Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue

One of the most difficult parts of planning a wedding, other than choosing the perfect dress, of course, is choosing the perfect venue. There are so many things to consider when searching for your dream venue; you may not even know where to begin. Luckily, we have some tips that can help you get some ideas flowing and get you closer to picking the perfect place to say “I do!”.

Budget

Having a rough idea of how many guests will be present on your big day can help you to get an estimate of just how much you’ll be spending on your venue. The saying goes, “the more the merrier”, but when it comes to weddings, this isn’t necessarily true! If you absolutely fall in love with a venue that may not fit into your budget, you can always try to book for an off-peak-season wedding date, such as a weekday.

Catering

Consider your catering needs. Are you looking for a place that will provide your guests with all the food and drink you’ll need? Or are you looking for a more food-savvy menu, maybe somewhere that will allow you to bring in your own private caterers or food from home. Your options can be limited if you are looking to bring in your own food and drink outside of the venue itself. Most venues allow you to bring in your own wedding cake and traditional sweets. Also, some venues even cater cultural foods and specific needs that you may want. It doesn’t have to be the same old boring banquet food! Look for venues that offer unique and international menu items!

Size

Is your dream wedding a grand and glamorous one or a small and intimate affair? Knowing this will help you to cut down on a few choices. If you’re looking for a more private wedding, you can check out a cozy restaurant, or even choose to have a small backyard wedding! Whether you like the traditional banquet or hotel setting, or want a different feel such as an outdoor venue, always call the venue to check what their maximum capacity is.

Style

You’ve been thinking about this ever since you were a little girl. What is the theme of your wedding? Do you envision yourself walking into a fairytale ballroom, or have you always wanted a rustic look? For some brides, the venue itself must fit perfectly into their theme. Banquet halls almost always work best for grand, glamorous, and fairytale themed weddings. This is because these halls usually offer spacious rooms with large chandelier lighting, perfect for that princess wedding. For a rustic look, you can look into your local golf clubs, farm houses, or any outdoor venues, which are ideal locations for this theme.

Location

It’s always important to keep your guests in mind when choosing your venue. As important as the bride and groom are on their wedding day, without guests, it can quickly go from party central to a boring event. Speaking of guests, find a venue that has the most ample parking space to cater to your crowd. Try choosing a venue that is most convenient for guests, something central for everyone. Be unique. Find a venue with a great view, whether it be the city skyline, the beach, or mountains in the distance, exceptional locations are always a plus. Some venues may not have a natural view, but you can find the beauty in its walls, such as artwork, architectural details, and even something such as rich Persian rugs.

Miscellaneous

Sometimes, little things can actually mean a lot on the day of your wedding. What we mean when we say miscellaneous, is what not to forget when choosing your venue! If you have allergies to pollen or grass, you may not want to choose an outdoor venue for your big day. Trust us, with all the planning a wedding takes, you may potentially forget these things!

With that being said, choosing the venue is really one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make before exchanging your vows, and it truly dictates the style of your wedding. Really focus on what will make you happy on your wedding day, and never rush into signing a contract. Beware of pushy vendors, slow down and read the fine print, and do what is best in terms of choosing where you envision your perfect day to be!