Here Comes The Guide offers hundreds of wedding venues around the US, so we understand how difficult it may be to locate “the one.” And, although we feel that practically everything about a wedding is optional. We believe that a spectacular setting is essential. You want a venue that meets not only your budget and number of guests but also your style. Check out the best tips for choosing the right wedding venue to help make this big wedding choice less intimidating.
Search for venue
Wedding venues are often booked a year or more in advance. So, if you want your first choice of location or have a non-negotiable wedding date. Then start your venue search and site inspections as soon as possible.
If you have a more flexible date range, the availability of your location will be the decisive factor in choosing a wedding date.
Remember, whether your wedding is in the winter, spring, summer, or autumn, you can plan around the weather. When planning an outdoor party, always have a backup plan in place. It’s a good idea to have access to an inside location or a tent, just in case.
Location
When deciding where to tie the knot, several factors must consider. You don’t want your guests to jump through hoops just to get to your wedding.
Consider the following:
How close are the closest airports to the venue?
Are there any hotels or other places to stay nearby?
Is the location pretty simple to find, or is it completely off the beaten path?
Is the site usable for individuals with disabilities?
What are the parking options?
If planning a weekday wedding, you’ll also want to consider commuting time. Especially if you’re married in a congested location.
Although it is preferable to keep things simple for your guests. There is no reason you can’t have an out-of-the-way destination wedding or adventure site. Simply go the extra mile by including extensive travel information on your wedding site and invitation folds.
Select Wedding Planner
Wedding planners are similar to venue designers. Suppose you choose one that has worked in the region where you want to marry. They will most likely be able to propose event sites depending on your style, budget, guest count, and other factors. They can also visualize the potential of a vacant area and provide you with ideas for your wedding decor and arrangement.
If you’re arranging your wedding alone, booking a location with an on-site planner is a great plus. They are thoroughly familiar with their location and will effectively help you through the logistics. Ensure you understand the on-site coordinator’s obligations, which may restrict to venue-only or venue + Food & Beverage. Don’t get caught up in a situation where you wish you had full-service coordination.
Consider the guest count
By the time you start looking for a location, you should estimate how many people will be attending. If not, you’ll need to nail down that figure. Many venues want a deposit based on a guest count estimate.
When it comes to your venue, size does important. After all, you don’t want to squeeze 100 people into a place designed for 20. There should be enough space for the table layout, seating configurations, a dance floor, and for people to walk about easily. On the other hand, you don’t want too much excess room. If just 20 people are in a space designed for 100, it may seem empty and lack that comfortable, personal feel.
Of course, if you’re preparing ahead of time and haven’t narrowed down your guest list yet. You’ll have to estimate and revise the number as the day approaches. There’s a considerable difference in expense and preparation work between a little party and a large event. So get your numbers down as soon as possible!
Budget
Most couples wind up spending most of their money on their venue. The problematic part is that the venue price isn’t always straightforward. Sure, there’s the room rental price, but facilities may charge you for tables, chairs, linens, tableware, drinkware, parking, insurance, food, corkage, and cake cutting. Don’t be shocked if taxes, gratuities, and service costs are added to the bill.
Before you reserve a venue, we recommend checking the big-picture price. Bring our questions to ask your wedding venue on-site inspections to determine precisely.
Choose Your Wedding Style
Do you have an idea of what sort of wedding you want? Is it going to be official or informal? Indoors or outside? Modern or free-spirited bohemian? Is it going to be held at night or during the day? Are children welcome, or is it only for adults?
You may significantly restrict your search by defining your wedding style before you begin searching for a location. And selecting a location that properly sets the tone for your wedding style makes all the other aspects fall smoothly.
Set priorities
Consider the things at the top of your wedding priority list before committing to a location. Here are some ideas for items to include:
A rooftop ceremony location with a spectacular view
In-house catering that you may personalize to your liking
The option to bring your alcohol
A late curfew allows you to party until the early hours of the morning.
Bringing in all of your vendors rather than being restricted to a venue’s “preferred list.”
Having exclusive usage of the location ensuring that your event is completely private.
A wedding party getting-ready suite on-site.
A list of items you want can help you limit your venue possibilities.
Communicate your must-haves to the places you’re thinking about immediately away to see.
If they can accommodate them.
Mind The Restrictions
Most venues are willing to go out of their way to assist couples in realizing their wedding dreams, but there are certain constraints and limitations. Understand what they are before signing on the dotted line.
If you want to see a band, you wouldn’t want to book a location with a stringent no-live-music policy. You’ll need to locate a pet-friendly location. That great specialty drink you’ve been planning won’t be achievable if the venue is restricted to WCB.
Venues have regulations for a reason, and they rarely make exceptions simply because you want something. Every venue has specific restrictions that might affect your fun activities. From utilizing candles and sparklers to hang décor from the rafters.
Work Involved
There are two extremes on the wedding venue spectrum: blank slate versus all-inclusive.
A blank-slate wedding location is an empty room or outdoor place where you must create your wedding “from the ground up” by bringing everything in yourself. It may include anything from the tables, chairs, linens, and cutlery to the music system and dance floor. Additionally, portable bathrooms and generators, depending on the location.
All-inclusive venues provide several services or rentals at a single package price, making them ideal for couples. Who wants to press the “easy button” and save time and money. Catering, beverage service, enhanced rentals, cake, and other bonuses. They provide additional services such as a champagne toast, or a free honeymoon suite may be provided by all-inclusive venues.
Your vision and budget, as well as how much time and attention you’re ready to devote to your wedding. It will determine where you land on the wedding venue spectrum. Because each venue is unique. Be sure you understand precisely what’s included and what additional you’ll need to give to accomplish your desired outcome.
