6 Steps For Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
6 Steps for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
Choosing the perfect wedding venue in our area can be a super daunting task. Does it probably feel like you can’t do any planning until you get your venue nailed down? There are so many things to consider when booking your wedding venue, but it is hard to know which ones would fit your wedding the best! Navigating the intricacies of picking a venue is difficult, so we broke it down into 6 easy steps to book the wedding venue of your dreams!
Set Budget
Photography: Elizabeth Hoard Photography
Venue: Central Station Hotel
Ahhhh the all-mighty budget. The budget quite literally controls everything to do with your wedding so be sure to knock that out of the way first! When you set the budget, you can start to knock off a couple of venues on your list simply based on the budget!
2. Set Guest Count
Photography: Danielle Lozeau
Venue: Annesdale Mansion
Florals: Everbloom Designs
Rentals: White Door Events
The guest count is the second most important thing when determining which wedding venue to pick! The guest count determines the size of the venue. If you have a smaller guest count, the smaller the venue and vice versa! You’ll be able to knock off a couple more venues based on the sizes being too big or too small for your guest count!
3. Availability
Photography: Shelby Renee Photography
Venue: Orion Hill
Rentals: White Door Events
Florals: Connor & Co.
The third big criteria for the perfect wedding venue! Do you have a date you absolutely have to have? Is your date a little more flexible? Or do you not have a date set at all and just know you must have a spring wedding? Pulling together even a loose idea for a date is very helpful in picking a venue! Keep in mind that Friday & Saturday dates are generally more expensive. If you need to go for a more budget-conscious date, look for venues available for a Thursday or Sunday wedding!
4. Al La Carte or All-Inclusive?
Venues often have required vendors or a preferred vendors list. Some vendors include bar services and catering in the price of booking the venue. Having a preferred or required vendors list leaves more room for customization but also means you have a couple more vendors to check off your to-do list. Being an all-inclusive venue makes it easier when it comes to a lighter checklist, but you have to make sure you enjoy the venue’s catering and other included services.
5. Location, Location, Location!
If the venues for the ceremony and reception are different, you have to consider how your guests will get there. Will you provide the transportation? Will the guests drive themselves? Is the parking paid or unpaid? Is the parking lot far away, and does the venue provide a shuttle? These are all great questions to ask the venue when you go on the tour, so whip out a pen and notepad and take some notes!
6. Does it Fit Your Overall Vibe?
Photography: The Kenneys
Venue: Propcellar
Florals & Planning: Connor and Co.
If you’re having a more low key ceremony, you definitely shouldn’t book the huge, lavish mansion that busts your budget! Just because it may be THE venue everyone books or the one your mom fell in love with, but you’re not so sure, don’t book a venue for the wrong reasons! Think about the wedding you envision and the vibe you want to achieve and go off your instincts!
Overall, jot down the basic guides like a budget, guest count, and date to narrow down your search for venues! If the venue provides linens or tables and chairs, be sure to look at them to make sure you don’t have to order more, and they fit your wedding vibe! Ask for a preferred vendors list if they have one, or make sure to book a tasting if they are an all-inclusive venue!
