Finding a perfect wedding venue for your event may just be the most challenging part of the planning process. There are so many things to consider! Aesthetics, location, staff, availability, price – it can be overwhelming and difficult to know what should be prioritized. While we can’t choose for you, we can offer some tips to make the decision a bit easier.
Consult With a Wedding Planner
Even if you intend to plan the wedding yourself, it’s still a good idea to consult with a professional about the venue. Experienced wedding planners will have worked with a lot of venues in your area and know how successful past events have been at that location.
Have the Guest List Ready
Have an idea of how many guests will be attending before you start looking at venues. The number of people who will be there will narrow down the venues that are relevant to your event.
Obviously, you don’t want a space too small for people to move around comfortably. On the other hand, you don’t want a massive wedding hall for a small event, as the space will look empty.
Keep Your Budget in Mind
It’s easy to get carried away while wedding planning, but keeping a realistic budget in mind is important. Lead planner and CEO of Alley & Co. Alliey Kline-Weichelt explains, “It’s more than just how much renting the space will cost. Décor and floral design will also drive the cost up. Break down your overall budget by category, prioritizing more funds for vendors that are a higher priority. If you select your venue first, and then realize it’s more than you should have allocated, it’s an uphill battle to stay within your budget when you still have a dozen other people to hire.”
Consider Convenience
The most beautiful venue in the world won’t elevate your event if none of your guests can get there. Consider your loved ones’ locations, schedules, traffic, and other travel factors when choosing a venue. Kline-Weichelt suggests, “If you’re inviting a lot of out-of-town guests or having a destination wedding, look for a venue that’s near (or connected to) a hotel.”
Check What’s Included
Some venues seem pricey up-front but they include full service, which means you can save money on vendors. Similarly, there are venues that seem to be a steal, but you’ll need to purchase other services separately, driving up the price. Carefully consider what’s included in each venue’s price and whether or not it’d be cheaper to outsource certain services.
Regardless of which venue you choose, the point of your wedding day is uniting with the person you love. So, choose a place that speaks to you and feels like the right fit!