:58 Why Vendor Referrals Convert10:54 Which Vendor Relationships to Build13:06 Networking Through Conferences and Events15:15 Just Ask and Show Up16:41 Episode Takeaway: Ask Questions and Be Vulnerable18:03 Closing and Community InvitationJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram (Venue Nest) https://www.instagram.com/venuenestInstagram (Ashley) https://www.instagram.com/ashley.e.shepherdInstagram (Kelsey) https://www.instagram.com/kelseyparcellsmithFacebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nest

Is your wedding venue really ready for the next busy season?The wedding venue off-season is when you should be preparing for what comes next. In this episode, Ashley and Kelsey break down four areas to focus on: marketing, finances, team feedback, and systems.They share how they review the past year, plan their marketing budget, look at where the money is going, get honest feedback from employees, and make important changes before busy season starts.Know a venue owner or venue director who needs to make better use of their off-season? Share this episode with them! Then join the Venue Nest community to connect with fellow wedding venue owners, exchange real-world advice, and get practical support for managing clients, protecting your business, and growing your venue.00:00 Hiring and Training During the Off-Season00:53 Why Off-Season Preparation Matters02:12 Marketing Review and Planning05:54 Financial Review and Budgeting11:09 Employee Feedback and Year-End Reviews15:38 Updating Systems, Contracts, and Staffing Plans17:50 Four Off-Season Planning Priorities19:01 Closing and Community InvitationJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram (Venue Nest) https://www.instagram.com/venuenestInstagram (Ashley) https://www.instagram.com/ashley.e.shepherdInstagram (Kelsey) https://www.instagram.com/kelseyparcellsmithFacebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nest

When should a venue owner trust the numbers, and when should you trust your gut?In this episode, Ashley and Kelsey break down proactive vs. reactive decision-making and how venue owners can use data, client feedback, and gut instinct to make better business decisions. You’ll learn how to recognize when you’re stuck in reactive mode, what numbers and feedback to review regularly, when to trust your gut with people, and how to plan ahead for repairs, updates, and changes before they become urgent problems.If you feel like you’re constantly putting out fires instead of planning ahead, this episode will help you step back, figure out what’s actually working, and make clearer decisions with the next 3–5 years of your venue in mind.Know a venue owner who is constantly putting out fires? Share this episode with them! Then join the Venue Nest community to connect with fellow wedding venue owners, exchange real-world advice, and get practical support for managing clients, protecting your business, and growing your venue.00:00 Reactive Versus Proactive Decisions04:33 Setting Aside Funds for Future Updates06:39 When to Trust Gut or Data08:59 Building Systems to Escape Reactive Mode10:16 Reviewing Marketing, Feedback, and Finances12:34 Team Check-Ins and Vendor Decisions14:40 Balancing Data and Intuition16:50 Envisioning the Future and Seeking Advice19:06 Monthly Review Action Item20:10 Closing and Community InvitationJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/venuenestFacebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nestWebsite https://www.venuenest.com/

Setting boundaries with wedding clients can be uncomfortable, but saying yes to everything could cost you more than a booking.In this episode, Ashley and Kelsey share real stories of how bending the rules led to unpaid invoices, frustrated staff, and unhappy clients. They explain which boundaries should never be negotiated, when flexibility makes sense, and how to set expectations without damaging the client experience.Share this episode with a venue owner or venue director who needs help setting stronger boundaries, and join the Venue Nest community for more resources and support for wedding venue owners.00:00 Introduction to Setting Boundaries02:02 The Importance of Clear Boundaries06:03 Attaching a Cost to Exceptions09:44 Non-Negotiable: Payment Schedules11:01 The Nightmare of Late Payments15:53 Examples of Negotiable Items18:31 Setting Boundaries in a Warm Way21:12 Actionable Steps for Venue OwnersJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/venuenestFacebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nest

What if automations could give you your time back without taking the human connection out of your business?In this episode, Ashley and Kelsey break down wedding venue automations and how they use them to streamline their business, save time, and manage 150 weddings per venue each year. They share what to automate first, how to keep automations personal, and why some parts of the client experience should always stay human.They also share how automating appointment reminders, final walkthrough forms, and Google review requests can reduce busywork while creating a better client experience.it into an automation, and build from there. When you're ready to automate more of your business and get your time back, sign up for Venue Nest and let it help you streamline your venue operations while keeping the human connection at the center.00:00 Introduction to Automations01:08 Addressing Fears About Automation03:24 Personalizing Automations07:53 Simple Automation Starting Points10:05 The 80/20 Rule of Automation12:23 Automating the Final Walkthrough17:22 Controlling Your Automations19:31 Automating Google Review Requests21:20 Creating a "Review Barrier"23:22 Action Item for ListenersJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/venuenestFacebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNest

What if the booking isn’t lost during the tour, but in the follow-up afterward?In this episode of The Venue Nest Podcast, Ashley and Kelsey break down post-tour follow-up strategies for wedding venues that can help turn more tours into bookings without chasing or pressuring couples.They explain their 1–14 day post-tour follow-up strategy, why the first few days matter most, and how to follow up without being pushy. They discuss their follow-up cadence, including sending the contract and estimate before the couple leaves the venue, followed by touchpoints at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and seven days. They also share why personalized messaging, giving value before asking, and varying communication across different channels can make a difference.If your tours are great but your bookings aren't following, this episode will help you rethink what happens after the tour and how your follow-up process can improve conversions.Share this episode with a venue owner or venue director who needs to improve their follow-up process, and join the Venue Nest community for more resources and support for wedding venue owners.00:00 Sending the Contract During the Tour01:15 The Importance of Multiple Follow-Ups03:28 A Personal Story of Being Too Pushy04:33 How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy07:46 The Ideal Follow-Up Timeline09:48 The Peak-End Rule in Tours13:05 Handling Objections to a Quick Booking Window15:19 Automating the Follow-Up Process17:26 Making It Easy for Clients to Say No19:16 Actionable Advice and Episode Wrap-UpJoin our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signupFollow UsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/venuenestFacebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenestYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNestTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@venue.nest