Guest Post
By
Whitney Hollingshead
Choosing a venue for your wedding is one of the most important choices you need to make with your fiancé. Once you have selected your theme for the wedding, take a moment to ask yourself another very important question, “How do you want to FEEL on your wedding day?”
As you are visiting possible venues, keep this in mind. Ask yourself this question in relation to the location you are scoping out. Can you feel the way you want to feel at your wedding at this site? If the answer is no, move on. Don’t waste your time trying to convince yourself that some other factor is more important. If something just feels off, go with your gut.
That being said, you will need to be prepared to choose what feels the best based upon your budget. You may feel like a location that is way out of your budget is perfect, but spending money you don’t have will ultimately make you feel worse in the long run. The perfect solution is to only visit places that fit your budget. Do your research ahead of time, narrow down your list, and pick the venue that suits your needs best.
Here are some things to consider in choosing your wedding venue:
How many locations do you need to select? If you must have multiple locations for wedding day events, choose locations that are a reasonable distance from each other. You do not want to spend most of your day traveling back and forth, and your guests don’t want to either.
Check to see if your date is available at any venue you are considering. The longer you wait to decide, the fewer options you will have.
Is the venue sufficiently decorated already? Some venues look very romantic without spending a lot of money on decorations. On the other hand, if you have a vision of using a lot of decorations, consider finding a space that has more of a blank slate feel.
Is there a non-traditional wedding venue that would be a better fit for you than a church, reception center, hotel, garden, vineyard, waterfront, or restaurant? Consider other locations like an art gallery, old theater, your own backyard, a ski lodge in the off season, the lobby of a large building, a planetarium, or even a college campus.
Is there a venue you could use that connects to your love story? For example, could you hold one of your wedding day events at the park where you went on a picnic on your first date? Adding a personal touch to do your day often makes it easier to achieve the feel you have in mind.
Here are the questions to ask when you visit a venue:
1. Can we bring in outside food, decorations, music, etc? (Many venues have strict rules that require you to use their catering service, their onsite decorator, an approved band, etc. If you have your heart set on outside services, find out if there is anyway to negotiate, or find another venue instead. If you do choose their inhouse services make sure you find out all of the options available to you in each category.)
2. How is the space set up for audio and video? Can we bring in extra equipment if needed? (If the space does not have an audio and video setup sufficient for your needs, you may want to rent additional equipment from an audio expert like Performance Audio.)
3. What is the exact address of the venue? (Make note of the address for your invitations and check to see if your navigation system navigates to the venue easily.)
4. What is the total cost? (Request written documentation of what your total cost includes. If something seems amiss, follow up with the venue right away.)
5. What do we need to do to confirm our reservation? (Don’t be afraid to think about it overnight before making your commitment if you have any hesitations. Event planners and managers often put a lot of pressure on you to book immediately. Don’t give in to their pressure!)
Do your research. Ask the necessary questions. Focus on how you feel. When you find the fit that feels right, proceed with confidence. Once this important decision has been made, don’t dwell on the venue any longer. Instead focus your time and energy on the next important decision and don’t forget to enjoy your time as an engaged couple!
Author Bio:
Whitney Hollingshead spent five years working for a private label wedding gown manufacturer. She has also worked as a freelance book editor on several projects relating to the wedding industry. Whitney has always been passionate about writing and learning and loves opportunities to get insider tips from experts like Performance Audio. When life hands you an expert, ask them for advice!
