Picking your wedding venue is one of the most exciting steps of the wedding planning process! Unfortunately, it can also be the most stressful since many couples don’t know what to look for in an ideal venue. That’s where I come in! As an experienced wedding planner, I have a few suggestions on what every couple should keep in mind as they research and tour venues. And once I get to know you as a client, I’ll have an even better idea of what to look for to suit your specific needs!
So, whether you’re recently engaged or getting ready to pop the question, these tips for picking your wedding venue will prepare you to navigate your options and find the perfect fit!
Know Your Priorities
When researching wedding venues, you must decide what matters most to you and your partner. Is it a large outdoor area with enough space for a sailcloth tent and yard games? Or is it an intimate setting with unique architectural details? Whatever your vision looks like, I can promise you this: there is a wedding venue to match it! As your planner, I’ll guide you toward venues that suit your aesthetic preferences (as well as your budget) so that we can plan your special day in a location you love.
In addition to knowing what features you’d like your ideal venue to possess, it’s crucial to know your guest count. Aside from your budget, this detail will ultimately have the most bearing on which venue is your best fit! For example, if you’re planning to invite 200 people, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to cram the celebration into your favorite restaurant downtown. Look at each venue’s max capacity, and compare it with your guest list. If it’s clear that your guest count won’t work with the space (or will have it bursting at the seams), simply move on with your search—don’t feel as though you have to eliminate guests if a big wedding is part of your vision!
Determine the Best Approach for Your Budget
DIY or all-inclusive venue? While many couples assume that taking the DIY route will save them money, this usually isn’t true. For example, if you’re seeking a venue for an outdoor wedding, does it come with a tent? If not, this is something you’ll have to rent and transport to the site—as well as restroom facilities and a catering tent! And this doesn’t even factor in the decor rentals you’ll want to bring onsite, in addition to whatever rentals your caterer requires to prepare your meal.
Take it from a professional: these costs add up quickly! If you have a budget prepared to take them on, then I would love to plan your tented wedding! However, it’s paramount for couples to be well-informed that DIY doesn’t always equate to fewer dollar signs before making their decision.
Even if you’ve already decided to go the all-inclusive route, it’s still crucial to factor your budget into your decision. Many of these venues have in-house catering, and you’ll want to know the cost per plate as soon as possible. Multiply the amount by your guest count to estimate how much you can expect to spend on catering. If the amount is too high for your budget, you have two options: eliminate a few people from your guest list or find an alternative venue with more affordable catering options. However, I know that decisions like these can be tricky. That’s why I’m here to be your resident expert and sounding board every step of the way!
Consider Your Décor Expectations
Do you have a specific vision for your wedding décor, or are you less invested in how things look as long as you get to say “I do”? I want to preface this by saying that our team will always do whatever it takes to make your venue look showstopping! However, there are still factors to consider if the aesthetics of your wedding day are your top priority.
For example, some venues provide linens. If so, you’ll want to find out how high-quality they are to determine whether it is worth renting your own. It’s also possible that the linens will arrive wrinkled—if so, will they steam them out? In addition, find out if the venue has a list of preferred vendors, such as rental companies and florists. Does their partnership with these vendors mean you’ll receive a discount? Consider, as well, that the florist you’re most interested in working with may already have a booking on your wedding date. If the aesthetics of your flowers are of utmost importance to you, this may impact your decision to book (or not).
Accommodations for Getting Ready
When researching a venue, you’ll usually be able to figure out whether it has a getting-ready suite. While some venues feature extensive accommodations for both wedding parties and your hair and makeup team, others may only have enough space for you to put your suit/gown on and relax before the ceremony. Moreover, some venues will allow you to access the getting ready suite whenever you’d like on the day, while others will only allow you on the premises up to 4 (or even 2!) hours before.
If there aren’t any accommodations for getting ready at your venue (or if there won’t be sufficient time for your entire wedding party to receive grooming services), you need to find somewhere else to spend this portion of the day. Some hotels have a suite you can use for this, but you’ll need to consider the setting. Will the lighting and surroundings work for getting ready photos and the detail shots your photographer will take of your gown and stationery? Or is it necessary to shift your timeline so they can snap your detail shots at the venue?
Factor in Location and Transportation
If you anticipate guests from out of town, consider the distance from their accommodations to the venue. Unless you’re hosting your wedding at a hotel with ample lodging, it’s best to list all available options, then narrow it down based on pricing and location. Then, consider that you’ll be financially responsible for transporting those guests to the ceremony site. Your budget sheet should reflect this if it doesn’t already!
Picking your wedding venue is no simple task, but with the help of a wedding planner, it doesn’t have to take over your life! I would be honored to help you and your partner find the perfect place to say “I do.” Get in touch to learn more about my services!
Photography Credits:
Wicked Petunia Photography
Sophie Kaye Photography
Anthony Vazquez Photography
