Finding the right wedding venue takes a lot of time and research and can often be one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding. You need to make sure that your venue ticks all the right boxes before you make a final decision. Your venue will influence your budget as well as the atmosphere on the day so before you sign on the dotted line, below are five important things to consider before you decide on your wedding venue.
1. Venue size
Look at how many people you’re planning to invite to your wedding versus the number of people the venue can comfortably cater for. A crowded reception can be quite uncomfortable and if a venue is too large, it can affect the atmosphere and the overall look and feel. Put an initial guest list together before you start venue shopping so that you can make a better decision.
2. Location
Think about the location of your venue intentionally because it can easily put your guests off attending your wedding. If your wedding ceremony and reception are to be held at two different sites, make sure they are close to each other. If the two sites are more than two hours apart, that could make things hectic for your guests. Think about the accessibility of your venue. If a large number of your guests are coming from far, consider choosing a venue that’s near an airport and is easily accessible by road. There should also be accommodation at your venue or hotel options nearby.
3. What about the drinks?
Alcohol and drinks are a big part of your wedding so it’s important to find out whether you can bring your own alcohol and what the costs are or if the venue will supply the drinks. Since you will also need a licensed bartender to serve alcohol, find out whether the venue can assist with this so that you can factor those costs into your final budget.
4. Preferred vendors
You’re going to be working with several different vendors in the time leading up to and on your wedding day. Many venues require you to use their vendors so find out about this before you make a booking. If they do work with specific vendors, make sure that you’re happy with their experience, style, personality, and pricing. When a venue works with preferred vendors, it does mean they’re confident in their experience and ability to delivery but it’s more important for you to choose vendors that fit in with your budget and overall preferences.
5. Parking
In this day and age, parking is a critical factor when it comes to choosing your wedding venue. Ensure there’s plenty of parking space at the venue. Include a map in your invitations to show guests where cars should be parked. If your preferred venue does not have enough parking space, tell your guests about the entry points to parking lots that are close by. You may suggest carpooling or provide a shuttle service to ferry guests to the venue.
There are many different factors to consider when choosing the perfect wedding venue but make sure that it’s a space that speaks to your personalities and style as a couple.
