Many engaged couples put off making a venue reservation until later in the planning process.
In many respects, it is the most crucial decision to be made while organising a wedding because it sets the tone for the entire event and helps choose the theme, colour scheme, and the number of guests.
It's better to make the most important decision as soon as you get engaged, even if it's the location, so you can relax and enjoy the rest of the planning process.
Do not let the lack of stress prevent you from considering your wedding venue carefully. Your wedding's atmosphere, and hence its cost, will be affected by the location you choose.
Once you've limited your search down from our list of top venues to a few favourites in your area, it's time to start scheduling tours. Crucial Things To Consider Before Booking A Wedding Venue
Think you've already found the venue of your dreams? Here are a few crucial things to consider before you sign a contract:
Time Of The Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, And Reception.
This is crucial if your ceremony takes place in a church.
Most only provide an early mass or ceremony time, which occasionally results in a 3-hour delay between the ceremony and cocktail hour. This is why planning your wedding day timeline is crucial!
The Time You Want Your Event To End.
Many engaged couples wish to have their celebration continue until past 10:00 p.m., but this may not be practical due to local ordinances.
If, for instance, you want a 4 p.m. ceremony followed by a 4:30 p.m. cocktail hour, but the venue only allows for a 5-hour open bar, your event must close the bar no later than 9:30 p.m.
You would then need to rethink the ceremony timing if you wanted the celebration to end later.
However, the lighting may change owing to the shooting schedule if you have a later ceremony time. So stick to the 4:30 ceremony time and hold an after-party if you want to obtain those gorgeous natural illuminated images of you and your husband or do a first peek.
What’s Your ‘Type’?
Some upcoming brides will have little trouble visualising their wedding location before they've even visited it, while others will require a little more direction.
Hotels that offer a blank canvas and an accommodating setup that provides comfort and convenience, as well as castles, stately mansions, and marquees, all offer food for thought.
Whatever your opinions, the decision is yours, and the wedding site should properly match your expectations.
What’s The Capacity?
When choosing a venue, this is arguably the most important question to take into account. For example, a modest, intimate restaurant setting isn't for you if you want a big wedding.
Even if you might not be certain of your precise guest list, you should include extra space for plus ones and those you might have forgotten.
The venue you choose should be appropriate for the number of people you expect because the space capacity sets the tone for the entire event.
What’s The Vibe Of This Space?
Please pay attention to the emotions you experience when you enter a room for the first time since this is how your wedding guests will feel.
A rustic lodge atmosphere can be ideal if you want your guests to feel at ease and home.
On the other hand, if you want your visitors to be astounded and awed by the magnificence of your event, an opulent hotel wedding may be right for you.
Make sure the location you choose reflects the atmosphere you want to create, whatever it may be.
Consider The Setting
By including the location in your theme, you may capitalise on the advantages of your venue. For instance, a seaside venue can be ideal if you're looking for a coastal site because it goes above and above with a marine theme and nautical colour scheme.
Check Out The Packages
Each wedding venue will provide a variety of wedding packages that can typically be customised to meet the preferences and requirements of each couple.
Prior to making a reservation, be certain that you understand the pricing, which should be openly disclosed to you from the outset.
To determine what you need and don't, you should sit with the venue's wedding organiser before making a reservation and develop a thorough list of everything a basic package covers.
Are the crew and catering included? Do cake-cutting, corkage, and clean-up cost extra money? Be certain you understand exactly what you are paying for.
Is This Within My Budget?
If the location costs more than 50% of the budget you've previously established for your wedding, it might be out of your price range.
Make careful to decide how much of your budget you're prepared to spend on a location and how much you want to set aside for additional items like flowers, a dress, etc., when you create a budget.
It might be worth the expense of the location being the most important component of your wedding for you and your fiancé, but the key is to make sure you are aware of this from the beginning.
The majority of venues have a dedicated events coordinator or wedding planner to assist you in planning every detail of your special day.
To ensure you will get along, request to meet these team members during the initial meeting.
Sample The Menu
The wedding menu should give you a decent idea of the quality of the food, though couples often have tasting sessions after booking the venue.
If you want to try out the abilities of the in-house crew, a good way to do so is to visit the restaurant at the site.
Request The Rule Book
Verify that the location is licensed appropriately to hold a bar and live music in the evenings.
To make sure you are fully informed when customers ask, it is also important to ask what time the bar can remain open and the live music can continue to play.
