There’s no doubt about it – choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important aspects of the wedding planning process. It is the backdrop to your love story, so it needs to effortlessly set the scene and really feel like it’s made for you both as a couple. Plus, once you’ve booked your wedding venue, you can start contacting the rest of your suppliers and began imagining your big day. If you’re feeling a little unsure about where you can start when it comes to your wedding venue, I’ve put together a mini guide on the elements you need to consider…
Start Early
As a wedding planner in California, I recommend that you begin the search for your wedding venue as early as possible to avoid disappointment – especially if you have your heart set on a particular place. The wedding industry is incredibly busy at the moment, particularly post-pandemic with an influx of postponements and new bookings. You’ll also need to take into account in the season in which you’d like to say, ‘I Do’. Spring and Summer are renowned as the busiest seasons, so you may need to book a couple (if not a few) years in advance if you want a sunshine-filled celebration.
Wedding Venue Style
You’ll need to think about the style of wedding you want and how that will affect the venue you choose. If you want a setting the exudes bygone glamour or timeless elegance, you may want to search for manor houses or country house wedding venues within the countryside. For couples who love the thought of something urban and stylish, a city wedding venue will be much more up your street. Together, we can work to curate a shortlist of wedding venues that tick all your boxes.
Indoor or Outdoor
If you are smitten with the thought of tying the knot in the great outdoors, you’ll need to make sure that your potential wedding venue does indeed have capacity to host an alfresco ceremony and reception. There is no point booking in venues that have no outdoor space if that’s one area you are unlikely to compromise on!
Accommodation
For couples who have guests traveling from far and wide, consider booking a wedding venue with accommodation. This also ties in with the location of your wedding venue – is it easy for guests to access? I recommend finding a venue that can host both your ceremony and reception to avoid adding further stress or traveling for your friends and family.
Catering for Requirements
Before you go ahead and book your venue, make sure it caters for any preferences / priorities you may have. As an example, many of my brides would like to be able to get ready at their venue with their glam squad, so they can relax and be pampered on the morning of the big day. However, if this is not possible or there is no bridal suite, this may deter you from officially booking. I suggest creating a list of ‘must-haves’ before you begin the wedding venue search.
Above all, the most important piece of advice I can offer is that your chosen wedding venue feels like you. If you can imagine yourself getting married there, it’s most likely the one for you! Don’t forget, as part of my wedding planning services, I offer venue sourcing within my packages. My schedule is now open for weddings in 2023 and beyond, so please do get in touch today for more info!
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