Budget
Money is a big factor to consider unless you’ve got an infinite marriage budget to work with. If the venue has a wedding planner, they’ll be able to guide you to some locations that might be a better fit for your budget. Make sure to make a list of questions as to what the price includes and how they calculate the total. What if the total number changes, what is the deadline, what other hidden fees they may have etc…
Backup for rain
Sometimes if you are planning on doing an outdoor wedding, its important to think what you would do in case it rains or storms. You should consider what offerings the venue may have as a backup in case it does rain and if their indoor space will accommodate all of your quests.
Parking for guests
Parking can be a huge hassle and if you are planning a wedding downtown or somewhere where parking might be an issue, your quests might not want to attend due solely to that reason. If parking is not free, its also important to see if the venue offers a validation or a discount for the quests. In that case its important to let your quests know that in advance.
How hands-on you’re willing to be
Some of the on-budget options might be a good fit for you if you are willing to put the work in. Most of the affordable venues may not have a wedding coordinator. Which means you have to be hands on for every small decision.
Getting ready location within the venue
Its important to think where you will be getting ready and how long it will take. Getting ready at the venue will help you save on time of traveling and, photos, and comfort. Most venues won’t let the bride come to the wedding venue until few hours before the ceremony and that might be an issue if you have a large bridal party with you.
Style
Style of the venue will affect the overall theme you are going for. To some extent you’ll be bringing your own style into the venue but regardless of the amount of details you put in, the overall venue will set the mood. It’s best to choose a venue that fits with the style and feel that you’re envisioning for your wedding day. For example, a cathedral ceremony and ballroom reception might not be the best fit if you crave a whimsical wedding. Likewise a barn venue will not be a great option if you have your heart set on an elegant, formal affair.
Date and Time
If you have a specific date for your wedding in mind, it could take some time to find venues that can accommodate you on that date. Some venues are booked 2 years or more in advance. Especially if you are planning your wedding during the busy season of May to October. Some venues have online calendars where you can check for availability on your preferred date, month or time of the year. For others, you can email them for rough availability.
If you’re flexible with dates, you might find your venue much quicker. If you also doing a nontraditional date like Friday or Sunday. They may have that available and with additional discount. Make sure to ask their special offers for these days.
If you have a dream venue but it isn’t available on your date, or you can’t afford it, consider scheduling your wedding for an off-peak time like February or March or a date like Friday or Sunday. There’ll be less competition with additional discount. Make sure to ask their special offers for these days. You can also consider a midweek wedding though some guests may not be able to attend due to work schedule.
Photo locations
A lot of venues don’t let you bring catering food for your wedding. Its important to know what type of food you would like to serve and if it would make sense to go with a different venue for that reason.
When choosing a venue, it’s also very important to spot where you will be taking photos and if there isn’t any pretty area’s for photos. Consider looking for an alternative location that is near by that you can go to for photos.
It also very important to have the right lighting for the mood you are trying to set. For example, if you love dreamy natural light photos, you might have to find a venue that has windows.
Service and Catering
A lot of venues don’t let you bring catering food for your wedding. Its important to know what type of food you would like to serve and if it would make sense to go with a different venue for that reason.
Privacy
Many venues normally only book 1 event for the day but some will be able to book more than 1 wedding. If you are looking for privacy, make sure to ask if the date only booked for you.
Great tips