Sealing the Deal: A Guide to Finding Your Dream Wedding Venue

Ah, the quest for the perfect wedding venue that sets the stage for the most magical day of your life! As you embark on this journey, the choices may seem endless, but fear not! We're here to guide you through the enchanting world of venues, helping you find the one that will make your heart skip a beat.
Reflecting Your Style: Where Personality Meets Place

• Your venue is more than just a backdrop; it's an extension of your love story. Whether you're drawn to the rustic charm of a barn, the elegance of a ballroom, or the tranquility of a garden, let your personalities shine through in your choice.
  
  • There are tons of amazing traditional and non-traditional venue choices, Discuss as a couple what kind of vibe you want to represent your day

Location, Location, Location: Considerations for Every Couple

• Proximity to home or a destination wedding? Weigh the pros and cons.
  • ​Local weddings are certainly convenient to many of your guests but you may be limiting your choices, 
    
  • Weddings a bit further out may give you some more unique options, a wider range of price points and an opportunity to make a whole weekend of it.
    
• You'll want to also consider accessibility for your guests and travel logistics.
  • ​"Destination" weddings (even if they're not out of state/country) can have a financial impact on your guests and depending on how many you expect to attend, can pose logistical challenges for accommodations. Some venues have limited hotel options in the area. 
    
• ​Separate ceremony location or a one stop shop?
  • ​Some venues will offer a chapel on site or a designated ceremony space. If you're not planning on having a ceremony in a specific house of worship, opting to have your ceremony and reception in the same place is a popular option for many couples for the convenience factor. 
    

Setting the Scene: Indoor vs. Outdoor Venues

• Dive into the unique ambiance created by indoor and outdoor settings.​
• Weather considerations and backup plans for outdoor ceremonies.
  • ​If choosing a venue with outdoor spaces, be sure to be 100% ok with the indoor backup plan. Can't control Mother Nature if she's feeling sassy on your wedding day. 
    

Size Matters: Finding a Venue that Fits Your Guest List

• A cozy affair or a grand celebration? Before touring a bunch of locations, work on curating your guest list. Break it out into A List, B List & your "Courtesy" invites. This will also help you to figure out your per person budget. 
• You'll want to strike the right balance for an intimate or expansive atmosphere.
  • ​A beautiful grand ballroom may be a bit much for a micro wedding and a cozy barn may be a tight fit for a 300 person celebration.
    

Budget Bliss: Navigating Costs and Hidden Fees

• Once you have an idea of how many people you want to join you on your big day, you can start to work on how much you can comfortably spend on your venue. Most venues will offer in house catering and you'll get a per person price. More information on how to allocate those dollars and cents can be found here.
• Not all venues are created equal. Be sure to come prepared with a list of questions to avoid any unwelcome surprises. Here's some helpful questions you can ask.

The Wow Factor: Features that Elevate Your Chosen Venue

• Transform a space to match your vision through decor and lighting.
  • ​Some venues are a blank space while others have everything you need. Consider how much decor you want to bring in vs. how much you want the venue to speak for itself. 
    

Availability and Flexibility: Booking Your Dream Venue

• Booking a venue early can help ensure you get the date of your choice. If you have a specific date in mind, you'll want to book at least 1.5-2 years out to secure it (you might get lucky with less time but popular venues book up fast!). If you're more interested in a specific season and have flexibility on the date, you can wait a bit but booking about a year out is fairly standard. 
• Choosing an off peak season or day of the week can get you your dream venue for a steal! Many venues will typically offer better rates for certain days/seasons. Creating the day of your dreams doesn't have to break the bank if you're a bit flexible. 
  

Guest Experience: Comfort, Convenience, and Creating Memories

• Considerations for guest comfort, from parking to restroom facilities.
  • ​If you have some older or handicapped guests, consider the accommodations the venue provides. If there are lots of stairs, uneven ground, etc. 

As you embark on the quest for the perfect wedding venue, remember that the right location is the canvas upon which your love story will unfold. From reflecting your unique style to considering practicalities like budget and guest comfort, each aspect plays a crucial role in creating a day you'll cherish forever. So may your venue search be filled with excitement, laughter, and the undeniable spark of finding the place where your dreams will come to life. Still need some help? We can steer you in the right direction. Fill out a contact form today and we can schedule a consultation and find a venue that's perfect for you!

Happy hunting!