Was there a proposal in your life recently? After the engagement comes the fun part of planning the upcoming nuptials! Choosing the perfect venue can be the most important thing couple has to pick out for wedding. After all, it sets the scene for the entire day and can make or break the “venue magic” you’re hoping to create. This will likely be the most important day of your life, at least until now, and you want it to be remarkable. But with so many options for dresses, tuxedos, ceremony locations, reception halls, flowers, music, photographers, and food, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the process of choosing a local wedding venue.
We’ll cover everything from how to email wedding venues to the criteria for choosing a wedding arch where you and your spouse will exchange your vows. So, whether you’re just starting to look or in the final stages of decision-making, read on for our top five tips for finding the perfect venue for your big day.
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make, in just a short period of time. In the meantime, every person you know is asking if you have picked a date, a banquet hall, and a dress. Immediately following the engagement, the first step you should take is to choose your banquet hall rentals. Many venues book up far in advance and it is best to get your date secured. Use the following steps to choose the best venue for your upcoming wedding celebration.
Create a list of possible venues
The first step in choosing the best wedding venue is to create a list of potential venues. Write down venues you have seen, recommendations from family and friends, and any new ones you have found on the internet. At this point, avoid spending too much time looking at the wedding reception places information. Later on, you can go through the list and narrow it down, giving you fewer wedding reception places to choose from.
Create a list of required characteristics
Now that you have a list of the most beautiful wedding places in your area, consider what is a must have in your venue choice. Do you want a venue that offers all inclusive event packages? Do you require a venue that has an open bar option? Do you want a venue that employs the best local chef? Do you want to marry nearby a golf course? These are all important characteristics that will help you make your decision. Cross off any of the wedding reception places that do not meet your ceremony requirements.
Consider location
Location is another important factor when choosing the best wedding reception places. Where are the majority of your guests coming from? Where do you plan to marry and how far is it from the reception venue? Unless one of the far venues has all of your requirements or special meaning, remove them from your list. You will find that it is easier to plan a wedding when the venue is local and you can easily stop by.
Schedule venue viewings
Once you have narrowed down your potential venue list and you are left with a few, it is time to schedule venue viewings. These viewings allow you to see the venue in person and imagine how you will decorate it. It also gives you the chance to talk with the chef, event planner, and any other on site vendors. This is also the meeting where you will learn about pricing, date availability, and booking policies. Make sure you attend all of your venue viewings before making a decision. If possible, see as many as you can in one day to keep each of them fresh.
Book a date and put down a deposit
After you have the chance to physically view the venues, it is likely that your decision will be easy. Most couples will really enjoy one venue over the others. Once you have made your decision, it is time to book your wedding date and put down the required deposit. Most brides (30%) plan their weddings for seven to 12 months, so make sure you are starting this process early enough.
Every year, an average of 2.4 million weddings is performed in the U.S. This often means that there is a large demand for local wedding venues. About 40% of brides and grooms are looking for unusual venues that better reflect their personality. These tips will help you create a potential venue list and then narrow down your options, until you find the perfect one for your wedding reception.
