How to Choose a Wedding Venue

Getting married is a major life event and along with it come all the other decisions that fall under categories like where- venue, when- dates and how- your preferred style and tradition. 

You’ve probably heard that securing a location is like getting the biggest part of the wedding puzzle solved! Once you decide on where to have the wedding, everything else will follow. As professionals in the wedding industry, we feel that there is truth in that, yet understand that it isn’t the easiest of choices. 

So today we cover necessary aspects on how to choose a wedding venue that’s right for you. This includes thinking about your guest list, your style, your budget and doing your research. 

Consider your guest list 

A good way to start is to think about who you want to celebrate with and how big the wedding party will be. Most venues have a range of how many people they will be able to accommodate comfortably. You want to choose a place that is spacious enough for guests to move around easily, but not too big so that they feel overwhelmed and distant. 

To determine how big your wedding will be, sit with your partner and start listing down names of people you absolutely want to be there. Think of family members and friends who have played a big part in your lives either individually or as a couple. Discuss the list together and make room for some give and take with the final number then check with venues that accommodate that party well.

Your preferred style and tradition 

Consider the type of wedding you would like to have and how you will want it to look and feel. There are so many options available that it can be hard to choose just a few but start by thinking about what are some things that may be non-negotiable. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a rustic outdoor wedding, or a religious ceremony- all of these will need to be factored in as you choose your venue. 

Perhaps you and your partner have different preferences. Thankfully these days, there is more flexibility when it comes to some wedding practices. For example, many people opt to have a religious ceremony outside of a church or a temple, preferring instead to take parts of it ie. the prayers and vows to a location that suits them better. 

Often, you can still get what you feel is most important without having to compromise too much on the other aspects.

Decide on your budget 

As much as we wished we didn’t have to think about finances, a budget is a huge part (if not the biggest) of most of the wedding decisions we make. And guess what? Venue and catering often take up the biggest proportion of your total. 

Prices will vary depending on locations with prestigious halls and hotels probably costing more than a ceremony in your neighbourhood park. But, it isn’t just the rental that you have to consider when thinking of your venue. There’s also catering, decor and maybe extra equipment like a sound system or lights. 

So once you do have your overarching numbers, discuss with your partner how much you’re willing to allot to venue and catering. Then look at all the other things to pay for and see how they all fit together. You can always make some changes here and there depending on your priorities. 

Research and refine 

All good decisions are informed ones. To make better choices when it comes to your wedding location, be sure to do your research. 

To begin, conduct some quick google searches and get pinning on Pinterest. Visit industry websites that provide you with lists of popular wedding venues in the town or city you’re interested in. Look at photos of weddings in that venue- what it looks like during the day and night and how it makes you feel. Often there will also be reviews you can read to give you a heads up on what to expect regarding service, such as wedding photographer and videographer,  food and beverage and overall feel. 

Another tip is to think about some of the best weddings you’ve attended. Were there any that were particularly memorable and how did the venue contribute to that? Make a list of those and go through what elements you would like to incorporate. Finally speak to friends and wedding professionals- your wedding planner or wedding photographer, many will have some great tips to share.

Visit the venues

When you have refined your list down to a handful, it’s time to pay a visit. Make your appointments and be prepared with your set of questions for the venue manager. This may include enquiries about parking, nearby accommodation, catering options and even wedding photographer and videographer  and decor. Be honest and communicate clearly what you are looking for and find out if that’s something they can do for you. Doing this helps you set realistic expectations and reduce the chance of disappointment later on. While you are there be sure to observe your surroundings, ask yourselves if this is where you see your wedding taking place and what needs to be done to put it all together.

Depending on how organized you are, you might want to take notes for each venue. The truth is we often forget details and it would be a pain to have to call up or revisit the place again.

Decide on it together- and maybe get input important guests!

When you are done with your visits, sit down and talk about some of the pros and cons of the top couple of places you’ve chosen.Think about what are some of the non-negotiables for the both of you and be ready to compromise on other aspects which are less important. 

Some people like to consult other people like their family or best friends to weigh in on their decision. This could be a good idea as others may see things that you don’t pick up on. However, we suggest limiting the people you seek advice from to a small and trusted group. Having too many opinions can add unnecessary confusion and stress. 

Finally consider all the factors we’ve mentioned above and come to an informed decision together- one that you’re both happy with. It is after all, your big day, and we want you both to enjoy it the best that you can, with the people you love in a place that brings you much joy.