How do you sort through all the hotels, historic estates, libraries, museums, and halls to choose the perfect wedding venue? As a professional wedding planner, even I have my moments of indecision. There are just so many gorgeous wedding venues to choose from! The overall look of the space is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making a final decision. I’ve put together a list of things to think about when searching for a wedding venue that suits your vision of romantic elegance. After considering the following items, you should be able to find the perfect space to celebrate your love!
Wedding Budget
How much of your wedding budget are you willing to allocate towards the venue? Some couples are willing to splurge on an over-the-top venue, while others want to stay within a strict budget. Decide which camp you fall under (and maybe you’re somewhere in the middle, with some room for flex spending). Set the limit of what the two of you are willing to spend. This will naturally rule out some pricier venues and whittle down the list a little bit.
Wedding Venue Location and Availability
Once you have a budget in mind, you can start considering which cities might work best for your overall vision. If your budget doesn’t really include much room for travel, you’ll probably want to keep it fairly local. Are you looking for an indoor or outdoor space? Also, what is the availability of the wedding venues you are looking at? Some might already be booked years in advance, so you can cross those off the list if you’re looking for a date within the next year. Consider having your wedding on a weekday or during the off-season; you can get some serious discounts!
You also need to check how long the rental of the space lasts. If a venue only allows for 6 hour celebrations and your friend group like to party into the wee hours of the morning, then you should cross that space off the list. Or perhaps also start researching after-party venues! Many wedding venues also have sound ordinances in place, so make sure to ask about that.
Guest List: How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue
Along with the availability, you should be thinking about your guest list length. Some couples like to find an ideal space first, and then determine the guest list based on the available square footage. Other couples might only look at venues that can accommodate their predetermined list. Either way, there needs to be some wiggle room for no-shows or unexpected plus-ones. Having a number of guests in mind will definitely help you choose the perfect wedding venue. This will also prevent you from becoming too attached to a space that later ends up being the wrong size.
What’s the Vibe
Once you have some potential venues, think about what spaces fit your wedding aesthetic the best. Architectural details, lighting, and the exterior will all play a role in your wedding day. It helps to have a mood board to compare the different elements. Perhaps you’re drawn to sprawling staircases and chandeliers. All the little details will contribute to the overall ambience. Consider the options and remove any venues from the list that might need a little too much extra work to transform them into your dream wedding.
Is Furniture Included?
This one is important to ask about because the gorgeous wood tables and chairs that you see on your tour might not actually be included in the event booking. Or maybe the venue supplies some furniture, but you’ll need to source extra, such as cocktail and banquet tables. If you simply don’t want to deal with finding and organizing the furniture rentals, then cross the under-furnished venue off your list.
Is Staff Included?
Many venues will include event staff with your booking. But sometimes they don’t or they do not have enough staff for larger parties. This can be another deal breaker for some couples. It’s an extra cost and it can be quite hard to find professionally trained waiters and technicians. Check to see what their event staff policy looks like and decide if it works with your celebration.
Catering/Bar Options
Another aspect that you should consider when looking for the perfect wedding venue is the catering policy. You’ll find that many venues require you to use their catering services as part of the contract. If you have a more personalized or culturally specific menu in mind, perhaps choose a wedding venue that allows outside catering. The bar policies are also important to consider. They may only allow their own bartenders to work the event with a preset list of available drinks. Depending on your party, this might not be the best choice. Ultimately, you decide what you need, and then find the venue that aligns with your food and drink requirements. Some wedding venues will also be flexible with their arrangements.
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
Sit down and craft a clear list of what you need out of a wedding venue. Some items will be nonnegotiable and others you’re willing to give up. As long as you prioritize and ask the right questions, you’ll definitely find the perfect space for your dream celebration. You can also find a free downloadable template on my website to help you choose the perfect wedding venue.
