How to Choose Your Venue

If you missed our last blog post on developing your budget, be sure to read that! Because after determining your budget, the next big thing is your venue. We’re sharing tips on how to choose your venue to make it a seamless and stress-free process! Getting into this part of planning is often the fun part, but it comes with a lot of decisions to be made which can be stressful so read the tips below to help you find your perfect venue!

1. Determine your style

Having an idea of the style of your wedding is imperative. Do you want to have everything outdoors and casual? Do you prefer the more formal side and lean towards indoors? Will your ceremony be at a church so you’ll only need a venue for the reception? These are things you’ll want to know before you start looking at venues! You don’t have to have it all figured out, but you should have a general idea. There is no point in looking at a hotel ballroom if you’re an outdoor kind of couple!

 

2. Location, location, location

Location can be crucial as well. Be sure to consider your guests when choosing your venue. Of course, it’s your day, but you want to have a good guest experience too. Are there hotels nearby? Will you offer transportation if needed? Can Uber or Lyft transport guests? These are all important questions to ask when considering your venue and your guests!

Think about your photos as well! Is your venue somewhere that you will want to take photos at or will you need an alternative photo location?

 

3. Understand your budget

It’s important to be realistic about your budget. There are all types of venues for a variety of price points, but keep in mind rates may vary drastically at venues based on what is included. Some may include catering and/or the bar. Some may include tables and chairs. Others may not include anything else besides the venue space itself. Make sure you understand what a venue is providing so you can understand the cost as well.

 

4. Know your guest count

You’ll need to have a good idea of your guest count when you start looking at venues. If you have 300 guests, a space for less than that simply won’t work. Trust us, you and your guests don’t want to be crowded and jammed into a space! Ensure there is enough room for your tables AND a dance floor. Also, if the venue is providing tables and chairs, ask what size tables they have. 60-inch rounds generally fit eight people while 72-inch rounds generally fit 10 people. Other venues may have banquet tables that change the layout as well.

 

 

Now that you have these tips on how to choose your venue, head out and tour some venues. Since you have this knowledge, you’ll be able to choose the one that’s perfect for you! Feel like you still want help with planning? Contact us today!