Your Style
Are you looking for Rustic/Chic, Industrial or simply Elegant? There are many venues to choose from, but keep in mind, most venues can be made to look like your vision….it may just cost more to get it there! There are many barn venues that have “popped up” around the country, but trends seem to be changing a bit (as they always do). Other great ideas could include industrial/warehouse type venues, museums, gardens and arboretums, country clubs, hotels and even county parks!
The choices can be endless, it all depends on your style and what suits you as a couple, best. Are you more casual and whimsical or traditional and serious? Do you consider colors and lighting as important? What about opportunities for great wedding photographs and amazing “nooks and crannies” on the property that you can be whisked off to for a few sunset photos?
Your Budget
Financial concerns are real when it comes to planning your wedding day. The venue you choose will be one of the largest costs you’ll deal with, so come up with a budget before you begin visiting places for your ceremony and reception! Let’s be real – if you don’t have numbers in mind, budgets will go out the window once you step onto a beautiful venue that seems to be “calling your name”. Some venues include their pricing and available packages on their websites, so be sure to do some research as you’re putting together your budget. It’s helpful to check out three to five venues and their offerings. Search their websites, blogs and any information you can gather, add to a spreadsheet and come up with an overall wedding budget. Schedule appointments with the venues you’d like to see and make sure you ask about their contracts, payment schedules, guest parking and what is included in the cost!
What’s Included?
Be sure to carefully review the contracts, so you are sure of everything the venue includes. It’s also important to know the regulations of each venue: Do they require liability insurance of both client and vendors that are hired for your wedding day? Do they have a specific end time for the event and/or a noise ordinance you need to be aware of?
Additional things to think about: Does the venue rental include tables, chairs, centerpieces, setup and tear down of tables and chairs? Are there extra costs for these items? What about “rain plans” if it’s an outdoor venue? Are they accessible to people with physical disabilities? Do they include a “Day Of” Coordinator, and if so, what do they do on the day of? Realistically, most venue coordinators handle selling the venue, making sure the room layouts and menus are handled (if catering is onsite), and possibly getting your bridesmaids down the aisle. However, many venue coordinators do not assist with everything an outside Coordinator/Wedding Planner helps with for your special day. Venues are experts at the venue, setup, room temperatures, and lighting, properly maintained bathroom facilities, well-manicured properties, and ceremony spots, and providing beautiful environments to celebrate marriages! A good wedding coordinator will guide you through each step of the day, care for your needs, handle any “hiccups” that may occur and calmly and professionally, make sure your venue and each vendor you have hired have what they need to make your day beautiful.