Décor Arrangements
If you have a wedding planning team, they will typically offer advice on how to style and decorate the venue.
Alternately, if they don't, you'll know to hire more people to assist you with setup; make sure to find out how long in advance you can start decorating.
Take A Tour
Consider the entire site instead of just the ceremony and reception areas.
It will provide you with a complete understanding of the location and everything on offer, even if you aren't using any more rooms, gardens, or lodging. Don't forget to check out the bridal suite, too.
Don’t Act On Impulse.
You are not required to decide immediately when you visit the location.
Before you jump in, give yourself some time to consider it and take everything in. However, don't wait too long, or you'll miss the chance.
Read Reviews
The clincher: research the place before exchanging vows there by reading reviews.
The brides who have been there and gone through it will provide the most trustworthy and honest account.
FAQs About Wedding
You must have a general notion of how much you can afford to spend on the venue as well as the event as a whole. Keep in mind that the costs associated with your location and catering will probably account for roughly half of your budget. Compute the Number of Guests A comprehensive and precise guest list is not required at this time.
How Many Guests Do You Want To Have?
Notify the location of the expected number of guests.
Since the 80/20 rule of RSVPs has quickly been disproven, you should assume that more than 80% of your guests will show up to your wedding.
It would be best if you always overestimated your needs so that you aren't caught short when the final RSVPs come in.
Before choosing a location, you should think about your guests' transit possibilities.
Will you be offering a shuttle service to those attending from out of town? When night falls, where will they lay their heads?
Since you don't want to leave any of your visitors stranded at the end of the night, these are all vital factors to take into account.
Getting A Deal For A Particular Day? Ask Why.
Ask why if you are given a "discount" on a specific day. Don't merely think of the discount as a gift; there is always a justification behind things.
For instance: When booking brides for a Sunday event date, several venues advertise to their members that they will give them a discount.
They neglect to mention that they can't enter the space until their members have left, which happens to be approximately 2:30 pm.
Because the site only allows a five-hour rental period, the ceremony must be scheduled for 4:30, and the farewell must be at 9:30.
By taking action, workers can prepare for an early Monday morning without having a late night.
The bride will have to enlist professionals to set up her wedding within that 2-hour window and cross her fingers that it will be sufficient!
Tips To Consider Before Booking Your Venue
Go With Your Gut
Trust is, in our opinion, the most crucial factor to take into account! Trust your gut when it comes to the location, the area, and the team you'll be working with.
Your Budget Should Drive the Decision
The couple's budget should be their top priority before choosing a location or even starting the planning process.
Almost every aspect of a wedding is governed by the budget, particularly when choosing a location.
Although it's simple to have great dreams, couples are frequently shocked by how quickly expenses mount.
Take Into Account the “tone” Your Venue Will Set.
Brides and grooms must take into account one crucial aspect while selecting a location: the mood of the area.
The venue's name on an invitation tells the guest a lot about the couple and the atmosphere they can anticipate.
Both the bride's and the groom's lifestyles, interests, and personal preferences should be reflected throughout the space.
Pay Attention To The Details
The specifics! Of course, you want to pick a lovely, cosy, and easily accessible location, but some media have unnoticed obstacles that can make planning a logistical nightmare.
On the other hand, you can feel more at ease and concentrate on enjoying the celebration when a venue has carefully considered every last detail.
Think About Your Guests
Most of us have imagined the "where" and the "how" we want to spend our special day at some time in our lives.
However, we also need to take into account the logistics of the numerous visitors and family members who will come great distances to witness and support you on your new journey as husband and wife.
When making final judgments, factors other than venues should be taken into accounts, such as the climate, guest safety, accessibility, transportation, and necessary travel documents.
Know The Real Costs
Couples need to clearly understand how much it will cost to bring everything in if they are looking at a bare area.
The last thing you want to do is spend all your money on a gorgeous venue only to cut costs elsewhere.
Prior to booking, it is crucial to contact desirable vendors and confirm that everything is within their budget.
Get To Know The Team Behind The Venue
When choosing a location, a couple should prioritise whether they feel comfortable with the area and the people they will be working with to arrange their wedding.
The atmosphere created by the location's setting, aesthetic, and the people who will serve as their point of contact should be one of peace and joy.
Finding this unique connection will make the planning process much easier.
Prioritise What Matters
A couple should list the most significant factors for their wedding day before choosing a venue.
