There is A LOT that goes into choosing the perfect wedding venue and you may be asking yourself, “where do I even start?” Well, you’re in luck because I have put together a list of things to consider and think about before saying yes to the venue. The venue is one of the first and most important steps in the wedding planning process! It sets the backdrop for the whole event and locks in the date. Finding your ideal venue can be tricky, so keep on reading to see how to pick a wedding venue that’s perfect for your special day!
Consider your Budget and their Availability
One of the first things you should do when looking at venues is to find the cost and availability. There’s nothing more disappointing than finding your dream venue and then finding out it’s way over your budget or they don’t have the date you want available. Think about how much you’re willing to spend and take into consideration if you will need rentals or if the venue will provide what is needed. Costs can rise significantly when you have to rent tables, chairs, lighting, a dance floor, and other elements of the day.
Determine Your Aesthetic
What does your dream wedding day look like? What kind of venue do you see yourself marrying the love of your life in? The venue sets the tone for the day, so you should have the general aesthetic you want picked out ahead of time. If you want a luxurious and modern theme, don’t go for outdoor barn venues. If you’re wanting more of a rustic feel, a modern hotel is probably not the best bet! Consider all the elements of the day and how they will all go together.
Location, Location, Location!
Location matters! If a lot of guests will be flying in, then it’s a good idea to find a venue that has an airport and a hotel nearby. Think about what the parking situation is and if you have any guests with disabilities that will need extra help. It’s smart to make sure there is some type of department or convenience store for any last-minute items such as a sewing kit or a tide pen.
Vendor Options
This one can be a bit tricky to navigate. Some venues allow you to choose your own vendors and don’t have many rules, while other venues have a specific list and you can only use the vendors they offer. Read over their rules and regulations to see if they’re a good fit and if they do have a preferred vendor list look it over and see your options!
Is there a Back-up Plan?
When it comes to the weather on your wedding day, it’s a good idea to hope for the best but prepare for the worst! Weather is unpredictable so if you’re planning an outdoor wedding make sure to ask your venue if they have backup options for bad weather. Whether they’re able to move the whole wedding indoors or set up a tent outdoors, make sure to have a plan B for any unexpected weather.
I hope this helped you understand the ins and outs of picking a wedding venue! For more wedding resources and inspiration, click here! To book me as the photographer for your big day, click here!
KIND WORDS
“Sara is an amazing photographer. I’m so grateful we were referred to her. Her style is light and bright, exactly what we were looking for in our wedding photographer. She is talented, sweet, and honest. Working with her was easy. She captured our goofy and sweet sides on our special day. In addition to our wedding, we also hired her to take my white coat headshots, which turned out perfect!”
– Colby Allison
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