Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue

One of the first things you should check off your wedding to-do list (after hiring The Perfect Shindig) is choosing the perfect venue for your big day. Other than just knowing "the right" venue, there are a few things to consider before signing a contract. Here are some helpful tips to help make sure you have the perfect venue for your perfect shindig!

GET A PLANNER
Before you begin looking at spaces, make sure you hire a wedding planner. This is something often overlooked by couples and one of the most important recommendations we can give. Not only will your wedding planner be far more versed in all of the details of venue selection, they will be able to make sure you are following all of the necessary steps and even negotiating for you. Your planner will also likely have worked with venues and can offer insight into some of the questions you will have or details about the space in general.

CONSIDER OVERALL THEME/AMBIANCE
Your venue will play a large part in determining the ambiance for your wedding, so it’s important to determine what you want to portray for your big day. Think about your theme and color choices and how that complements your venue space for a cohesive look. Barns and farms can play up the rustic-loving couple while a large outdoor space may be more suited for the nature duo.

BROWSE THE INTERNET
Take a stroll around different wedding sites or use Google to find venues in your area. Most venues will have photos from real weddings that will give you an idea of what to expect on your bid day. Use these websites and photos to narrow down your list of potential venues.

KNOW THE DETAILS
Estimate your guest count, decide on a budget and select a date (or date range) for your big day.  While this may seem obvious, knowing the basic details of what your wedding will entail may immediately narrow down some of the venues you are looking at. You can easily cross venues off of your list that don’t fit into the very basic criteria laid out

SCHEDULE OFFICIAL WALK-THROUGHS
Once you confirm availability with the venue, you should be prepared to take your fiancé and your wedding planner to site visits for the venues you are interested in. Make sure to come prepared with all of your questions and be prepared to take pictures. If possible, try to visit the site when it’s set up for a wedding, so you can get an idea of the big picture. Bring a pen and paper and keep a list of the pros and cons of each space. Be specific! You will want to utilize this list when making a final decision.

UNDERSTAND THE SPACE
While visiting your venues, make sure you visualize the space and how you hope to use it. Do you plan on doing the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing all at the same venue? Think about the best way to utilize the venue for different purposes and ensure there will be a seamless flow from one portion to the next.

THINK ABOUT WHAT'S INCLUDED
It’s important to keep in mind the difference between what different venues offer. Consider the type of setup and decorations you would like to have and what that venue has to offer in terms of space. If you are looking to embrace a non-traditional venue, your décor budget may be different than a typical ballroom that provides tables and chairs and walls for hanging decorations.

Like décor, lighting will be very important to your big day. If the venue is too dark, it can make it difficult for the photographer to capture all of the details. Find out if your venue offers additional lighting or if you will need to hire an additional outside vendor.

While a traditional venue may have a higher upfront cost than a venue where you need to rent your own stuff or add additional services, it’s important to compare the overall pricing for everything included.

Your wedding planner will help you visualize all of the different aspects of your wedding that will bring your day together.

READ/ASK FOR REFERRALS
Most venues will have dedicated pages on wedding websites with multiple reviews for perusal. Browse through the reviews to learn about others’ experience with the service, food, and venue in general. Many venues also have relationships with past clients who you can speak to about their experiences. Ask them if there is anything they would have done differently – it’s a great way to learn something you may not have already considered.

CONSIDER YOUR GUESTS
If you’ve decided you want something non-traditional for your wedding or you’ve decided on a destination wedding, it’s important to consider your guests. Are their hotels or inns nearby that will have enough rooms to accommodate everyone? Will shuttle buses be needed to get everyone to the ceremony and back?

CONTINGENCY/PLAN B
Let’s be frank – the weather is unpredictable. Just as important as choosing your venue is having a contingency plan for an outdoor wedding. Before making a decision, make sure you know what the plan is in case of inclement weather and do a walk through as well. If you dislike the backup space, you may want to consider another venue.

VENDOR RESTRICTIONS
Some wedding venues have strict policies on vendors that may not go along with what you had in mind. If you’ve already booked a planner or had your heart set on a photographer, make sure the venue doesn’t have vendor restrictions that could upset your plans. Some establishments have “preferred” vendors that have previously worked at the venue but may allow you to bring in your own as well. Work out these details ahead of time so everything is clear and straightforward.

EXCLUSIVITY/PRIVACY
Many venues have multiple events happening at once so if exclusivity is important to you, you will need to ask ahead of time how much interaction can be expected. Some venues offer separate bathrooms and parking while others have rooms close together and music often overlaps. If you are getting married in a public space, be aware that strangers may find their way into your wedding (and photos). Be upfront about your wants and needs and aware of all expectations to avoid any confusion.

SIGN YOUR CONTRACT
Work with your wedding planner to make sure everything is properly covered in your contract so that there are no surprises or overage charges. Keep in mind that your date isn’t officially reserved until you sign your contract and, in most cases, give a deposit. That being said, make sure to read the fine print and triple-check that all of your details are included. Don’t be pressured into signing if you aren’t 100% ready. If needed, ask your venue if you can place a small deposit to hold your wedding date (usually subtracted from the final bill) until you’ve worked out all of the details.

BONUS: TELL YOUR STORY
Choosing the right venue can be a great opportunity to add some sentiment to the details. Where did you first meet? First date? Proposal? All of these places can be used as a non-traditional wedding venue that will tell your unique love story.