A Guide for Couples Finding the Perfect Wedding Location
Choosing the perfect wedding location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make at the very beginning of our wedding planning. The wedding venue you pick will determine the number of guests you can invite, your décor options, your vendors, your wedding date and it will also have a big impact on your wedding budget, so it’s important to get it right!
There’s just so much choice, it was a little overwhelming and made a tough choice almost impossible. With so many options, how do you know you’ve found the perfect wedding venue? Here are some tips that helped us navigate the decision-making process.
Whether you have a dream venue in mind or are at the start of your wedding venue search, we have the tips and questions to ask your venue that are essential to nailing this process:
1. Define Your Vision:
- What kind of wedding are you envisioning? Rustic, elegant, modern, beach, intimate, or grand? Initially, we didn’t really have any particular location in mind, this was probably our first mistake. For having a smaller pool of venues allowed us to make more informed decisions. We had more time to visit each location and carefully consider our options. (Related: Small, Medium, or Grand? Defining Wedding Sizes )
- What’s your wedding theme? A theme doesn’t necessarily have to be something very specific like ‘Disney’ or ‘Wes Anderson films’, it can be more of a vague aesthetic; including the time of year you choose. This can actually be a huge help for choosing your perfect venue, for example, for a chic, modern feel, a warehouse wedding venue could be perfect.
- What’s your budget? Set a realistic budget and be upfront with potential venues about your price range. It can be very easy to be carried away with choosing venues and suppliers without doing the proper planning.
- How many guests are you expecting? This will significantly narrow down your options. The size of the venue is incredibly important and will impact on budget and the enjoyment of your guests. Consider unique venues like bars and restaurants for intimate weddings. Their existing décor can significantly reduce your decoration costs.
- What’s your preferred date and time of year? Consider the weather and seasonal availability when making your decision. If you love the idea of a winter wedding, then a venue that relies heavily on it’s outdoor space might not be the one for you, and somewhere with a roaring fire is always a plus!. However, if you’re looking to get married in the spring or summer, then those kinds of lovely country house venues with tons of outdoor space would fit the bill perfectly.
2. Explore Different Options:
Traditional Venues:
- Hotels: Often offer all-inclusive packages, making planning easier.
- Banquet halls: Provide spacious interiors and ample parking.
- Restaurants: Offer a more intimate setting and often have on-site catering.
Unique Venues:
- Museums: Offer unique backdrops and a touch of cultural sophistication.
- Gardens: Create a romantic and natural setting for your ceremony and reception.
- Barns: Perfect for rustic and charming weddings.
- Beaches: Ideal for couples who love the ocean and a relaxed atmosphere.
3. Visit Potential Venues in Person:
- Schedule tours: Visit venues in person to get a feel for the atmosphere and assess their suitability. Try to see the venue in person while it’s set up for another event. This will give you a better understanding of the space, guest flow, and overall atmosphere.
- Ask important questions: Inquire about availability, pricing, catering options, parking, and any restrictions. Confirm supplier rules and entertainment options.
- Meet with the venue coordinator: Discuss your vision and see how the venue can help bring it to life.
4. Consider Logistics and Guest Experience:
- Accessibility: Ensure the venue is easily accessible for all your guests.
- Parking: Consider parking options for your guests and any potential traffic concerns.
- Wedding Food: Early on, decide whether you prefer in-house or external catering. Not all venues offer both options. If in-house catering is available, ensure their menu aligns with your culinary vision.
- Accommodation: If your guests are traveling from out of town, consider the availability of nearby hotels. Make sure there’s somewhere for your guests to stay.
5. Don’t Forget to Read Reviews:
- Check online reviews: See what other couples have to say about their experiences with the venue.
- Ask for recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends, family, and wedding planners. Wedding groups on Facebook are great for recommendations from people local to the area you want to get married in, you can even get some excellent advice from brides who have used venues exactly like the one you’re looking for!
Finding the perfect wedding location may take some time, but the effort will be worth it. Couples should decide on their wedding venue based on a number of factors, including all those listed above. Remember to trust your instincts and choose a venue that reflects your unique style and creates a lasting memory for you and your guests.
After setting down the wedding venue, spread your big news with our affordable unique wedding invitations $1 to your guests.
Plus details of finding perfect wedding locations:
When To Book Your Wedding Venue?
Booking your venue 12-18 months in advance is recommended, but 9 months may be sufficient for many. Early booking provides peace of mind and allows for thorough planning.
Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue:
- What is your capacity for wedding receptions? And how many people can stay on-site?
- Can we hold our legal ceremony here?
- Are you an exclusive-use venue? How long do we have the venue for?
- What exactly is included in the price of hiring the venue?
- Is there a preferred supplier list and are we allowed to choose different people?
- Are there any noise restrictions?
- Who is responsible for taking down the wedding and getting rid of the rubbish?
- Is there a bar onsite? If not, do you charge corkage?
- Are we allowed to burn candles on site?
- Does the quote include VAT?