Choosing a venue for your big day can be a daunting task, to say the least. The venue is one of the biggest elements of your wedding and it sets the tone for the event. These steps will help you narrow down your venue search and find the perfect space for your wedding day.
1. Choose a General Location
Before anything else, you’ll want to decide on a general location for your wedding. You may want to consider where your partner’s close family and friends reside, as well as yours. If you’re having a destination wedding, you’ll want to pick your ideal country or region. This will help you narrow down your venue search considerably.
2. Come Up With Some Dates
When booking a venue, you will need to have a few dates in mind to ensure the space is available for the season or time you’re looking at. It’s best to come up with a few dates that you know will work for you, your partner and close loved ones, so you can be flexible if your first choice won’t work at your venue of choice.
3. Set Your Budget
Setting a budget isn’t the easiest or most exciting part of wedding planning, but it’s something you can’t afford to skip. It’s likely that your venue is going to comprise of at least half of your wedding budget, so it’s important you have a tangible number in mind before embarking on your search.
4. Know Your Guest Count
Keep in mind that every wedding venue has a capacity, and some venues may be more suitable for a larger number of guests than others. Before diving into your search, you should have a pretty good estimate of your guest count to make sure your friends and family will fit comfortably in the venue that you choose.
5. Consider Any Amenities
If you’re having a destination wedding or a considerable number of out-of-town guests, you’ll want to consider what accommodations are near your venue for guests to stay overnight. In addition to accommodations, be sure to note any venue amenities that you may desire, including an on-site coordinator, bar, catering, tables, linens and decor arrangements.
6. Decide on a Theme or Style
When searching for the perfect wedding venue, you’ll want to find one that aligns perfectly with your vision. Think about which features your ideal wedding would have, whether that be rustic elements, an outdoor courtyard, art galleries or modern furnishings. Choosing a space that matches your desired aesthetic will enhance your wedding theme and decor.
7. Do Your Research
The research process can seem overwhelming at the beginning, but once you have a better grasp on some of the major details described above, you will find this part much less difficult. Start by searching online to find photos, read reviews and more. You can narrow down your search with your desired location, availability, budget, capacity, amenities and style. Once you find a few favorites, reach out and pay them a thorough in-person visit!
8. Make a Comparison Chart
Too many options can make the venue search process difficult. Making a comparison chart is a great way to stay organized and weigh the pros and cons of your top picks with a visual. It will also remind you of what questions still need answering from each venue. Be sure to include prices, amenities and capacity in your chart.
