How Bidwell works
Reverse auction: you post once. Venues answer with real prices. Names stay hidden until you shortlist.
Below is the full path from sign-up to booking — plain language, start to finish.
TL;DR
- Post anonymously. Verified venues send binding offers with locked rates and transparent breakdowns.
- Compare on price and value first — names and photos unlock when you shortlist.
- Book on your timeline. Bidwell never charges couples.
The semi-blind auction
Venues bid blind — they can't see each other's prices. You judge offers before you know the brand.
You see price, inclusions, capacity, type, and AI fit. You don't see name or photosuntil you shortlist. That's intentional.
What you see in each bid
- Total price or per-person rate (binding)
- Full list of what’s included
- Venue type and capacity
- AI Venue Planner match score and value analysis
- How the price compares to market average
- Available dates
What stays hidden until you shortlist
- Venue name and brand
- Photos and reviews
- Exact address
- Direct messaging
Why it works: Like a blind audition, you pick on merit first. You weigh what's in the package and what it costs — not who has the biggest following.
Your journey, step by step
Eight beats from free sign-up to booked venue — skim the list or read each card.
Create your free account
2 minutesName and email. No card. Couples never pay Bidwell.
Post your wedding request
5 minutesShare date (or range), guests, budget band, style, must-haves. More detail usually means sharper bids — simple is OK too.
Venues see your request and bid
Bids typically arrive within 24–48 hoursVerified venues submit binding offers: locked rates, clear inclusions, and labeled fixed vs. variable items. You can receive many bids — there's no cap.
Your AI Venue Planner takes over
InstantYour free AI Venue Planner scores every bid, benchmarks pricing against the market, and rates package completeness — fit score, value notes, and what's included at a glance. Ask it questions like “Which bid is the best value?” or “Should I counter-offer?” — it knows your budget, your bids, and what matters to you.
Shortlist your favorites to reveal names, photos, and location
Your paceShortlist unlocks name, photos, reviews, address, and chat. Tour if you want. Shortlist as many or as few as you like.
Book when you’re ready
No pressure, no deadlineAccept the bid. Pay the booking fee through Stripe to lock the date. Venue confirms within about 48 hours; contract follows.
What “binding bid” means
Protection for you
- Fixed-price items are locked at acceptance — the venue can’t raise them
- Per-person rates are locked — total adjusts only with your final guest count
- Minimum-spend items set a floor — you’ll pay at least that amount
- Estimated items (like open bar) lock the rate — final adjusts with actual consumption
- Every bid clearly labels what’s fixed, what’s a minimum, and what’s estimated
- Venues cannot add surprise fees or remove inclusions after you accept
Your freedom
- You’re never obligated to accept any bid
- You can shortlist without committing
- You can walk away at any time before booking
- No penalty for declining every bid
How payment works
Bidwell doesn't bill couples. You pay the venue through Stripe on a set schedule.
Typical installments look like this (your contract may adjust for short timelines):
Booking fee (25%)
Due when you accept a bid and lock in your date. This confirms your booking.
Second installment (35%)
Due 90 days before your event. Keeps your booking confirmed.
Final balance (40%)
Due 30 days before your event. After this, you’re all set.
Under 90 days out? Fewer, bigger chunks — same secure Stripe checkout.
Everything else you might be wondering
Privacy, AI scores, cancel rules — short answers below. Tap to expand.
Want the full picture?
Two deep dives: one for couples, one for venues — timelines, money, and milestones spelled out.