Location is key. You want to pick a venue that is convenient for your guests. If most of your guests are from out of town, you’ll want to choose a venue that is close to the airport or somewhere they can easily get to. If most of your guests are in town, consider what part of the city might be most central or most accessible to as many guests as possible. Consider how easy it will be for them to get around and whether there is parking available on site.
Amenities and services are important, too. Make sure the venue you choose offers everything you need to make your wedding day perfect or that you hire a mobile wedding planner to provide these amenities wherever you decide to exchange vows. They should have a catering kitchen, event space, and audio/visual equipment, if needed, ample bathrooms, and proper overall accessibility to accommodate all of your guests’ needs. If you’re planning on having a band or DJ, they should also have a stage available.
Final cost is always a consideration. You don’t want to blow your budget on your wedding venue, but you also want to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. You can often negotiate the price with the venue director so if your budget is lower than the estimated cost, use your bargaining skills and see how low they’ll go to get your booking. At the end of the day, make sure the venue has all of the amenities you need and is in your price range.
How well the venue represents you and complements your vision is also important. If you want an outdoor wedding, make sure the venue is an outside space. If you’re thinking of having a rustic or country themed wedding, find a location that has farmhouse charm. If you want something clean and traditional, you may be looking at banquet halls and event centers in your area.
Choosing a venue for your wedding can seem daunting but if you stay calm and take it step by step, you can keep your blood pressure down AND find the perfect spot to immortalize your love. You want to pick something that is convenient for you and your guests, has the amenities you need, isn’t too expensive but offers value (and doesn’t break the bank), and complements your vision of what type of event it will be. When considering which factors are most important to you on your big day, think about how they align with the 4 key considerations we’ve outlined above. Once these elements have been nailed down, choosing a venue should feel like second nature. Now that you know what to look for when choosing your perfect place for your special day, get looking and booking!