One of the very first things you’ll do when you become newly engaged is begin your search for that perfect wedding venue. Your venue will help set the look for your special day so there are definitely things to consider when it comes to choosing a wedding venue. Depending on what you’re looking for, your search may be easy or a little difficult but no matter what type of wedding you’re having, you’ll want to think about these things:
1. Choosing a venue is NOT the first thing you should do! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; the very first thing you should do is your guest list! Your guest list will define almost every aspect of your wedding day including your wedding venue space. You’ll need to have a rough idea of the number of people that will be attending your wedding to help weed out the spaces that are too small or too big. And yes there is such a things as too big! If you’re only having 50 guests, please don’t pick a venue that’s more suited to fit 200 guests! You space will end up filling HUGE and not in a good way.
2. Think about your budget. Many a couple have blown their budget on the “perfect” wedding venue only to not be able to afford the other elements that would make the space truly shine. The cost of renting a wedding venue can vary wildly so consider your budget when selecting your space.
3. Dates and times matter! If you are flexible in your date, it can work out in your favor. Popular wedding venues can book up more than a year in advance but you may be able to secure your favorite place if you’re open to having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday or even during the week. Off-season weddings can also give you more options when it comes to availability.
4. Please think about the weather! I went to an outdoor wedding in the DC area in the middle of July. For context, DC was technically built on swamp lands. So in the middle of July, it feels exactly like that! Even though it was a morning wedding and they had fans, it was hot and everyone was sweating within the first 30 minutes. The wedding was a blast, but no one really liked being out in the heat! When it comes to outdoor weddings, think about the time of year. Extremely hot or cold weather will not be fun for you or your guests. You’ll also want to make sure the venue has indoor space that can accommodate your plans in the event of rain.
5. Don’t forget about the look you are trying to achieve. If you’re planning an over-the-top, blinged out wedding, don’t even bother looking at rustic locations. You’ll never get the look you’re trying to go for it the venue doesn’t fit in stylistically.
6. Decide on full-service or just the space. Some venues will offer everything – catering, lighting, rentals, etc. Others will just be the space itself and it’ll be up to you to provide everything else. There are certainly pros and cons when it comes to either option so decide what’s most important to you. If you choose a “blank canvas” venue, remember that you’ll need to budget more for rentals, catering, etc.
7. Don’t forget about the ceremony. Some couples choose to have the ceremony and reception in the same place. If you do, make sure that the venue can accommodate that. Check to see if there is a place your guests can go if the room requires a flip from ceremony to reception. If you’re having a religious ceremony that must be held in a house of worship, choose that first and then focus your radius for a reception venue around that. No one (including you) will want to travel far between the ceremony and reception venues. Remember, travel time cuts into photo time and party time! My own wedding was held at our church and the reception was about a 15-minute drive. We were able to get our photos done early and enjoy the cocktail hour with our guests. Had we picked a location further away, we probably wouldn’t have been able to.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, book appointments to view the spaces. Try to visit during the time your wedding will be taking place so you can see what the space will look like. Some venues that may look horrible during the day can look awesome during your nighttime wedding reception. If you’ve booked other vendors first, make sure to check that they will be allowed at the wedding venue. Some spaces have strict rules on outside vendors. Found the perfect spot? Don’t wait to book it or it may get snatched up by someone else! Once you’ve settled on your wedding venues, it’ll be a lot easier for everything else to fall into place.
I’m planning my wedding for the middle of October. Although it may be nice weather, I want a wedding venue that has an inside just in case. Hopefully I can find a venue for cheaper because my wedding will be in an off-season. Thanks.
I ALWAYS suggest choosing a venue that has an inside option, even when planning a fully outside wedding. With weather you just never know and it helps keep the stress down if you have a backup plan!
I never thought that building my guest list should be the first thing to do. Now after reading this and thinking, it only makes sense to build my guest list first. Budgeting a wedding isn’t hard, just plan it out, note every little spending, and stick to the plan! Thank you for helping all of us have a wonderful wedding 🙂
Yes, guest list building is a critical first step! Hope you were able to find some useful tips!
I was looking for more information about how to choose a wedding venue. I like the point that mentioned the importance of checking the weather. If the reception is during a rainy season, it might be better to have the event indoors. Something else to consider would be finding the right location so as many people as possible would be able to attend.
Weather is a BIG factor with finding the right venue. If you are planning an outdoor event, make sure you find a space that allows for an adequate indoor backup plan!
I thought it was interesting that choosing a venue is not the first thing that you should do. You also mention that if you are flexible in your wedding date, it could work out in your favor. I think it’s a good idea to choose a wedding venue that is close to the hotels and rooms that your guests are staying at.
I absolutely agree on trying to find a venue that is close to hotels for your guests! But I still think getting your guest could together is key before narrowing down venue choices. I’ve heard of some many couple who try to make magic happen in a space that is just too small or too big for their guest count!
I do like that you bring up the importance of aesthetic and style when choosing a wedding venue. After all, if you’re having an old-fashioned fairy-tale type wedding then you probably don’t want to hold your wedding in a dance club. In addition to that, you want to make sure that the venue you do choose will allow you to decorate so that you can express your theme.
This is absolutely true! It’s so important to make sure your venue matches the look you want to achieve on your big day!
Thanks for explaining how finding a wedding venue could help you recreate your ideal wedding theme and plans! My friend is thinking about getting married after staying with his girlfriend for more than a decade. Since they’re planning to have a huge sci-fi-themed wedding, I think they should consider finding a venue that can help them in the future!
The writer’s emphasis on logistics, ambiance, and guest experience are all important considerations for ensuring a memorable and enjoyable event. I’m curious to know if the writer has any recommendations for unique or unconventional wedding venues that may not be as well-known but offer a memorable experience?