Finding Your Dream Wedding Venue: Key Considerations to Keep in Mind

From the wedding rings you'll wear to the cake you choose, almost every aspect of planning a wedding is flexible; however, there's one essential component that requires laser-focused planning—the wedding venue. Finding the ideal venue for you and your loved ones to come together and celebrate is no simple task. The array of choices is vast, ranging from sophisticated ballrooms to intimate restaurants or serene stretches of beach. That is why we have created this guide to help you in your mission to find a venue that fits your wedding vision the best.

Begin Your Search Early

Start your wedding venue search well in advance to secure your preferred wedding date. By starting early, you can capitalize on a broader array of options, especially if your date is flexible, allowing you to match it with venue availability. Whether your date is set or adaptable, early planning enhances your likelihood of discovering the ideal venue for your special day.

Know Your Budget 

Much like considering cost when shopping for the perfect engagement ring, it is also imperative to set a realistic budget when deciding where your special day will take place. Setting aside a designated portion of your wedding budget for the venue doesn’t need to follow a strict formula, but on average, most couples set aside about 10 to 15%. However, this figure could extend to 20% or beyond, depending on which additional services or amenities the venue offers. Before visiting venues, do plenty of research. Few things are as disappointing as finding your ideal venue only to realize it exceeds your budget. The cost of a venue encompasses more than just the rental fee, particularly when many venues offer in-house catering, like hotels, which often charge a per-plate rate. Costs can also increase with the inclusion of decorations and floral arrangements. That's why it's crucial to have an understanding of your overall budget and an approximate estimate of your design expenditure. If the cumulative cost of your design and the venue exceeds your budget, you'll need to reconsider your design vision or explore more economical venue options. Organize your total budget into different categories, prioritizing larger allocations for high-priority vendors. Selecting your venue before assessing its compatibility with your budget can pose challenges, as balancing expenses becomes demanding with a slew of other service providers to hire.

Choose the Location With Care

Selecting the ideal location requires careful planning. While your big day is of utmost importance, ensuring that your guests' experience is smooth and enjoyable is equally essential. Here are some factors to consider:

• Proximity to Airports: Consider the distance between the venue and the nearest airports. Convenient accessibility for your guests is key.
• Accommodations: Take into account the availability of hotels nearby the venue.
• Ease of Navigation: Consider the venue's accessibility. Is it easy to find, or is it tucked away in an obscure location?
• Accessibility for All: Evaluate whether the site caters to individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees. Assess the degree of ADA accessibility of the facilities, including the usability of entrances and exits, operational elevators, restroom facilities, parking arrangements, and seating choices. If any grandparents are attending, it's important to create an environment that facilitates their enjoyment by making the experience as effortless as possible.
• Parking Arrangements: Ask about the parking facilities and arrangements for your guests.
• Traffic Considerations: If you're planning a weekday wedding, factor in peak traffic hours, especially if the location is prone to heavy traffic.

While prioritizing convenience for your guests is a great approach, don't feel restricted from choosing a remote destination or an adventurous venue. In such cases, ensure you provide comprehensive travel details on your wedding website and within your invitation materials. This extra effort ensures everyone's journey to your celebration is as seamless as possible.

Decide on a Wedding Theme or Aesthetic 

Have you given thought to the type of wedding you want? Will it be a formal event or a more laid-back gathering? Indoors or outdoors? Embracing ultra-modern aesthetics or exuding free-spirited boho vibes? Will it take place during the day or in the evening? Are children welcome, or is it an adults-only event? Defining your wedding style ahead of your venue search can streamline the process. Pinpointing a venue that aligns seamlessly with your chosen style serves as a strong foundation, allowing all other elements to effortlessly fall into place. Verify that the venue you’re considering complements your chosen theme. For instance, a rustic theme might not harmonize well with a luxurious hotel setting. When assessing venues, factor in the overall cohesion of your wedding components, including decorations and menu choices, to achieve a seamless aesthetic and atmosphere.

Be Aware of the Venue’s Capacity 

Steer clear of selecting a venue that is very spacious for a smaller guest list, as it can result in a sense of emptiness. Similarly, be cautious not to exceed the venue's capacity, which could lead to overcrowding. Having a rough estimate of your guest count is beneficial for efficient table arrangements and making the most of the available space.

Ask About Amenities 

When considering venues, there are many aspects to take into account, including catering options, parking availability, event coordination services, and whether the venue provides essential amenities like tables, chairs, and linens. It's also important not to overlook restroom facilities. For instance, if your wedding is set in a barn or on the beach, you might need to arrange portable restrooms.

Ask About Vendor Options 

Certain venues permit the use of external vendors, while others require you to use their preferred floral company, catering services, alcohol providers, wedding planners, bands, and more. If you prefer to select your vendors, it's essential to opt for a venue that accommodates this choice.

Unfavorable Weather Backup Plan  

For those planning an outdoor wedding, it's essential to inquire about backup plans for unpleasant weather conditions. Confirm that the venue has appropriate indoor alternatives or backup options in place to guarantee a smooth and uninterrupted celebration.

Read Reviews 

To gain an unbiased perspective, research what other people’s experiences have been like with your chosen venue. Doing this might reveal insights about the venue that hadn't crossed your mind previously, along with other valuable tips. Pay attention to both positive and negative remarks posted on third-party platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google reviews.

Visit the Venues in Person and Trust your Gut 

After narrowing down the venues that check off all your boxes, be sure to visit the ones that you’re considering in person. After touring each venue and meeting with the staff, trust your instincts and opt for a venue that resonates with your vision and where you can envision celebrating your special day. Additionally, pay close attention to your interactions with the venue coordinator. It's important to feel a sense of comfort with them and establish seamless communication.

Are you looking for those perfect wedding rings? From simple and traditional to modern and bold to shimmering diamond eternity rings, we have a broad selection of wedding rings designed to suit all styles and budgets. Contact us today and let us answer your questions and help you find the wedding rings that best symbolize your unique love story.