Choosing the perfect wedding venue may seem complicated, but there are a few things you can do before making the final decision. This article will cover budgeting, accessibility, and getting a feel for the overall vibe. Here are some tips to make the decision process as easy as possible:
Getting a feel for the overall vibe
One of the best ways to get an idea of the general vibe of a wedding venue is to visit the venue before making your final decision. When you visit a venue, you should consider several factors, including the overall design of the venue and how you plan to tie in your reception. A wedding at a beach may not work as well as a reception in an industrial warehouse, while an elegant ballroom may look perfect for a more traditional affair.
While choosing the decor of the lounge area, you should consider how the venue will feel on your big day. A cozy lounge area with comfortable seating and small tables will be appealing to your guests. You should choose a lounge area with decor that is consistent with the theme of your wedding. Moroccan carpets, throws, chandeliers, and vintage suitcases can create an exotic, boho vibe. Also, consider using board games and other items that guests can play as decoration in the lounge. If you want to get really creative, you can write custom poems for your guests and display them there as well.
A vision board can also help you narrow down your ideas. You can create a board using photos, words, and even video clips to capture the mood of your wedding. Using words instead of photos can help you capture the overall vibe of a venue. You can also write some of your own words on your vision board to describe how you want your wedding to look like. And don’t forget to talk to the wedding vendors, who are experts in their field. They’ll give you great advice.
Budgeting
When choosing a wedding venue, the first step is to figure out how much you can afford. Then, divide this figure by the number of guests you expect to invite. Since most wedding venues quote prices per head, it helps to know how much you can spend before you even begin planning the event. A DIY bar can save you several grand. Most venues charge more on Saturdays than on any other day of the week, so if you want to save money, consider a Friday in February.
Next, contact the venue you are considering. While no venue has an exact price, you can find out how much you can expect to pay by contacting each venue and asking them for quotes. The price you receive will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of ceremony you plan to hold, how many guests you expect to have, and whether you’ll need to bring your own catering and flowers. Some venues may charge extra for liability insurance and babysitters. Look over any paperwork and do a budgeting exercise.
Another tip for wedding budgeting is to make a detailed list of all expenses. Depending on the scale of the wedding, you may be able to avoid paying the venue booking fee if it’s located on your grandparents’ farm. Other options include getting free services from a friend or relative in lieu of wedding gifts. Once you’ve established your budget, you can narrow down your list to include only costs that are realistic for the wedding.
Availability
The location of a wedding venue can have a major impact on its price. If you want a venue near a major city, you will probably pay more for it than one that is further from the city center. You will also have to consider the date of your wedding, as dates close to holidays and weekends will cost more than other dates. Make sure to find out how much the venue will cost in advance, and take the time to read several reviews of it before making a decision.
Another thing to consider is whether the wedding venue has a cancellation policy. This can be particularly important if you are getting married in an area prone to natural disasters. For example, if you have your ceremony planned outdoors, there may be a chance that the venue will be closed in the event of rain or snow. Regardless of weather, you should check with the venue in the weeks before your wedding to find out if it is available.
When booking a wedding venue, you should know that many venues book out years in advance. It is best to reserve a venue a year or more in advance, and to check with the venue about their availability. However, if you are flexible about the date of your wedding, you can choose a date that suits your needs. Consider whether the venue allows you to book the entire facility or a portion of it.
Accessibility
If you are planning a wedding for people with disabilities, accessibility will be an important factor. When choosing a venue, ensure that it has all the features you need to make the day as easy as possible. Make sure the venue has wheelchair accessibility, accessible toilets, and pathways. Also check for accessible transportation. Some venues are more wheelchair accessible than others. You should ask whether or not the venue has accessible transportation, and if it does, book it before the wedding to make sure the services provided are adequate.
Ask if the venue has elevators and ramps. Ask if the staff is used to dealing with people with special needs. Also, look for accessible restrooms, dressing rooms, and aisles. The venue should also have seating in accessible areas for the ceremony and group photographs. If you have a wheelchair or walker, make sure the aisle is wide enough to navigate easily. Depending on the venue’s size, the venue can offer wheelchair accessibility in the ceremony.
If your wedding is large, you should check if the venue is accessible for guests with disabilities. ADA regulations may mean that the venue is wheelchair accessible. Look for handicapped parking and restrooms. Make sure there are wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and adequate seating options for the disabled. Make sure the venue is accessible before making a final decision. You don’t want to be stuck with a venue that won’t accommodate everyone’s needs.
Style
It’s vital that you choose the style of your wedding before choosing a venue. If you’re opting for a classic style, you may want to choose a country club, hotel, or even an all-inclusive venue. The style you choose will determine the type of venue you should pick, including your wedding dress, decorations, and other elements. But how do you choose a venue that’s uniquely you? Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect venue.
The season is also important. In spring, consider pastels, peaches, and yellows. In autumn, you may want to consider deep rusty reds and golds. For winter, opt for darker blues and greens. To match the season with the color scheme, you can select an outdoor venue that reflects the color palette of the season. And remember, the venue may also have its own decor theme that is not appropriate for all seasons.
When choosing a wedding venue, be sure to consider the location’s accessibility. It should be easy for your guests to get to and from the venue, even if they don’t drive. The location should be safe, as a wedding in an isolated area might not be safe for everyone. Some venues, especially farm-styled ones, have long dirt driveways and require shuttles. For this reason, you should plan ahead of time and ask about the weather in the area.
Styles of weddings
Before you start your venue search, you should decide on a certain style. For instance, you might like a rustic wedding or a beach ceremony. Or, you might want to have an ultra modern wedding that incorporates elements of luxury and glamour. Whatever your style, defining your preferences will streamline your venue search, making it easier to find the perfect wedding location. The next step is to narrow down your choices by price range.
Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few possibilities, take some time to research each venue. Read reviews online and check third-party websites. Make a note of any positive and negative comments. Also, visit the venue’s Facebook page and pay close attention to how the venue responds to reviews from past guests. You may also want to consider whether the venue is available for exclusive use, allowing you to book it for the exact date you’re planning to get married.
Whether you want to have a rustic country wedding or an urban, sophisticated event, there are many options out there. The choice is up to you, but be sure to select a venue that fits your style and budget. After all, your wedding is your big day, and it should be one to remember. That way, your wedding day will be as memorable as it is beautiful. Just remember that you’re planning your wedding, not a place to go on a vacation.
In-person site visits
There are many reasons to visit a wedding venue in person. You can discuss your vision of your big day with a wedding planner, ask a venue representative for advice and get firsthand information about the location. You can even check out photographs of real weddings to see what the space will look like when you get married. Often, people are surprised at how much the place changes with the seasons, so make sure to visit several different locations to see what they have to offer.
The key to a successful site visit is time management. Make sure to prepare for your visit and note if you need to speed up or reschedule. Then, make sure to time your questions well. Some questions are better answered during the tour while others are better suited to take place during a break. After all, the visit should be an opportunity to make a final decision.
Ask for a tour. Make sure to ask to see all areas of the wedding venue. Ask the coordinator to walk you through the entire experience. Ask if there are any special features such as outdoor areas, bathrooms, and services. Ask to view photos of the interior and exterior spaces, including the cocktail hour room, so you can envision how the event will look. And don’t forget to ask for a copy of the wedding contract and other paperwork in writing, in case you need to make any changes to the details later.
