We’re back with “Tips for Brides.” In this post, we’re going to discuss venues! The options are seemingly endless, from country-style barns to fancy ballrooms, cozy restaurants, and sandy beaches…So which place is the right one for you? Take these tips into consideration before deciding.
First things first. Sit down with your Fiance and ask each other, “Where have you envisioned yourself getting married?” Were there ocean waves in the background? A mountain view? A beautiful religious venue?
Once you have each explained your hopes for your special day, make a list of venues to see that would fit the bill for both of you. Remember, compromise is key!
Be Mindful of Your Timeframe
Choosing a venue for your wedding may be the first decision you make after you get engaged since some spots have waiting lists spanning two years! If you’re looking at a venue that’s popular and regularly requested, you might want to schedule an appointment with the property manager immediately after slipping that gorgeous ring on your finger!
Figure Out Your Budget
You need to know the number you’re working with before you take a venue meeting. Before you start visiting venues, sit down and put the numbers on paper. How much money are you each contributing? Are your parents or other loved ones contributing to the budget? Tally up the final number and divide it by two. A good rule of thumb: Half of your budget should go toward the venue and food; the other half should go toward everything else.
Get Your Guest List Squared Away
Let’s rip the Band-Aid off right now. A guest list can alter many wedding decisions. For example, if you’re inviting too many people, you may have some venue limitations. There’s nothing worse than inviting 150 people to your wedding to later find out that the place you chose can only hold 100 of those guests!
When you sit down to budget, work out a tentative guest list simultaneously. Consider family, friends, and people your parents want there (because you know they’ll complain if Great Aunt Mary doesn’t get an invite). And when you take venue calls or meetings, tell them right away how many seats you’ll need so that you don’t waste their time or your own.
Experiment With Styles at Home
Before you start booking tours of different venues, narrow down what you want your wedding to look like. If you’re a classic bride, you may want to consider indoor places like hotels, ballrooms, and country clubs. If you prefer something with a more rustic vibe, wineries and gardens may be a good starting point. Even still, if you’re something outside of these scopes, like a Bohemian bride, you may want to think about creating your wedding scene from scratch. It’s all up to you.
Make a Pro and Con List
Falling in love with a venue at first sight is a magical feeling. But don’t let it trick you! If you heed any advice from this article, it’s to never sign that dotted line after viewing only one place. We recommend selecting at least three wedding venues to tour. Then, once you’ve completed your tours, sit down with your partner and make a clean-cut list of pros and cons. Then, and only then, should you decide where your wedding will take place.
Do you have any tips for selecting a wedding venue? Share them with us in the comments below!