11 Things to Know Before Choosing Your Wedding Venue
Photographer: Nikki Lawrence
It probably comes as no surprise that choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding. The venue will set the tone for your wedding day so choosing wisely is super important! If this is making your palms sweat, don’t worry! Here are 11 things to think before choosing your wedding venue.
The Timeline
If there is only one thing you take away from this article, it’s this: start your wedding venue search farther in advance than you think! Many venues are booked out up to 18 months in advance so the sooner you start the search, the more likely you’ll secure your dream wedding location.
Being Flexible With Dates
You may have your heart set on a specific wedding date (or time of year) but being flexible may be your best bet for securing your ideal wedding venue. Having two ranges of dates - ones that work for you and ones that don’t (such as holidays) will help ensure your perfect wedding venue is available. And since most couples do choose their venue first, the date follows based on availability.
How Many Venues?
There are typically two camps of couples: those who choose one venue for their ceremony and a different one for their reception and those who have their ceremony and reception at the same venue. Most fall into the latter category but if you’re planning on separate locations, keep in mind travel time to the reception venue as well as where you’ll take pictures.
The Location
Unless you’re planning on a destination wedding, you’ll want to take into account the venue’s accessibility. For example, is it easy to get to or super out of the way? Are the directions easy to understand for out-of-town guests? This is especially important if you’re planning on two separate venues as you don’t want anyone to get lost!
The Style
Your wedding venue will, of course, be an extension of your style so making sure it fits your vision is extremely important. Are you more drawn to interior venues such as a hotel or ballroom? Are you more into the rustic look synonymous with an outdoor wedding venue? Your personal style will ultimately dictate where you have your wedding.
The Capacity
While it’s quite obvious you aren’t able to fit 300 people into a space that’s designed for only 150 guests, the opposite is just as true. Some couples make the mistake of booking an oversized wedding venue for their guest count - meaning they end up spending more to make it feel intimate and full. And, make sure the ceremony AND the reception space are able to accommodate your total guest count.
The Budget
Your wedding venue budget isn’t always easy to figure out, but most couples designate around 10-15% but could be upwards of 20%.
The Venue Packages
Speaking of budgets, packages are something to consider when choosing a venue. Some wedding venues don’t offer full-service packages such as catering, bar, staff, etc., while other venues do. If you’re on a budget, choose a venue without full-service packages as you can find outside vendors at a lower cost. If you do choose a venue package, make sure to allocate about 40-50% of your budget. And, be sure to ask about any minimums, site fees, insurance, deposits, etc. to ensure there aren’t any surprises!
The Transportation
A lesser-known aspect to look for in a wedding venue is anything transportation-related. That includes enough space for parked cars and ensuring there are enough local hotels with vacancies to keep the guest experience positive. Most venues will provide local hotel options but don’t be afraid to ask if it’s not included.
The Curfew
Knowing when the party has to stop (not necessarily end!) is a seemingly minor yet crucial detail. It’s super important to know the local noise ordinance restrictions before signing the contract. If you’re planning on dancing the night away to loud music is on your must-have list, make sure you choose a venue that supports that!
In Case of Emergency
Last but not least, knowing what your venue provides in case of an emergency - especially if it’s in a natural disaster-prone location - can save your big day. Most of the time, your wedding planner will handle this aspect but if not, confirming the venue’s cancellation policy is super important.
At the end of the day, choosing a wedding venue is deeply personal based on style, location, and budget. But, keeping these 11 things in mind will help your search and keep the overall process as stress-free as possible.