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Like most elements of planning a wedding, choosing the right venue can seem like an impossibly overwhelming task. Then add in the fact that the location makes a huge impact on the overall vibe of your ceremony and reception, and there’s a lot of pressure on one decision.
So how can you make sure you get it right? We’re glad you asked!
Here are 5 of our pro tips for choosing the perfect wedding venue…
1. Enquire about availability ASAP
Spoiler alert for when you start looking at venues: there are a lot out there. Researching and trying to nail down a shortlist can be the source of one inescapable headache.
That’s why enquiring about availability on your special date from the get-go can be such an advantage. Most popular venues have quite a waitlist, so knocking out the ones that aren’t going to be practical due to unavailability can make the decision process a lot easier. It also ensures you won’t get your heart set on somewhere only to have your world come crashing down due to a calendar clash.
2. Think about the amount of work involved
A major factor that couples consider when booking a venue is cost, for obvious reasons. What they might not consider is how much that cost can influence the effort you’re going to have to put in.
You’re already busy planning every painstaking detail of your wedding and reception, so chances are you don’t want to be too hands-on when it comes to making your venue look great. That’s why sometimes it’s better to resist the temptation of booking a function hall lined with felt walls and white trestle tables under the pretense of “we can spruce this up!”, and go for a venue that’s already established with a décor that you love. Besides, we all know how those “easy-looking” DIY Pinterest projects actually end up in real life…
3. Carefully consider location
This might seem obvious, but there are some really key factors you should consider when it comes to the location of your wedding. It’s not just about where is going to have a beautiful setting for your photographer to capture (although that’s important obviously).
The main thing to consider is how accessible a location is. As in, is there enough public transportation around? Or, if most of your guests are going to be driving, are there enough parking facilities? Can you budget in providing a shuttle bus from a nearby location? Your friends and family enjoying your special day is most likely important to you, so considering these factors ahead of time can really save you some drama and grumbling guests.
4. Visit at the same time that your wedding will be held
Once you’re past the initial research phase and are starting to physically scout out venues, it’s important to make sure you visit at least once at the same time of day that you’ll be getting hitched. Things like lighting, foot traffic, surrounding noise, and more will all be different depending on the time.
5. Inquire about other bookings
Some venues will try to fit as many weddings in one day as possible, which means you could have another booking due before or after yours. It’s important to inquire about this and consider the ramifications when you do; what if the wedding before yours runs overtime? What if yours is running over? What’s the maximum time you’re allowed to be in the venue?
The better equipped with answers you are, the better you can narrow down the never-ending list of wedding venues there are to choose from.
Happy planning everyone,
x Christine