Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
One of the first things fiancés do the day after they get engaged is start planning the wedding of their dreams. And anyone who’s planned one before knows that the most major arrangements need to be made as soon as possible – especially when it comes to the wedding venue. Some even start planning their first day as a fiancé, meaning they’re searching online for wedding venues, making calls, and touring sites on day one.
If this is you, however, take a step back and make sure you’re covering all your bases. Choosing a wedding venue requires a lot of planning and there are a number of factors that you need to take into consideration. Read on for some tips on choosing the perfect venue for your dream wedding.
Budget around life’s expenses
Wedding costs can add up to over tens of thousands of dollars, and wedding venues alone make up the most expensive component – averaging about $9,000 across the country. Aside from that, this time in your life brings a lot of other major expenses, like going on your honeymoon, buying a home, and even having children. Create a wedding budget and take a deep dive into your finances to make sure you’re prepared to commit to all of these investments.
Research budget-friendly venues and honeymoon destinations so you can afford to buy a home or prepare for children after the wedding. Before looking for your first home as a couple, search for affordable, child-friendly neighborhoods to see how much you’ll need to save for a home. Then create a budget that lays out all of these major expenses and what they’d look like in monthly payments to give you an idea of how much you’d have to spend on the wedding venue.
Think about your guests
The first thing to think about is how many guests you plan to have at the wedding. This will directly affect the venue you’re able to choose. It can be hard to sit down with your partner and decide who’s on the list, as the more guests you have, the more expensive the wedding gets. Start with your must-haves: the wedding party, immediate family, close friends, etc. To cut the list down to fit your venue, eliminate plus-ones or people you aren’t in regular contact with.
Keep in mind that large wedding venues may be more difficult to book, which can push your wedding date out farther than you want. That said, a smaller guest list could broaden your availability of venue choices and even secure the wedding date you’re hoping for. Finally, remember it’s likely that all guests invited will not be able to attend, so experts recommend planning for 85% of local guests and 55% of out-of-town guests to attend.
Learn about the venue itself
Each venue will have a different setup, atmosphere, and aesthetic that you’ll want to keep consistent with the themes and style of your wedding. Here are some venue details to consider:
Does the venue match your wedding’s theme and style? For example, a barn venue might not be the right place to fit your dream of a formal wedding.
What types of arrangements does the venue include? A venue may offer catering, an open bar, decorations, hotel blocks, dance floor, etc.
Does the venue have a place for the ceremony and reception? One that contains both will ensure that your guests don’t have to travel from one place to another.
For outdoor venues, is there a backup plan for poor weather?
Is the venue fit for wedding photography? Will you have to venture elsewhere for your photoshoot?
Will an event coordinator be included in the package to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly?
How much does the venue cost? Be sure that it doesn’t eat up too much of your budget.
Although the venue is simply one aspect of planning your wedding, so much goes into deciding on the right one. Budget cautiously, ask questions, and talk with friends and family to learn about their experiences and get a smooth start to your life as newlyweds.