How to Choose the Right Venue for Your Wedding
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions for your special day. With so many options available, it can feel difficult to choose the “right” one. Here are several elements to consider to find the perfect location for your wedding.
1. Define Your Wedding Vision
As a couple, discuss your idea of the perfect wedding in terms of location, decor and attire. For some, it’s a rustic setting — for others, it’s an elegant, modern look. The first step to a happy marriage is considering what you both want on your wedding day.
Create a vision board for the type of event you want. Decide whether you want a longer reception or ceremony, what your color theme will look like, and whether you want a big or intimate wedding.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Once you make your vision board, set a budget to see if your dream wedding fits into reality. Doing so is crucial to avoid overspending and falling into debt you can’t repay. The average wedding can reach $35,000, depending on the location, but the venue will probably be the most expensive item.
Make sure you’re realistically comparing facts in your budget. For instance, if the venue is more expensive, you’re likely paying for its location and services. Others may cost less, but you likely have to provide everything you need.
3. Explore the Kind of Venue You Want
Your vision board will determine the kind of venue you’re looking for and how to compromise between your and your partner’s dream wedding. The choices can range from ballrooms, mansions, and hotels to gardens, beaches and vineyards. The right choice for you depends on whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor setting and the degree of comfort you want.
If you and your partner enjoy the outdoors, an orchard or national park may be a good choice. Consider a restaurant or hotel if you prefer the indoors because you don’t like insects and changing weather.
4. Cover the Logistics
When selecting where you want to get married, consider the following factors:
- Weather: Look at the weather conditions for the day and if the venue caters to all weather types.
- Mobility issues: Guests need to be able to get to the venue and home safely. Some may use public transportation, which could be unavailable later in the day.
- Parking: Does the venue cater for the guests’ vehicles, and are they safe?
See where you can hire the venue and helpful services for the evening in one place. Spots like hotels might offer guests a special price on overnight stays so they don’t need to worry about the weather and mobility issues with late-night transportation.
5. Make Your Guest List
Your venue depends on two factors — your guest list size and budget:
- Guest list size: Your cozy 50-person garden may be ideal for a small celebration, but it can quickly feel cramped with 150 guests. Alternatively, with a bigger venue like a ballroom, fewer attendees can make the event feel sparse.
- Budget: Your budget is crucial in your guest list decisions if you pay per head wherever your reception happens. Additionally, spaces with larger capacities will likely cost more.
Usually, only 70% to 80% of guests attend, so create an A and B list when deciding who you’ll invite. If someone from your A list can’t come, ask someone from the B list.
6. Ask the Right Questions
This is your big day, and you don’t want to be stressed out about it because something at the venue wasn’t paid for or the service is bad. Before choosing a location, make a list of questions to ask the coordinator. Create the list with your partner and trusted friends — they may have some ideas you didn’t consider.
Ask questions about availability, hidden fees, services, restrictions, photography permissions and vendor policies. It’s also helpful to look at reviews online, as you might be curious about some elements people commonly mention.
Say “Yes” to the Right Venue
Choosing the right venue is about setting the foundation for the memories you’ll create on one of the most meaningful days of your life. Before looking at options, consider your budget and guest list, and ask yourself if either can be changed. Everything from the location to your wedding theme plays a role in making the day magical, so take your time, research and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Author – Cora Gold
Cora Gold is a wedding enthusiast with over six years of experience writing about trends, traditions and more. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.