This is the year you say “I do!” to a lifetime of love and happiness with your special one. The place where you’ll begin this new and beautiful chapter of your life – the wedding venue – should be exceptional as it will be the backdrop for your treasured memories.
The wedding venue will impact not only the ambiance of your wedding but also the experience that your guests will have. Selecting the wedding venue is one of the major decisions related to a wedding, and certainly may seem daunting at first. You have to make a careful choice, and it does depend on various factors. It’s advisable to start with an open discussion with your partner to ensure that there is clarity regarding all expectations. Discussions with the wedding planner and a few of your closest people might help as well. Keep these tips in mind while scouting for the perfect wedding venue:
Begin the Search for a Venue Early
Wedding venues are usually booked quite early. When it comes to searching for wedding venues, the earlier you get to it, the better. You won’t have to give up on a venue that captured your heart just because someone came across it first and decided to book it for the same date.
Wedding venues are likely to be busiest during May, June, September, and October in California. Many couples also choose to get married during long weekends or on palindromic dates. Having a bit of flexibility with your wedding date can also help you snag the venue of your dreams. If it’s booked for a date, you can go for another date when it is available. If you are set on having your wedding on a certain date, then you should shortlist all the venues that are available for that date.
Make a List of Criteria Based on Your Priorities
You have to sit down and think about your priorities related to the wedding ceremony and celebrations before you look for a venue. Form a list of criteria based on your priorities, and use this list to assess the prospective venue. If you have a few venues in mind, the list of criteria will help you narrow down your options. You can use your list to ask relevant questions to the venue management. It will also help you understand if the venue management is willing to accommodate some special requests.
Conduct Your Research
Adopt a systematic approach for your venue hunt. You will be paying a significant amount of money to rent the venue. It’s only appropriate that you conduct thorough research beforehand. Visit venue websites, look at the pictures, and take virtual tours. Speak to married friends and family members and get venue suggestions from them. Consider creating a spreadsheet to compare venues based on your criteria. You might also want to take a look at wedding venue trends for the year.
Choose a Venue That’s Just Right for Your Guest Count
Before you start hunting for a venue, you need to have at least a rough estimate of your guest count. Some venues ask for a guest count-based deposit. But even if that’s not the case, you need to know your guest count for an idea about the venue size requirement.
If you want your wedding to seem warm and intimate, you need a venue that’s just right for your guest count. An oversized venue will feel empty and cold. On the other hand, cramming 200 guests in a space meant for 100 people is also a bad idea. The venue needs to have ample space for seating arrangements, tables, dancing, and also for the guests to move around. See if the capacity of the venue and the size and scope of your wedding celebrations match. Fortunately, venues can vary in size depending on where you look and it’s not difficult to find a suitable one.
Check the Package Against Your Budget
Ask the venue management about the pricing, inclusions, and any potential additional costs. Typically the all-inclusive wedding venues cost more than others. You’ll have to allocate nearly half of your budget to an all-inclusive venue. It seems like a lot, but it may be a beneficial deal. However, if that doesn’t work for you, you could rent a venue that does not provide services, and then hire external vendors at your preferred rate. If you’re getting help from external vendors, you’ll only allocate 15 to 20 percent of your budget to the venue. You need at least a rough idea of your budget as it will guide your venue search efforts.
Ensure That the Venue Aligns With Your Wedding Theme
Since you will be making sure that everything from the wedding invitations, table settings, color palette, wedding attire, and even the groom’s accessories align with the chosen theme, it only makes sense that the wedding venue should provide a suitable and visually pleasing backdrop.
Book an appointment to take a look at a prospective venue in person. Check out the existing aesthetic features. Securing a place that already reasonably aligns with your wedding theme is always better than spending an exorbitant amount of money on decor trying to make it fit forcefully.
High-end hotels or venues with minimalistic design apply well to a modern theme. Lush blooming gardens would be perfect for a romantic, whimsical, or enchanted forest theme. Eclectic indoor spaces or outdoor locations like meadows are great for a bohemian theme. Vineyards work well as wedding venues under a rustic theme. You need to finalize a theme before you start scouting for a venue. If you’re having trouble coming up with a theme, refer to the best wedding resources blog for inspiration and help.
Ask About Venue Restrictions and Policies
Every wedding venue has a set of rules, restrictions, and policies. To ensure smooth proceedings and no violations/penalties or disappointments on your wedding day, it’s best to enquire about these in advance. Venues may have restrictions regarding the music volume and party noise, the use of open flame elements, serving alcoholic beverages, and access to certain areas. You should also ask about decor limitations, parking regulations, and insurance requirements. Also, get clarity on cancellation policies and payment schedules.
Take into Consideration the Location, Accessibility, and Convenience
The location of the wedding venue matters. The area should feel safe and your guests should not have a hard time finding and reaching the venue. Your own wedding day ride needs to be comfortable and convenient. Make sure that the wedding venue is in a location that’s easy to reach via multiple transportation options. This is especially important in the case of destination weddings.
Take time to understand the accessibility of the venue facilities. Check if there are functional elevators. Take a look at the parking facilities, washrooms, and seating options. Try your best to make such arrangements so that all your guests can have a fabulous time on your special day. Your guests will really appreciate the care.
Always Check the Reviews
Reviews will tell you a lot more than the venue management will. Check reviews on the website, social media, and other review platforms. The experience of other couples will tell you what to expect from a particular venue. The reviews will help you weigh the pros and cons of each venue option and make an informed decision.
Wrapping Up
Keep the helpful tips in mind, and carefully weigh your options, but also trust your instinct. Make a decision that feels right to you and your partner. If the selected venue makes you and your special one feel happy and excited, you’ve made the perfect choice. Take a breather before moving on to other wedding preparations.
Written by: Steven Briggs