It’s undoubtedly that choosing the wedding venue is the biggest and most important decision you’ll have to make when planning your event. The location will set the theme and tone of the wedding, influence your budget, and determine the number of guests you’ll be able to invite.
Considering its importance and role in your big day, it may feel like a daunting task. Hence, it would be advisable to start going through your options right away. We’ve put up a list of things you should do and think about when deciding on your location in this post. From start to finish, these tips will facilitate the decision process.
Tip Number 1: Think about the General Location
While it was customary to hold weddings in the bride’s hometown, this tradition has almost disappeared. Nowadays, people choose different locations to have their weddings. These locations include the town or city where the husband or other spouse grew up in, in the city, in a country the couple has always wanted to visit… the list goes on.
But whether it’s the hometown for convenience or another country for its backdrop, decide on the general location as soon as possible. This will make finding specific venues easier.
Tip Number 2: Set an Estimated Guest Count
This is just as important as your budget. Firstly, because it can considerably impact your budget. And secondly, not every wedding venue has the same capacity.
Therefore, if your guest list consists of 75 persons you will just need to have a venue that accommodates this number of people and that fits your budget. But don’t just come up with a random number. Sit you with your partner and plan carefully. While you may not have an exact number, you will have an estimate that will make finding the venue easier.
Tip Number 3: What Is Your Budget?
Wedding venues do not come at a small price. In fact, the venue cost can amount t around half of your wedding budget.
Considering the amount of money you’ll already be spending on your clothes, food, photoshoot, transportation and honeymoon, think about setting a clear budget for your venue from the onset. It will make choosing the venue easier.
Tip Number 4: Think about You Want for Your Wedding
What would your dream wedding venue look like? When trying to imagine how you want it to look like, think about themes, colour schemes and season.
Are you looking for a traditional wedding? Or do you want an outdoor ceremony? Just as with your guest list, you will need to sit down with your partner and decide on your priorities.
Tip Number 5: Set the Date
If you already know when you want to hold your wedding, good on you. If not, at least try to narrow down some dates. It will simplify the wedding venue hunt, trust us!
Tip Number 6: The Internet Is Your Friend
Use it wisely. It’s not just about using Pinterest to find the perfect location (even though it is a very helpful app).
Look at reviews. Visit their websites. Check for photos taken by guests. These can help you narrow down your list of potential venues considerably.
Tip Number 7: You Don’t Have to Go On-Site to Ask Questions
Among the venues you’ve looked at, consider contacting you top 3 – 5 favourite venues to ask questions. You can ask about the date (it won’t be worth visiting if they are already booked on that date), the capacity of guests the venue can hold, any other additional services they offer and the pricing.
Tip Number 8: Visit
You cannot make a definite decision without first visiting the venues that you’ve shortlisted. You’ll want to see how the venue really looks like in person and meet the staff and venue coordinator as well.
Another wise thing to do would be to visit at the time and the season you want to get married in. It allows you to have a clear picture of how the venue will look like on that day.
Tip Number 9: Remember that Even the Perfect Venue Comes with Some Cons
Now that your list has been considerably shortened, remember to weigh the pros and cons of the venues that still remain on your list.
While something may feel seem like a positive thing to you, it might not be the same for your partner. Sit down with them and draw a list of these benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
Tip Number 10: Signing the Contract
Now that you’ve chosen your perfect venue, ask to sign a contract. It is the best way to make sure that you’ve secured your desired venue.
However, do not just sign on those dotted lines without having properly read the contract. Read it carefully and ask for clarification if necessary. It’s an important decision, and even though you might be tempted to sign the contract and be done with it, affixing your signature to a contract without giving it a close read first might cost you a lot down the road.
