What to Look for in a Wedding Venue
Behind every great wedding, there’s a person (or people) who made a lot of tough decisions. One of the most important decisions, however, is where to actually hold the wedding. Your wedding venue can set the entire tone and feel for your big day. As such, you should not choose it without some careful thought and consideration.
Ask for Expert Advice
You might already have a “dream venue” in mind for your wedding. But, even if that’s true, talk to your wedding planner first. These professionals should know the ins and outs of major venues in your area. They’ll often know details like how many people a space can hold, what services are offered or included in a rental, how much rentals cost, and more. They are a great resource for finding a venue that will actually work for you.
Of course, if you’re planning a destination wedding, things can get a little trickier. This is why it’s smart to have a wedding planner that is based where you actually plan to hold the wedding, whether that’s in beautiful Maui or your own hometown. If you absolutely can’t get a local wedding planner, you’ll have to rely on online reviews and careful research.
Plan Ahead
Many couples are startled to find that certain venues have a long waiting list. In fact, depending on popularity and other factors, a venue can sometimes be booked for a year or more in advance. COVID-related postponements have also made it hard to find quality venues on short notice. Thus, start planning your wedding and searching for venues as soon as possible. This is particularly important if you know your desired location is in high demand or if you want a weekend date.
Read the Fine Print
Once you’ve found a great venue, make sure you read your rental contract carefully. Don’t sign on the dotted line until you’re clear on the total cost, what it includes, and any rules or restrictions that might apply to your event. For example, you might not be allowed to bring in your own food or an outside catering service. While most venues try to keep their regulations reasonable, you don’t want any ugly surprises that can derail your plans.
When planning a wedding, selecting the date and the venue should be your top priorities. Once you do those things, you’ll know what you’re working with. Then, everything can start to fall into place from there. So, don’t delay. Choose your venue quickly and with great care.
