Most brides-to-be will have a rough idea of the style or theme they want for the reception, but still, the choice of venue can be an overwhelming decision.
No matter what kind of wedding you’re planning on having, it is vital to be clear about your vision. With the right planning, you will be able to lock in your ideal venue and get on with having all your wedding dreams come true.
Whether you favour simplicity or prefer something more extravagant, here are five tips to consider when choosing a venue to ensure you’re big day is nothing short of magical.
1. Consider Your Budget
Deciding on a budget will be an important factor that helps determines your choice of venue, but it is also important to factor in other additional expenses as wedding budgets seem to have a tendency to stretch.
Nonetheless, find out the actual hire price and what is included when choosing a venue. Keep in mind that additional items come with a cost, so you don’t get caught off guard.
2. Envision Your Ideal Wedding
Try to think about where you want to get married, consider if you want a sit-down or cocktail, an indoor or outdoor wedding reception and what style you are after. Maybe you’re keen to do a destination wedding. Regardless of the bigger picture, narrowing down the venue search by where and when you’d like to exchange vows will make the search much more manageable.
3. Research
Now that you know where and when you want to get married, make use of Google and other resources such as Instagram, bridal blogs and other dedicated wedding resources to help you navigate the waters.
Searching by location/region will often lead you to local weddings that feature everything from the vendors’ details to spaces you may not have been able to discover with a standard Google search.
Depending on the time of year, consider the potential weather conditions around your chosen date to plan for alternate arrangements if it rains on the day.
4. Seek Inspiration And Get Organised With Mood Boards
Jump onto Pinterest for some inspiration and make a ‘Wedding Inspo board’ so your ideas come to life. Having mood boards will help when you’re ready to implement your vision; this is also useful for defining the type of venue and the theme you want.
Follow your intuition and search for venues that fit the themes around your Pins. For example, if you have Pinned rustic or bohemian receptions, search for rustic venues that match your dream style.
5. Do Your Due Diligence
Now that you have narrowed down your search to a few venues before you proceed to schedule a viewing, save time and effort by inquiring to find out what exactly is on offer.
Consider these details before choosing your venue.
- Does the venue offer a package that might interest you?
- Is the venue flexible to working with vendors of your choice?
Once you have found a wedding venue you like, check their tagged photos on social media to see weddings that have been held at that venue and be sure to read all the reviews.
The beauty of social media means you can get a glimpse into what the venue will look like in its full glory.
Chances are you’ll be viewing a few different venues before finding ‘the one’. To decide on your ideal wedding venue, ask questions and take photos at viewings to be able to compare the pros and cons of each place.
With all that preparation, choosing a venue just got a whole lot easier.
But remember to start planning as early as possible to secure the venue for your dates. Your wedding venue is a place you will remember for the rest of your life, so you want your surroundings to be beautiful and meaningful.
