Choosing the right wedding venue can be a daunting task for anyone, as it is usually the first big decision you’ll make when planning your wedding day. Besides the dress, it will be the main memory friends and family will have of your big day. Making this decision is not an easy one, so here are some tips to help you narrow down your choice of venue for your wedding day.
Show me the money!
It seems obvious, but knowing what the maximum you can spend on your wedding venue is the starting point to understanding how much you can afford to fork out on the big day. As well as this, don’t be afraid to discuss with venue personnel the budget you have and what they can offer to suit you. Sometimes a key element of the venue, like providing a wedding planner may be something you have already organised, so there could be room for discussion on prices.
Location, location, location…
Once your spending budget is taken care of, the next step is the all important location. Most brides to be may have already decided to get married in their home town, but often there are situations where the bride and groom are from different backgrounds. This can open up your location options to basically anywhere. You could even be planning your wedding from a completely different country! It’s also important to consider how far your guests will need to travel to your wedding venue and if this is a viable option for the majority of them. If you are planning the big day from afar, check out The Insider’s Guide to getting Married in Ireland.
The Wedding Theme
Will your wedding have a colour scheme or theme to it? Whether it’s contemporary or rustic, deciding on a theme will mean that your venue should correspond and fit in with it as much as possible. Consider your wedding day photos, as you may want to pick out key spots, photo styles and backdrops for your photos. Also consider whether or not there’s the opportunity to personalize your wedding venue to suit your theme.
What do you need?
Decide beforehand what exactly it is you’re looking for from your venue and find what venues fit your specific criteria. Once you’ve visited the various wedding venues, decide what key features are absolutely necessary for your wedding day (Space? Style? Catering? Seating arrangements?) and which elements or features you can compromise on. Beginning your wedding venue search knowing what you do and don’t need can help you quickly filter out venues.
What challenges have you faced recently in looking for your wedding venue? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
