Things to Consider When Selecting a Wedding Venue
Finding the right wedding venue takes a lot of time and research and can often be one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding. You need to make sure that your venue ticks all the right boxes before you make a final decision.
Your venue will influence your budget as well as the atmosphere on the day so before you sign on the dotted line, below are three important things to consider before you decide on your wedding venue.
1. Venue size. Look at how many people you’re planning to invite to your wedding versus the number of people the venue can comfortably cater for. A crowded reception can be quite uncomfortable and if a venue is too large, it can affect the atmosphere and the overall look and feel. Put an initial guest list together before you start venue shopping so that you can make a better decision. PRO TIP: don’t forget if you have a band you will need to account for their space. This is often times missed.
2. What about the drinks? Alcohol and drinks are a big part of your wedding so it’s important to find out whether you can bring your own alcohol and what the costs are or if the venue will supply the drinks. Since you will also need a licensed bartender to serve alcohol, find out whether the venue can assist with this so that you can factor those costs into your final budget. PRO TIP: really consider if at all possible a per head price if you have a “drinking crowd” if not, a per drink price might be right up your alley.
3. Preferred vendors. You’re going to be working with several different vendors in the time leading up to and on your wedding day. Many venues require you to use specific vendors so find out about this before you make a booking. If they do work with specific vendors, make sure that you’re happy with their experience, style, personality, and pricing. When a venue works with preferred vendors, it does mean they’re confident in their experience and ability to delivery but it’s more important for you to choose vendors that fit in with your budget and overall preferences. PRO TIP: your relationship with your vendor team is one of the most if not the most important element in the planning process.
There are many different factors to consider when choosing the perfect wedding venue but make sure that it’s a space that speaks to your personalities and style as a couple.
As always, we love helping with venue matchmaking. Its a crucial part of the planning process and having a professional lend some advice on logistics and insights on hidden venue fees etc, makes a huge difference.
Eventfully,
Natasha
My sister is looking for a wedding venue for her planned June wedding next year. She’s asking for my help since I am the maid of honor. I’ll keep your tip in mind about ensuring the venue she chooses is the right size for the number of guests expected for the wedding. Thanks.
Love the last tip about the couple’s relationship with their vendor(s). As a wedding vendor myself, I understand how stressful weddings can be. From the planning to the day itself. That’s why as a limousine service and wedding transportation provider, we see to it that we make things easy for the bride- and groom-to-be on their special day.
It does make sense to find a venue that can accommodate your guests while adhering to your dream wedding theme. My cousin plans to hold a sci-fi-themed wedding and I want to help him with it! We should keep your ideas in mind so we can find the perfect place for her special occasion!
You definitely made a great point about size being one of the most important parts of a wedding venue. Since we’re really trying to invite as many of our relatives as possible, we wouldn’t want the venue to be hard to move around or settle into since that could make it uncomfortable for the guests. I’ll definitely ensure that we look around event halls and wedding ballrooms that have ample size for our event.