choosing your perfect wedding venue

Choosing your perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions on your wedding to do list. The wedding day is one of the most cherished memories for every couple as well as their families, and the venue undoubtedly sets the stage for how the celebrations go.

Whether it’s the romantic atmosphere created by extravagant floral arrangements or an awe-inspiring fireworks display after the reception, the entire ceremony revolves around the location, specifically the venue.

In our guide, we’ll discuss 12 essential elements you must consider when choosing your venue. After all, it’s your special day, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less than what’s perfect for you.

Budget 

Before deciding on a venue, you must come up with a wedding budget. As tempting as it may be to go ahead and sign the contract for an “exclusive” venue package for a good price, you might need that money for a different wedding necessity. So, be wise, draft a budget, and then decide. 

Date and Timeline

Once you have secured your wedding date, you need to start searching for venues to make sure your preferences are available. If your dates are flexible, then you can tone down the hurry. Similarly, discuss logistical tasks like the duration of the event, setting up the venue, curfew, etc. So, try to find a venue that accommodates your wedding timeline.

Amenities

Important factors such as parking availability, catering services, decor, event coordination, and providing tables, chairs, and linen are things you must consider. While some venues offer all-inclusive in-house packages that seamlessly meet all the needs of your wedding day, they can be pricey.

Compare Venues

Create a chart to gather comparative insights on the different venues instead of mentally trying to keep up with them. When deciding which one’s the best option, consider factors such as location, capacity, venue type (Hotel, outdoors, ballroom, etc.), rates, availability, restrictions, and facilities.

Check Reviews

If you want to truly know what are the “hidden” issues with your potential venue, browse through their reviews. You can check Google, their website, or even third-party sites like Yelp to check whether their previous guests had a good experience with the venue.

Know Your Theme

Your venue is the canvas for your wedding’s theme. Whether you’re going for a vintage lace and pearls theme or a rustic barn-style outdoor wedding, you must ensure the venue aligns with it. The wedding elements, such as decor, buffet set up, table arrangements, etc., must cohesively blend with your venue and not look out of place

Venue Location

If you have guests coming from abroad or from different parts of the country, you need to make sure your venue is fairly accessible and not too much of a hike for people who have already been on a long journey. Consider how close the airport is or the availability of nearby accommodation; in fact, some venues provide accommodation too.

Spatial Capacity

Wedding venues with small spaces like parks, restaurants, bars, etc. are perfect for intimate micro weddings. If your celebrations require grandeur and your guest list is above 150 people, you must choose a venue that can fit that many guests without cramming them.

Venue Restrictions

Most venues will bend over backward to accommodate your wishes. However, some have curfew, music, and noise restrictions, or sometimes even outside vendors. You must understand that there are reasons for such rules, so they won’t make any exceptions to their policies.

Transportation

You choose the perfect venue not just for your special day but also so that your guests are comfortable. If the venue is in an offbeat location, try to arrange for some transportation so your guests don’t walk a mile and get to your wedding all sweaty. 

Listen To Your Gut

Even if you’ve found your perfect venue, but something inside you tells you otherwise, listen to that voice and let it guide you towards what you actually want. It’s better to be picky in the beginning than to regret your decision later.

Backup Plan

You can plan for things to go smoothly, but life is filled with surprises, and some of them aren’t very nice. Ask your venue if they’re capable of handling mishaps or if anything disrupts Plan A, especially if there’s an emergency situation. Always have a backup plan for your wedding.

Parting Thoughts

The entire process of choosing a wedding venue involves copious amounts of planning, practicality, and emotional touches, and with these 12 tips, you’ll be headed in the right direction to select a venue that resonates with your vision while reflecting elements of your love story.

Photo Credit: 

Image 1: https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-holding-bouquet-standing-beside-man-in-black-suit-mDR8ji1pMKg 

Image 2: https://unsplash.com/photos/white-ceramic-dinnerware-set-aEnH4hJ_Mrs 

Image 3: https://unsplash.com/photos/white-folding-chair-in-front-of-body-of-water-jTnipV64uLo 

Image 4: https://unsplash.com/photos/red-flowers-on-white-vehicle-PCzkTuGMamM