Let your wedding vision lead the way:
While pretty much every aspect of a wedding is optional, from wearing a suit instead of a dress to
ditching the traditional church ceremony to forgoing the wedding cake, there’s one thing you can’t skip: a
venue. This might seem obvious but seek out venues that fit the aesthetic you have in mind. You want
the venue to not only be comfortable for you and your guests but to also have that WOW factor!
Once you have an idea of how you want your wedding to look, feel and be remembered in photos, the
next step is to find a wedding venue that fits your style as a couple. Do not feel like you have to select a
modern venue, or outdoor barn because it is trendy – Select a venue that fits YOU. It is important to ask
yourselves what feels authentic to you two as a couple.
An easy way to narrow down your list of venue options is to see what fits in your budget. The venue eats
up a good portion of your wedding budget, so knowing what you can spend is very important. A venue
that includes tables, chairs, linens, and the wedding cake might cost more upfront – But is well worth it in
the end when everything is done by one vendor. Try not to have your heart set on any venues that are
outside of your budget. It is easy to fall in love with a venue, but if it is too expensive or does not have the
services you need, you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Many venues offer a coordinator dedicated to your big day. This can be helpful for knowing the ins and
outs of your venue, especially if someone needs something quickly or for vendors that have questions
that you won’t have to deal with. Be mindful that a venue coordinator is not your wedding planner.
Ask if your venue has a “preferred” list of vendors:
Or if you can use any vendor you like. Selecting vendors that have worked at your venue prior, makes a
big difference on your special day – Vendors who are familiar with the set-up/breakdown and timeline of
the day will have less questions during the final weeks leading up to your wedding date.
Is your wedding the main event?
A big question to ask when touring venues is if your wedding be the only event hosted at the venue that
day? If not, you will need to make sure your guests know where and when to find your wedding, so
nobody gets lost. Having more than one event at your venue could also tie up photo spots depending on
how the day is scheduled. You want your day to be special, and for the entire venue to focus on you and
your guests.
Are you planning to have your ceremony at the same location as your cocktail hour and reception? Some
couples scout two different types of venues: one for their ceremony and one for their reception. While
the majority of brides and grooms stick with just one (it’s easier on both your budget and your guests!),
some prefer a church ceremony. Make sure to ask the venue their costs associated with having your
ceremony on site and how early guests can arrive. A big question we all do not like to think about, talk
about inclement weather. What is the venues back up plan for your ceremony? Make sure your guests
will not be shoved into a tiny back room – Or worse, sitting in the rain on your big day!
If you’re inviting a lot of out-of-town guests or having a destination wedding, look for a venue that’s near
(or connected to) a hotel. See if the local hotels or venue offer a shuttle service for easy transportation.
Just remember to be realistic when selecting your venue. Stay true to who you are as a couple. The
overall ambience, atmosphere and vibe of your big day is going to come from the venue in its basic form,
however, there is also likely to be plenty of things that you can do to further make it your own and create
the perfect setting for the wedding of your dream
photo credit Josh Dehonney Photography and Nick & Kelly Photography
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