The Perfect Venue
The right venue sets the tone for the rest of the day. Really, the wrong venue can do the same. Picking your wedding venue might be one of the most important steps in the planning process (outside of finding a really great planning partner). The venue determines, in large part, the budget. It also determines your date, your aesthetic, your logistics, and so much more.
We’ve pulled together 5 things to consider, when selecting the perfect location for your wedding. These aren’t the only things to consider, these are just five we REALLY think are important.
Location:
Where the venue is, matters. Is the venue easily accessible? Is it easily visible from the road? Is it close to nearby hotels for those traveling from out of town? If you have plans for a secondary location for the ceremony, how far are they apart from each other? If you are planning a destination wedding, or the majority of your guests are traveling in, what are the options related to flights, rental cars, cabs/ridesharing, etc.? These are all things to consider when selecting a venue.
AESTHETIC:
The venue aesthetic is important - especially if you already have a vision in your mind of what your perfect day looks like. Renting a hotel ballroom with crystal chandeliers and corporate carpet will require added expense, equipment, and vendors to turn into a “bohemian garden”. That expense needs to be considered in the overall budget, and can turn a $5,000 venue into a $10,000 venue quickly. The exterior of the space should be considered just as much as the interior - the aesthetic should be set from the moment guests step on the property.
Logistics:
The logistics of the venue matter, especially when it comes to budget. A venue that requires difficult load-in/out for vendors will incur extra labor charges. A venue with challenging offerings for parking (or no parking) will require additional costs in the way of valet, shuttles, parking attendants, golf carts, etc. How accessible is your venue? Is it a split-level venue with only stairs getting to the second level? Do you have any guests with mobility concerns that this might impact? If you are planning to host your ceremony and reception at the same location, what do the logistics look like in the transition from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception? All of these details can result in added expenses, which should be considered in the overall “venue” line-item.
Cost:
Speaking of cost… what is the cost?! Of course you knew this would be on the list. The base price of the venue certainly matters and should be considered when making your location selection. You should also take into consideration any additional fees - cleaning, staffing, service charges, tax, setup/breakdown, parking, added time for load in/out, etc. Do they have fees for certain vendors? Do they require you use their in-house caterer or bar service? If so, all of those costs should be calculated in the “venue” consideration.
One of the biggest mistakes we see clients make is booking a venue before considering the FULL cost. It isn’t wise to spend 40-50%+ of your total budget on your venue unless it truly includes EVERYTHING.
Inclusions:
Speaking of everything… does your venue include everything? Is it a blank slate, or does your venue include a base number of tables, chairs, linens, etc. And do they have centerpieces and décor for you? Is catering/bar in-house or can you bring that in? Does the venue include enough space for your guests AND all the “stuff”? You’d be surprised at how much space you need for buffets, a band, dance floor, etc.
Again, this is not the ONLY list of things to consider - but we feel these are the 5 most important to review and identify when choosing the perfect location. What other areas do you think are important?