For instance, if a couple wants a great dance party, check to see if the location has noise or end-of-night limits.
The location must feature top-notch food, a properly stocked bar, and knowledgeable bartenders/mixologists if a couple values food and drink.
If a couple wants to wed outside, make sure the location offers a lovely outdoor ceremony option.
The Property Matters As Much As The Location
Picking a wedding location is an exciting first step for any couple, but it's only one of many.
Another key factor is having a high-caliber venue waiting for you when you get there.
You can make your dream wedding a reality with the help of the right venue and planning team, giving your guests an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond the traditional "I dos."
Service Is Key
When they enter, the pair should feel at ease. However, they should also consider what they want the wedding night experience to mean for their guests.
In the end, it's all about the service, food, beverages, and of course, the music, so take into account the guest-to-staff ratio.
Know What’s Included In The Price
When selecting a location, the couple must consider their budget and learn what is offered with each platform they are considering.
Each property is unique. This will set the stage for the remainder of their planning, determining whether it will be as fun and stress-free as possible or difficult as expenses begin to stifle any enjoyment that should come with preparing your wedding.
Be True To Who You Are As A Couple
Make sure the location you choose reflects your shared vision and accurately reflects the two of you.
Naturally, you want to be sure that the location will offer you a flawless experience, but it's crucial to remember that the evening's core is the meeting of two people.
Opt For Unique Features
Every place has and provides distinctive features. Pick a service that has the options both of you need. Please have a look at our long selection of Melbourne wedding photographers who can help you capture those special moments.
For those who would rather spend time outside, venues with extensive greenery are ideal, while others who have a particular fondness for a certain food will want to choose a place that serves it.
Conclusion
In many respects, it is the most crucial decision to be made while organising a wedding because it sets the tone for the entire event and helps choose the theme, colour scheme, and the number of guests. It's better to make the most important decision as soon as you get engaged, even if it's the location, so you can relax and enjoy the rest of the planning process.
It might be worth the expense of the location being the most important component of your wedding for you and your fiance, but the key is to ensure you are aware of this from the beginning. If you want to try out the abilities of the in-house crew, a good way to do so is to visit the restaurant at the site.
Content Summary
- What Things Should You Consider Before Booking Your Wedding Venue? Many engaged couples put off making a venue reservation until later in the planning process.
- In many respects, it is the most crucial decision to be made while organising a wedding because it sets the tone for the entire event and helps choose the theme, colour scheme, and the number of guests.
- It's better to make the most important decision as soon as you get engaged, even if it's the location, so you can relax and enjoy the rest of the planning process.
- Your wedding's atmosphere, and hence its cost, will be affected by the location you choose.
- Once you`ve limited your search down from our list of top venues to a few favourites in your area, it's time to start scheduling tours.
- Crucial Things To Consider Before Booking A Wedding Venue Do you believe you`ve already located the ideal location?
- Then, before you sign a contract, take into account the following important factors: Time of the Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception.
- This is why planning your wedding day timeline is crucial! The Time You Want Your Event to End.
- If, for instance, you want a 4 p.m. ceremony followed by a 4:30 p.m. cocktail hour, but the venue only allows for a 5-hour open bar, your event must close the bar no later than 9:30 p.m. You would then need to rethink the ceremony timing if you wanted the celebration to end later.
- However, the lighting may change owing to the shooting schedule if you have a later ceremony time.
- When choosing a venue, this is arguably the most important question to take into account.
- Even if you might not be certain of your precise guest list, you should include extra space for plus ones and those you might have forgotten.
- The venue you choose should be appropriate for the number of people you expect because the space capacity sets the tone for the entire event.
- Please pay attention to the emotions you experience when you enter a room for the first time since this is how your wedding guests will feel.
- A rustic lodge atmosphere can be ideal if you want your guests to feel at ease and home.
- On the other hand, if you want your visitors to be astounded and awed by the magnificence of your event, an opulent hotel wedding may be right for you.
- Make sure the location you choose reflects the atmosphere you want to create, whatever it may be.
- Consider the Setting By including the location in your theme, you may capitalise on the advantages of your venue.
- To determine what you need and don't, you should sit with the venue`s wedding organiser before making a reservation and develop a thorough list of everything a basic package covers.
- If the location costs more than 50% of the budget you've previously established for your wedding, it might be out of your price range.
- Meet the group The majority of venues have a dedicated events coordinator or wedding planner to assist you in planning every detail of your special day.