Finding the perfect wedding venue can feel like a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you quickly narrow down your search.
Location: This is the first thing you have already considered. You may have landed on a country, state, and even city. If you are looking at a local event, optimizing distance for your guests to travel is a kind gesture. If you are looking for a destination event, keep in mind the distance to airports and public transit.
Parking: While dreaming of your wedding, practical things tend to come second to the vision you have always had. Parking is one of those things that can quickly turn your guests’ experience sour if they have to hunt for parking. If that is the case consider a valet. You will be thrilled that you made that choice, and gives an extra something to your event.
Capacity: This should be the first question you ask your venue. If you want to have 300 people but only have the capacity for 100, time to look at another venue. Confirm this capacity with your planner and caterer. Often your style of food service will determine seating capacity. Also, ask for a layout with precise measurements. It can be helpful to see how tight things need to be to seat your guest count.
Accessibility: Consider your guests and make sure their path to and from your event is as easy as possible. If they have to walk over 100 yards of gravel or grass in heals, ask your planner or venue manager for other solutions, such as golf carts. Ask your vendors what type of accessibility they will need. If you have large bars, decor, backdrops, etc that need to be taken to the 21st floor, make sure there is an elevator or freight elevator.
Event date: Event venues book out swiftly, so contact them early. Try to be flexible with your event date before your book your venue. This will give you the best opportunity to book the venue you want and get the best price.
Amenenties: Confirm your venues ameneties so your vendors are able to accomodate your needs. Bathrooms, kitchen, tables and chairs, av capabilities, set up and clean up requirements and times.
Pricing: Go over your wedding budget before you go venue hunting. Ask a professional how to divide up your budget. Your local wedding planner will be of the most assistance here, but you can also check out online budet creators like this one.