6 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue

Let’s get one thing clear – there’s really no such thing as a “perfect” wedding venue. After all, each couple is unique. No one venue is going to be a perfect fit for everyone.  However, this is such a thing as a venue that is perfect for your wedding. 

Are you looking to find just the right place to tie the knot, but don’t know where to start?If so, here are X tips for narrowing down your choices to find the perfect wedding venue for you.

• Think About Your Vision

Your wedding should be a unique vision that reflects your personality, your tastes, and all of the things that are important to you. Before you start searching for a venue, make a list of the things that are important for your vision for the wedding.

It might be the desire for an outdoor wedding in the fall, or a space that will allow for ballroom dancing. Perhaps you can’t imagine your wedding photos without trees and greenery in the background. Whatever the case, deciding on your vision and not budging on it will help to narrow down your search to venues that are right for you.

• Consider Your Location

How far are you willing to travel for the perfect venue? If you are opting for a destination wedding, bear in mind that it may limit the number of guests who will be able to attend. It also means that you will have to do a lot of your planning remotely – you may not ever see the venue in person until the day of your wedding.

It’s also important to look at the area surrounding your venue to see how it may impact your day. Will there be adequate parking in the area? Are there any sporting venues or local events nearby that may affect your wedding plans? These are all important things to find out well in advance, so that you can plan accordingly.

• Look at Your Guest List

The size of your guest list is of vital importance when choosing the perfect wedding venue. A place that is too small will lead to guests tripping over one another, or having nowhere to sit down. A place that is too large will feel empty, and will likely cost much more than needed. 

Check the occupation limits of each venue, and try to keep your guest list within 75% capacity. This allows you a little wiggle room, figuratively speaking, and will make your guests feel more comfortable.

• Determine Your Budget

It’s tempting to blow your wedding budget on a beautiful, sought-after venue, especially after imagining how good your pictures will look. However, it’s important to remember that your venue is just one of the many things that are included in your wedding budget.

Martha Stewart Weddings recommends that you spend no more than ten to fifteen percent of your wedding budget on your venue rentals. While this number may seem low, keep in mind that other costs, such as food and drink, are on the rise in recent years, and may demand a larger portion of your budget.

If you want to save money on your venue, look for unique and unusual choices that aren’t normally used for weddings. This can include city parks, bed and breakfasts, universities, or a local library.

• Find Out What’s Included

If you have an eye on a venue that hosts weddings and other events fairly often, it’s likely that many of the things you will need for the ceremony and reception will be included in the rental. Tables and chairs, linens, a sound system, ice machines, and other necessities are often included in the rental fee, or are available for an extra charge.

Venues that serve another purpose outside of event rentals may not include the amenities. This means that you will have to provide them yourself. Make note of which venues include equipment rental in their services, and set aside a budget for equipment if necessary.

• Remember Your Guests

While some venues may be beautiful, they aren’t a good fit for your wedding if your guests won’t be comfortable. Some botanical gardens or other historic sites may look great in photos, for example, but they don’t allow for chairs on their lawn. 

You may love the old world architecture of a downtown comedy club, but your guests might not appreciate the smell of cigar smoke in the air or the tiny bathrooms. And while your bridesmaids may look fantastic in their beautiful dresses, they may not stay that way if you’ve chosen a vineyard with no shade from the sun.

If necessary, you can steer your wedding party in a certain direction if you have a particular venue in mind. Bella Bridesmaids has bridesmaids and groomsmen’s attire in a vast selection that is sure to include the right options for your chosen venue. 

Your guests are there to support you and to share their love for you on your special day. It’s important to consider their needs just as much as your own when deciding on a wedding venue. 

Conclusion

Picking that perfect venue may seem like an overwhelming choice at first. But, if you stop and ask yourselves just a few thoughtful questions, and keep your and your guests’ needs in mind, you are well on your way to finding the perfect play to say “I do.”