16 Rules for Choosing Your Wedding Venue
Photography: @justindemutiis
Second to getting engaged, choosing a wedding venue is the next most exciting aspect of planning your wedding! Your wedding venue is the foundation of your wedding, since it’s where you’ll have your ceremony, (potentially) your reception, celebrate with friends and family, and will set the tone for your overall wedding aesthetic.
But choosing a wedding venue isn’t always that easy! Here are 16 things to consider when choosing your perfect wedding venue.
Only visit one to three wedding venues in a single day, otherwise you’ll get overwhelmed!
If your wedding will have a religious ceremony, reserve that spot first as most have set ceremony times.
Even if it’s your perfect location, exclude any venue that doesn’t accommodate your guest list. Although RSVP’s ebb and flow, it’s a gamble that could end badly!
Create a list of non-negotiables to avoid wasting time touring places that don’t check those boxes.
If most of your friends and family live farther away, consider choosing a wedding venue that’s centrally located. It could be the most perfect venue but if it’s five hours away from the airport, guests probably won’t be happy.
Be sure to ask if your preferred hotel has another wedding that weekend. Some hotels double-book weddings and could affect the number of rooms available.
Ask if the venue offers catering. If they do, inquire about the menu and if it’s customizable. If not, do they have a list of preferred caterers for you to work with?
Inquire about the curfew (if any). If you’re planning on having an all-night bash, you may have to take it elsewhere as venues often have a time limit.
Is your perfect wedding venue actually on budget? Make sure to go through that venue’s contract to see if there are any hidden fees or additional costs.
Is their fee all-inclusive? If the fee is not all-inclusive, you’ll probably have to pay for rentals - which can get expensive. Additionally, make sure you know if the total fee includes state tax and gratuity.
Ask about separate fees for ceremony and reception prep. Some venues require an additional fee to set up the ceremony AND the reception.
How much time is allotted for setup and breakdown? And ensure you know the fees for going over that time limit (just in case!).
Ensure the DJ or band has enough power supply on site. If not, you may have to rent a generator.
Make sure all the lighting is covered, too. No one wants to party in the dark!
Confirm the venue’s security deposit and valet (if applicable). Some venues charge per car while others add a flat-fee. And, don’t forget to factor in tips for attendants!
Are bathrooms available on site? If not, you’ll have to include renting them into your overall budget and layout!
While it may seem like a lot of “rules”, keeping these 16 tips in mind when choosing a wedding venue can save you additional stress or frustrations down the road!