If you’re planning a wedding, then the search to find wedding locations may seem like an overwhelming choice when there are so many options available. There are wedding reception venues that could match every kind of dream wedding. So where to begin when you’re wondering how to find a wedding venue?
It’s All About Timing
The first major decision for any engaged couple is the wedding date. Some couples arrive at the date by planning for their favorite season; other couples choose a date that has personal significance, such as an anniversary or another important milestone. Whatever the inspiration may be, have a range of possible dates in mind so that you can work with the venue to book your date.
Create a guest list
Next, you’ll want to look at the guest list. You’re creating an experience not just for yourself and your soon-to-be spouse, but also the guests who will share the day with you. Find the maximum number of guests for your wedding but also find the potential low number for your guest list. Can you trim the list if you find the perfect wedding venue that’s smaller than you had originally hoped?
Define a budget
You should have a number in mind, whether it’s a ballpark guess or an exact figure, of how much you’re going to spend. Add up all the basic expenses, and then see where you stand for the venue hire. If your guest list includes many out-of-town guests who’ll need overnight accommodations for the wedding, then you might need to adjust your target venue hire budget accordingly.
Related: Do You Need to Hire a Wedding Planner?
Set priorities for the wedding celebration
What do you want your wedding to look like? How should the event flow? How big does the dance floor need to be? All these possibilities should be considered ahead of time so that you find a wedding venue that allows you to achieve your vision.
Are you having the ceremony and reception at the same location?
Make sure that you ask the potential reception venue if they can accommodate both the ceremony and reception. The answer might change depending on the time of year, so it never hurts to ask. Venue capacities can vary depending on how these moments are accommodated.
Visiting Your Top Picks
Don’t get overwhelmed by trying to see all the venues you might like. Narrow down the final list to a manageable number, 5-7 is our recommendation. Visiting every site in a single day isn’t wise because the details of each venue may start to blur together. Also, don’t leap at the first wedding venue you see. Get multiple quotes, weigh the individual aspects of each venue, rank the attributes that you like and don’t like, and once you’ve sorted it all out, THEN make your decision on which one best suits your vision.
Keep Your Guests’ Experience in Mind While You Find a Wedding Venue
Beyond the venue’s availability for your date, you’ll want to keep a couple of other basic requirements in mind.
1. Bathrooms
It may seem like a basic consideration, but depending on the size of your guest list this could become a critical factor. The cleanliness and style of a bathroom can be telling. If this room is a pleasant experience, the other details will likely be polished and elegant as well.
2. Transportation Options
How easy is it to get from the hotel to your wedding reception venue? Finding a centrally located venue that’s close to hotels and public transportation may give your guests more flexibility in how they arrive, so keep in mind that a reception venue with lots of hotels around is always a wise choice that will keep guests happy and comfortable.
3. Make the Wedding Venue Work for Every Guest
Bearing in mind that your guest list may span multiple generations (you may have grandparents, families with newborns and everything in between on your list), working with a good venue manager is pivotal. The venue’s manager will help find ways to make it work for every guest on your list, and they’ll do this by asking the right questions. Your wedding venue manager should ask, “What’s the maximum number of guests on your list?” and be honest and up front about how to make venue accommodate your needs. A good venue has staff that will craft an experience that’s both unforgettable and comfortable in the available space.
Photo: Jonathan Connolly Photography