Top Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Venue

Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make during the wedding planning process. It should also be one of the first things you get locked in. But the good news is, once you've signed on the dotted line, lots of decisions will start falling into place a little bit more simply. It's easy to get carried away and think with your heart rather than your head, so rest that busy mind for a few minutes to find out everything you should consider whilst carrying out your wedding venue search.

Is the venue suited to your guest numbers?

You may not know your exact numbers yet, but it's important to consider how many guests you're thinking of inviting early on. Write out a rough list so you know a ballpark figure, that way, you'll be able narrow your venue search down accordingly. Knowing whether you're having a big and bold wedding or a small and intimate affair will help hugely when it comes to refining your venue search. You want to be able to accommodate your guest list comfortably and ensure you have enough space for everyone. On the flip side, you don't want to feel lost in a venue space that's too big for your party.

Choose the perfect wedding date

It's really important to start searching for your wedding venue as early as possible. If you leave it too late, you may risk having your wedding date determined by the venue's availability. When it comes to choosing the date, consider the seasons and any public holidays, as these could impact the price of not only the venue but travel costs too if you've got out-of-town guests travelling a long way to celebrate your big day.

What's your wedding venue budget?

Yes, a little boring, but very important, everything comes back to the budget! Draw up your wedding budget asap so you know how much you've got to play with when it comes to finding a venue. Decide what you're happy to spend before reaching out to venues, as this will help avoid any frustrations of having your heart set on a particular wedding venue that's unfortunately out of your budget.

Determine your wedding style

Ensure you choose a wedding venue that's going to suit both you and your partner and your overall wedding style. Whether you're wanting a boho festival-themed wedding or an industrial chic, indoor, city-based celebration, choose a space that's going to reflect your style. When it comes to decor, enquire what your venue will supply and what you might need to bring yourself to make it feel your own.

Pick a location that works for everyone

You need to think about where your guests are travelling from and, if far away, where they are going to stay. If your dream venue ends up being in a remote location, ensure there's accommodation close by and transport available to get everyone where they need to be. If you're inviting evening guests, it's courteous to also consider their travel time to and from the wedding reception.

Visit wedding venues more than once

Most wedding venues will host open days throughout the year, and if time is on your side, this is a brilliant opportunity to check venues out more than once so you can see your shortlisted wedding venues in all seasons. That's not the only reason to view potential venues more than once though as you may not take everything in the first time and forget to ask certain questions. Many venues will now offer a wedding planner or event planner within the package, meaning you can ask them as many questions as you like along the way. But there's nothing like being at the venue in person when you can ask the bulk of those questions whilst visualising your day. Wedding planners will have been through this process many times before and will be able to bring your wedding vision to life and support you during the run-up to your wedding.

Is there accommodation nearby for your wedding guests?

Another important factor when finding your ideal wedding venue is whether there is accommodation available for your guests. It's a nice touch to be able to make some recommendations to your guests of local places to stay to suit everyone's budget. However, if you're hosting a destination wedding, it's super important that you make sure there is accommodation available close to the chosen ceremony and reception. You want to make the whole trip as smooth as possible for your loved ones.

Does the venue offer in-house catering?

What you're going to feed your guests is another fairly hefty decision to make, but it may be that your venue can provide additional services like catering and potentially a bar. If this is the case, your venue will talk you through menu options and of course, will need to know your guest count and if there are any dietary requirements for guests when it comes to food options. Alternatively, your venue may be able to recommend vendors that are local and that they have worked with before, so you can be assured that they will be trustworthy.

Be clear on what's included

It's important to check what's included when it comes to choosing a wedding venue. Alleviate any surprise costs and be clear from the start about what you're getting in your 'package'. Your venue may have its wedding venue manager and venue staff, but are these included, or will they incur extra costs? Make sure you're clear on everything and that it's all put in writing before you make your final decision on a venue.

Will the venue provide furniture? Are the table and chairs included or do you need to pay extra for them? It may be more cost-effective to use a rental company and hire your own, so it's always worth finding out all the options available before making any decisions.

Take note of the lighting that's available too, and check what will be available on the day. You may need to bring additional lighting for when the sun goes down, and if you plan on being outside throughout the evening, just consider whether there will be sufficient lighting.

Check if the venue has any live music restrictions

Find out if your perfect venue is able to tick all the boxes when it comes to accommodating your chosen entertainment. The location may determine whether or not there are any noise restrictions and whether there is a curfew to adhere to. Depending on whether you're having a band or DJ, speak to the venue to see if they have any equipment, such as a sound system/lighting or whether this is something you need to include in your budget.

Trust your gut

Yes, choosing your wedding venue is a big decision, but when it's done you can breathe a big sigh of relief; your date and venue are locked in! You can now crack on with the fun, creative tasks such as your wedding website and stationery, and of course, deciding what to wear! You'll know when you've found the right venue that suits you, it will just feel right, and you'll be able to picture everyone there on your wedding day. Of course, it's your special day but don't forget: you're still the 'host', so it's important to keep in mind your guests' experience and make everyone feel comfortable the whole way through.

Your dream wedding venue is out there waiting for you just don't get too swept away and make any rushed decisions until you've considered all your venue options.