If you’re getting hitched this year, you’re likely in the midst of an exciting time for you, your sweetheart and both of your loved ones. Whether you’re going the route of hiring a wedding planner or you’re going at the process completely independently, you’ll likely have something to say about the choice of venue. Since it’s one of the biggest wedding expenditures and sets the tone for the wedding itself, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to pick and choose out of the array of options available. If you’re starting to hone in on your search, here are some of the points you can consider when picking your wedding venue.
1. Think About Your Budget
Your budget is one of the first things to consider when shopping around for any part of your wedding. While the average couple spends right around $15,000 on their venue, the figures can vary widely depending on your needs.
2. Consider Your Date
The planning process is crucial here. You’ll usually want to shop wedding venues far enough in advance that you can pick a prime date. However, you may want to start your search even earlier if you already have certain vendors booked or if you have a specific date in mind.
3. The Atmosphere
Knowing the atmosphere you want, your theme — if you have one — and a vision of your aesthetic can be one of the most important elements of finding the perfect venue. Do you want something classic and elegant, or funky and artistic? This is also a good time to think about if you have specific vendors you want to book or if you’re all right with a venue that works with specific vendors.
4. The Guest List and Capacity
A micro wedding will have very different needs from a big ball of an event — as you probably already know. That being said, check out your guest list and capacity, and see what you need in terms of space. Even the specifics of a few dozen guests can narrow your choices down.
5. Indoor or Outdoor?
If you haven’t landed on a preference for indoor or outdoor weddings yet, now might be the time to start thinking about it. Consider the season you’re getting married, the scenery and the religious or cultural significance you want to embody.
6. Consider Accommodations
Many weddings — especially those with people traveling from far distances — need to have some form of accommodation for guests to stay overnight. Think about how many people will need this, and search for venues that can accommodate what you need.
7. Feel Out the Vibe
One of the best ways to choose a venue is actually the least calculated — simply going there yourself and getting a feel for it. You want to feel comfortable in the place you’ll be sharing your nuptials, so it’s important that you go with your gut on anything, even if it might seem silly.
Picking Your Wedding Venue
There are a lot of moving parts that go into choosing your venue, from the guest list to the overall feeling you get when you walk through the doors. No matter what your style or season is for your event, you’ll be able to find the space you’re looking for. And when you find the perfect place to say “I do,” you’ll be that much closer to your happily ever after!
Written by: Cora Gold