Even before you get fitted for your wedding dress, finding a place to get married should be the first step in the planning process. The wedding venue is what your guests will see first before they see you. It’s a must that you find a place that both suits your taste and accommodates all the people you’ll be inviting.
However, looking for the perfect wedding venue can be a stressful task for any bride. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are seven tips to put your mind at ease and help you choose the wedding venue of your dreams.
Find And Talk With A Planner
Wedding planners exist for a reason. They have the experience to turn brides’ visions into reality. Let them know what you and your partner expect in this one-day event. They’ll synthesize all your ideas and give clarity to the ones that still appear muddled.
Before canvassing venues, you need to book a planner first. Make sure to choose a reputable one trusted by other brides. Read reviews or ask friends and family if they know anyone with the skill and credibility. Find one that not only listens to you but also gives sound advice. You don’t want your wedding budget wasted on an event that doesn’t meet your standards.
Know Your Budget
Speaking of budget, this should be the first thing that comes to mind before planning a wedding at all. Everything else that follows will depend on this.
Be mindful of how much you have. Weddings can be expensive, and this rings true for venues. Take note of the time of the year you plan to get married, too, because it can also determine the venue’s cost. Event venues during off-peak seasons tend to be cheaper, so you might want to schedule your wedding during those periods.
It’s also essential to note customizable decorations. They can be on the pricey side, but if your budget permits, grab the chance! You can personalize your wedding down to the details. For instance, your chosen venue can have custom furniture like a 10’x10′ canopy to shade guests in style outdoors.
Remember to set aside a contingency fund too. You’ll need it for any unforeseen events that may happen during your wedding.
Have An Aesthetic Or Wedding Theme In Mind
Know your vision and aesthetic. Some venues might be popular for weddings, but they won’t always fit your tastes or budget.
Having a theme in mind also helps narrow down venue options with your planner. If you want to have a beach wedding, it wouldn’t make sense to have the event done indoors. Focus on places that match your theme, and you’ll have an easier time choosing.
Curate Your Guest List
The number of guests you plan to invite is also a deciding factor in a wedding venue. You won’t need a massive place for a guest list only composed of close friends and family.
Talk with your partner regarding how many guests you want to have. Set a median number once you’ve finalized your list. Then, decide on a venue based on that. That way, the place you choose won’t end up feeling too small if all guests arrive or too big if only half of them do.
Consider The Location
Wedding venues can either be outdoor or indoor areas. Some may even have perks for special events, so do your research and inquire. These perks may even cut costs. Other places can be blank slates free for you to customize however you want.
The venue has to be accessible to all your guests even before you get anyone’s confirmation. Parking should also be available for them, especially if it will be somewhere far. For out-of-town locations, consider accommodations for all attendees. They can be right in the venue or a nearby hotel. You can even offer a shuttle service to your guests.
Visiting the venue in person first will also give you an idea of its size and how many decorations you can put. It’s the perfect opportunity to check if it possesses the must-haves for an outdoor wedding. So, take the time to get to know the place before booking.
Have Backup Options In Hand
Backup options are crucial for outdoor venues. Having backup venue options will save everyone from a sudden rainstorm on the big day.
Even if you decide to have an indoor wedding, it never hurts to have a Plan B or C in case your Plan A happens to be unavailable. These can be the venue candidates that made the cut but were not as fitting as your first choice.
Just Be Yourself
Stay true to what you and your partner really want in your wedding. It doesn’t have to be exactly like the ones you see on social media. The perfect wedding venue is the one that truly represents you both as a couple. Trust in your intuition and enjoy the process. And most importantly, have fun!
A Marriage To Remember
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event for most people. The dress, the cake, and the guests all create an everlasting memory for the couple. But the venue is vital in keeping all those elements in place.
Remember these tips while searching for your wedding venue. You’ll save yourself from added stress as you get closer to your big day. It doesn’t need to be the grandest place in the world. As long as it suits you and your partner, and with careful planning, you can make it perfect.
