8 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Wedding Venue

While every wedding-related decision helps to shape your big day, there are a few that have a greater impact than others. One of the most significant? Your location. Your party space has the power to set the tone for your wedding, which is why choosing your venue wisely is critical. Is there any pressure? There doesn't have to be, according to several of the wedding industry's most lauded planners—especially with their advice at your disposal.

Begin your search early (at least a year in advance!) to find a venue that fits your wedding style, whether it's classic, bohemian, or rustic. Pay attention to venue package types (will this vendor provide space, food, and drink?) and overall capacity (are you wasting money on space you don't need?) during your search. These criteria will ultimately determine whether or not a prospective venue is viable.

Timeline

Choosing a venue like history museum Atlanta Georgia will be one of the first wedding planning decisions you make, so you should begin your search as soon as possible. However, it all comes down to personal preference. If you are picky about the location, the earlier the better. Great venues book up 12 to 18 months in advance, so the sooner you start, the more likely you are to get your first choice—this applies to all of your vendors.

Date Flexibility

When it comes to timelines, what comes first? Choosing a wedding date or a location? It ultimately comes down to what is more important to you: getting married at a specific time of year or securing the venue of your dreams.

If your timeline takes precedence, experts recommend going into the venue search with two ranges of dates—ones that work (a favourite season, perhaps!) and ones that don't (holidays or other conflicting family events you'd like to avoid).

Number of Venues

Some couples look for two venues: one for the ceremony and one for the reception. While the majority of couples stick with one (it's easier on both your budget and your guests! ), many couples, including those marrying in a religious setting, require two.

Keep the following in mind if you fall into the latter category. It's critical to understand the travel time from one venue to the next so you can plan your event start times accordingly and create an accurate day-of schedule for your vendors to follow. Consider where you'll take photographs as well.

Location

Aside from a destination wedding, which requires some travel, you'll want to consider your venue's accessibility. Is it easily accessible, or is it a long distance away? Will the directions be simple enough for out-of-town guests (who are unfamiliar with the area!) to understand?

These considerations are especially important if you do end up with two venues. After all, a cocktail hour with no guests is a waste of time.

Style

Choosing a space like Atlanta contemporary art center wedding that "meshes with your vision" is priority number one for event planners. Finally, the style of your venue is a matter of personal preference. Classic fiancées frequently prefer indoor venues such as hotels, ballrooms, and country clubs. Are you organising a rustic-themed event? Experts advise visiting an in-bloom garden or a winery with panoramic views. Brides who are bohemian are more likely to design their own venue. They typically select large open spaces and construct a venue from the ground up, with string lights defining the space.

Budget

While allocating a specific portion of your budget to your venue isn't always a science, the average couple allots between 10% and 15%. However, if the venue includes anything, it could be up to 20% or more.

Packages

This leads us to venue packages! Some sites do not provide full service (for example, catering, bartending, and staffing), resulting in a lower-cost package. This is ideal for low-budget duos because you can find lower-cost outside vendors to fill in the gaps.

If your venue package includes the works, budget 40 to 50% of your total budget to cover all costs. To ensure that you're getting the most bang for your buck, ask about food and beverage minimums, site fees, and other billable components that may be relevant in your venue selection process.

Transportation

This venue-specific detail is all about creating a pleasant guest experience. From ensuring that there will be enough parking space—without your attendees having to walk a mile from your ceremony site and back—to checking in with local hotels to ensure that there will be vacancies nearby, it's critical to ensure that your friends and family can travel to and from your event in comfort.