Your Guide to Choosing The Right Venue for You

Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the entire planning process- it sets the tone, influences your budget and is what all the other details of your big day is based off of.

Step 1: Know Your Budget:

• Set a total wedding budget before looking at venues

• Determine how much of that budget is allocated to the venue (typically 40%  including food and beverage)

• Be aware of what’s included (tables, chairs, linens, staff)

 

Step 2: Draft Your Guest List:

• Have a rough estimate of your guest count

• This will help eliminate venues that are too small or too large

 

Step 3: Choose your Style:

• Decide on the vibe: Modern? Rustic? Garden? Beach? Industrial?

• Your venue should align with your vision and theme

 

Step 4: Pick a General Location:

• Consider if you want a local wedding, destination wedding, or something inbetween

• Think about guest accessibility and accommodations in the area

 

Step 5: Consider the Season and Date:

• Some venues are more practical during certain season

• Be flexible with your date if you want a specific venue

 

Step 6: Decide Indoor vs Outdoor:

• Outdoor venues are beautiful but require a weather back up plan—be sure you like the backup plan just as much

• Indoor venues offer more predictability but sometimes limits the amount of space

Step 7: Evaluate the Amenities:

• Does the venue include catering or allow outside caterers?

• Are tables, chairs, linens and decor included?

• Is there a bridal suite or prep room?

• Is there enough parking or valet services?

 

Step 8: Ask about Restrictions:

• Noise ordinances or curfews

• Preferred (or required) vendor lists

• Decor limitations (no open flames, no hanging items, etc)

• Alcohol and bar regulations

 

Step 9: Schedule a Site Visit:

• See the space in person before booking (or have your planner go)

• Visit during the same season as your wedding if possible

• Take notes and photos, ask questions about layouts, flow and backup plans

 

Step 10: Read the Contract Carefully:

• Understand the cancellation policies, payment terms, insurance requirements and what is included

• Confirm exact pricing and payment schedule, and any additional fees (cleaning, overtime, service charges)

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