What To Look For When Searching For A Wedding Venue
Shopping for a wedding venue is an extremely exciting time in your life.
It’s that time when everything is syncing in; it’s finally happening! While it all might have started out with getting unique yellow gold engagement rings during the engagement phase, now it’s at the point of the wedding planning phase- something both so overwhelming yet so exciting too!
It’s also something that can be a major drain on your finances when it comes to planning for the big event.
Therefore, it’s important that the wedding venue you pick is the right one for you and your loved one. It’s good to know that not everyone is going to find their ideal wedding venue on the first try. For some, it takes many visits to multiple venues before finding the perfect one. Others might find it the first time.
Here are some tips on what to look for when searching for a wedding venue in 2023.
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Know your budget
First and foremost, get to know the budget you have available. You may have already bought a ring to symbolize your commitment, now it’s time to crunch the numbers. This is something you should have organized prior to visiting your wedding venues. Why? Well, you don’t want to start shopping around venues that are well out of your budget but then you fall in love with it.
You want to know exactly how much you can allocate to the wedding venue itself without it taking away too much from the rest of your wedding budget and plans. Make sure you’ve thought about this and discussed it with your partner so that you’re both on the same page at least.
Helpful items to keep in mind for your wedding venue budget:
Venue Rental Fee $3,000 - $10,000+ (Note: High-end or exclusive venues may have higher rental fees.)
The most significant portion of your wedding budget will likely go towards the venue rental fee. The cost will vary depending on the location, date, time of day, and amenities offered by the venue.
Money-Saving Tip: Consider booking your wedding during the off-peak season or on a weekday.
Many venues offer lower rates during these times, and you might even have more negotiating power for discounts or additional perks.
Catering and Food $50 - $150 per person (Note: The cost can vary based on the menu, type of cuisine, and level of service.)
Food and beverages are major components of any wedding celebration. Consider the cost of catering per person, which includes appetizers, the main course, dessert, and drinks. Some venues may offer in-house catering services, while others might require you to hire an external caterer.
Money-Saving Tip: Opt for a buffet-style or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner.
Buffets often require fewer staff members, reducing service costs, and family-style dining can create a more intimate atmosphere while potentially saving on food expenses. Even better, you could have you and your guests make it a pot-luck to save even more time, stress, and money.
Decor and Flowers: $2,000 - $6,000+
Transforming your chosen venue into a beautiful and personalized setting may involve costs for decorations, floral arrangements, centerpieces, lighting, and any other decorative elements you envision for your big day.
Money-Saving Tip: Choose seasonal and locally sourced flowers for your arrangements.
Seasonal blooms are generally more affordable, and local flowers can save on shipping and handling costs.
Entertainment: $1,000 - $4,000
Whether you choose a live band, DJ, or any other form of entertainment, budget accordingly to keep the dance floor lively and your guests entertained throughout the celebration.
Money-Saving Tip: Ask friends or family members with musical talent to perform during your ceremony or cocktail hour.
Alternatively, explore local talent or up-and-coming artists who might offer their services at a more budget-friendly rate.
You could also go for DIY and make a playlist of all your favorite songs to be played automatically!
Miscellaneous Expenses 5% - 10% of the total budget
There will always be unexpected expenses that pop up during the planning process. Set aside a contingency fund for any last-minute or unforeseen costs.
Money-Saving Tip: Prioritize your must-have elements and be prepared to make some compromises.
By focusing on what matters most to you as a couple, you can avoid overspending on less critical items.
Make sure your wedding venue meets your capacity
Capacity is an important one because there will always be a difference from one wedding couple to another when it comes to wedding parties. The size of the wedding party is completely dependent on how many people you know and love who you want on your big day.
For some that might be just 40 or 50, for others it might be closer to 150 to 200.
Bigger weddings can be upwards of 300 to 500.
Of course, you also need to remember that not only does the budget need to stretch to this many people but the venue needs to accommodate that amount too. Some will be flexible on the amount, while others will have strict limits on their capacity, so make sure to check this.
Deciding who to invite to your wedding is an important and sometimes challenging task.
As you plan your special day, it's essential to create a guest list that reflects your values, priorities, and the intimate atmosphere you envision for your celebration. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in making this crucial decision:
Identify Your Priorities: Begin by discussing with your partner what kind of wedding experience you both desire. Decide whether you want a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration with extended family and friends. Understanding your priorities will help set the tone for your guest list.
Immediate Family: Start with your immediate family members, including parents, siblings, and grandparents. These are the people who have played a significant role in your lives and are likely to cherish being present on your special day. If that doesn’t apply, decide who your Chosen Family is and take it from there.
Closest Friends: Consider inviting your closest and dearest friends, those who have been with you through thick and thin. These are the friends who have supported your relationship and will continue to be an essential part of your life.
Extended Family: Depending on the size of your family, it might not be feasible to invite all extended family members. Focus on those you have a close relationship with or those you see regularly.
Supportive Co-Workers: If you have a close relationship with some of your co-workers, consider inviting them as well. Remember, you're not obligated to invite everyone at your workplace.
Again, Consider the Venue Size and Budget: Your guest list should be influenced by your venue's capacity and your overall budget. Be mindful of how many guests you can comfortably accommodate without compromising the wedding experience you desire.
Children and Plus-Ones: Decide on your stance regarding children and plus-ones for single guests. While some couples welcome families and plus-ones, others opt for an adults-only celebration to maintain a more intimate setting.
Emotional Connection: Reflect on the emotional connection you have with each potential guest. Inviting people who genuinely matter to you will make your wedding day even more meaningful.
Be Respectful: If you must make tough decisions due to budget constraints or venue limitations, communicate your choices with empathy and understanding. Let those who might not receive an invitation know that you cherish their relationship, even if they can't attend the celebration.
Is your wedding venue located in the right place?
When sourcing wedding venues, it’s important to look at the location. The location is a very important part of wedding venue shopping, especially as it relies on being accessible for those coming to the venue. Of course, there will be some that are in the middle of nowhere, so you need to consider how much accommodation is within the surrounding area.
A wedding venue that’s limited for accommodation in the immediate area, might be a tough one if you have a lot of guests attending.
If the venue is in a remote or secluded area, think about the availability of nearby lodging options for your guests, especially if you have a sizable guest list. A wedding venue situated in a more remote or rural location can offer a picturesque and serene atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking a tranquil ambiance.
However, it may pose challenges if your guests are required to travel long distances or if there is a limited number of nearby accommodations. In such cases, you may want to arrange shuttle services from designated hotels or provide a list of lodging options in varying price ranges to ensure your guests have a comfortable stay.
An accessible location can be especially beneficial if many of your guests are from out of town or if you have international guests attending. Additionally, the proximity to hotels and accommodation options can make it easier for everyone to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about extensive travel arrangements.
Trust your gut on wedding venue locations
When it comes to booking a wedding venue and the wedding planning itself, a lot of it relies on your own intuition. That means you’re best to trust your gut when figuring out if it’s right for you or not. If you don’t feel the excitement or see yourself getting married there, then look elsewhere.
Whether it takes you days, months, or over a year to find your venue, take your time!
Paige Bond (She/Her)
Paige Bond is a relationship coach. She’s invested countless hours of hard work and dedication into her therapy practice studying what helps build secure relationships - and is now hoping to help the world love better.
