Choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions that a couple will have to make when wedding planning. Not only will the venue that you choose set the tone for the day but it will also help to create the overall experience for you and your guests. Aside from overall aesthetic, other factors to consider are: your style, guest count, what’s included, the type of bar you want to offer, location, catering and more. It can be easy to get sidetracked by a gorgeous venue but it’s important to consider these things before signing anything!

Here are 7 things to consider when choosing a wedding venue:

Find Your Style

First, think about the style that you love for a venue and what your taste is. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine what’s best for you! Whether it’s a barn, art gallery, a ballroom or cidery. It could be modern, rustic or traditional. Next, think about the theme of your wedding day as this can influence the type of space that you will need. If you really love the rustic feel, maybe a barn or a modern event space with lots of wood tones is best for you. If you’re looking for somewhere modern, think about an art gallery or upscale hotel. Lastly, consider the decor needed to elevate the space as this, along with florals, could be an important factor, too. Choosing a venue that aligns with your vision will help to pull all of the elements of the day together.

Guest Count

Start by creating a rough number for your guest count. You’ll need this number as you begin to look at venues to determine the amount of space that you will need. This will be a good way to rule out which venues are too big, or too small for your guest number. With that in mind, it’s best to choose a venue that allows for more room than you think you need versus trying to squish everyone into a smaller venue. The same goes for a space that is too large as you may be paying for additional space that you don’t need. It can be hard to visualize the space when it’s empty so consider going for a tour when it’s set up for a wedding or look for images taken of a previous wedding there. Many venues require a minimum number of guests or can only accommodate a certain amount so it’s best to have this narrowed down before your search begins.

What’s Included

Next, determine what’s included with your venue cost. Things such as table and chair rentals, setup and takedown & catering and bar services. For many couples, it’s an added bonus if the venue takes care of these things as it’s less work for them to find additional vendors. Many venues have in-house catering which is convenient but likely a cost per plate with set menu options. There may also be a minimum amount required for catering or the bar. A venue that offers table, chair and linen rentals might be a higher cost than getting them elsewhere so it’s important to do your own research to determine which option is best for you. Having a wedding planner or coordinator that works primarily with the venue is an added bonus as they are likely familiar with the setup and coordinating of event staff.

The Bar

With all of this in mind, it’s also important to consider what type of bar you want to offer to your guests. There are many different bar options available depending on what your vibe is. There’s an open bar, cash bar, a subsidized bar with tickets or tokens or offering select beer and wines with a signature cocktail. Do you want to have craft beer, fancy cocktails or stick with a select amount of beer, cider and highballs? You should also consider if you want the event staff to run the bar or if you want to hire out for this. Many couples want the option to bring their own alcohol in and set their own pricing. Others may prefer having the venue take care of this. On the other hand, you should think about the family and friends you’re inviting and what kind of event you want to have.

Location & Season

When choosing your wedding venue, you should consider where your event is going to take place. First, think about where the majority of your guests are coming from. If you plan to elope somewhere or if you’re planning for a wedding weekend in the mountains, you will want to ensure that there are plenty of accommodation options available for everyone. If your reception is taking place outside of the city, then you will need to ensure that there are transportation options available, too. For some couples, it’s an added bonus if their venue can host both their ceremony and the reception. If you don’t plan to travel on your wedding day then it’s best to find somewhere that has a beautiful landscape or grounds so that you’re able to take your photos here too! Last but not least, think about the season that you want to get married in. For example, if you want to get married on a golf course, then it’s best to book it in the summer months so that you can optimize the venue and ground space. The same goes for colder weather! If you want to have a wedding weekend in the mountains with options for your guests to go snowboarding or skiing, then you’ll have to choose an optimal venue and season for this!

Catering

Consider what type of catering you want to offer when choosing your venue. With whatever type of meal you want to offer, it’s a bonding experience for your guests and a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. First and foremost, how do you want your food to be served? Do you prefer a buffet style or would you rather have the meal be served to your guests? If that’s not really your vibe, consider a grazing table or appetizers so that your guests mingle and eat as they’d like. Keep your wedding style, budget and venue space in mind as you choose the type of meal you want to serve. If your budget allows and if you want the pressure taken off of you by having the venue take care of the meal, then do it. It all comes down to the kind of experience you want to create for you and your guests!

With inspiration all around, it can be difficult to see past a gorgeous venue but it’s important to think about the pros and cons of each venue as well as the type of experience that you want to offer for you and your guests. Once you have a vision in mind of what style you’re looking for and how much you want to allocate to your venue, let your search begin! It can be easy to get overwhelmed by so many options but having a clear picture of what you’re looking for can make it easier for you. At the end of the day, it’s important to choose a venue that not only suits your style as a couple but also helps to create the experience you’re dreaming of with your friends and family.

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