So the ring is on your hand and it’s time to start making plans. While some choices are completely independent, you may begin finding that quite a bit depends on the venue. Catering, centerpieces, lighting, DJs, and even cake and color choices can all be affected by the way your venue looks and what it does and does not allow. Finding your dream venue is one of the first steps in creating your ideal wedding, but it can seem overwhelming. So of all the gardens, churches, country clubs, and cathedrals in the world, where is a bride to start?
Narrow Down the Location
The first big question is where. Are you looking for a destination wedding or something a little closer to home? Do you want to get married where you grew up or where you live now? Are you looking for city chic or country romance? While it’s good to keep an open mind, narrowing down the location will help you go from vague preferences to concrete options.
Establish a Budget
While it isn’t the most fun part of wedding planning, knowing your budget and trying to stay within it is one of the first things you should cross off your to do list. Once you know your overall budget, try looking online for a wedding budget calculator. While the numbers it provides are only suggestions, these tools will give you an idea of what percentage of your budget you can expect to spend on each area of your wedding. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend will not only help you narrow down your options, it will also give you a stronger bargaining position when talking to vendors.
Consider Time of Day and Year
The when of your wedding can have a big impact on the where. Will the weather be right for an outdoor wedding or will you need shelter from the elements? Do you want panoramic windows to show off the splendor of nature or a cozy warm room with a roaring fireplace? Time of day is another important factor. If you are in the city, consider both the traffic to get from your ceremony to your reception and the amount of outside noise you might have to deal with. Be sure to visit potential venues at the same time of day as your event so you can tell if that setting sun is going to make a romantic glow or just get in your guests eyes as they’re trying to watch your first kiss.
Ask Around
In the age of internet research, it can be easy to forget that you have other resources as well. Married friends and family are a particularly good source of information on potential venues, since they know what it’s like to work with the people involved. If you already have a caterer or a DJ lined up, ask them for suggestions too. People who work in the wedding industry frequently work together and can give you a good idea of what your local options area.
Make a List of Deal-Breakers
Every venue has its own rules. Before you fall in love with a location, make sure you can work within theirs. If you absolutely must have candles as your centerpieces, you can eliminate any venue that doesn’t allow them. If you’ve found the perfect caterer, you can eliminate any venue that only allows in house catering. Have your heart set on your guests throwing rose petals as you walk down the aisle? Make sure you venue is okay with it and check their policies on clean up. Already bought that stunning sleeveless wedding dress? Then make sure that church you’re considering is alright with bare shoulders. Ask before you sign any papers so there aren’t any unfortunate surprises down the road.
Once you’ve got a location, a budget, and a vision, it becomes much easier to sift through your options. Try friends and family, wedding blogs, and image searches to find the venue of your dreams. Once you set up a meeting, be sure to ask lots of questions and go in at least having an idea of what you want. Finding your dream venue can be a lot of work, but once you have the perfect location, your wedding plan will start falling in place.
Sofia Rinaldi works with weddingfavors.org, an online retailer of wedding and other special occasion party favors. She helps brides select favors on any budget that will match the feel of the wedding, and add a special touch to table scapes.
Photo courtesy of www.botanicgardensblog.com.
