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We welcome below our guest blog by Canvas-Events.co.uk on how to choose the perfect wedding venue.
A wedding venue defines the big day by setting up an overall tone thus the need to choose one wisely. Whether you decide on a majestic ballroom or a white sandy beach, choosing the ideal venue is not an easy task, and can become an overwhelming, stressful affair.
The venue determines your wedding location, your theme, numbers of guests to invite, budget and planning time, and styling. Here are a few ideas to help you navigate.
1. Choose a wedding venue that fits your vision
Every couple is unique, and working as a team will help you find the ideal place that captures your personality. This means staying true to yourselves and choosing an authentic venue that reflects the combination of your styles.
Over the years the traditional venues like country houses and hotels have dominated the wedding market with their superb packages. However, it pays to broaden your minds as we have other non-traditional venues like museums, restaurants, art galleries, parks, boats, pubs, and warehouses that make perfect wedding venues. For uniqueness, opt for a hidden venue or a marquee wedding that provides you with ultimate flexibility from décor to style to flooring to tables and chairs. A wedding venue that incorporates your vision with the natural elements makes the couple feel connected to the place.
2. Understand the logistics
With the wedding excitement and emotions that come with finding the perfect venue, couples may forget to consider the logistics.
Consider the number of guests, special accommodations, transportation, accessibility for the people living with disabilities, and time. Check out if the place provides both outdoor and indoor space in case of a change of weather.
It’s advisable to have both ceremonies close enough or at the same venue to make the transition from one to the other seamless. If the wedding reception and ceremony are held in different places, they should not be more than 1 hour apart.
Other venue related details that craft positive guest experiences include safe and spacious parking space, straightforward directions, and friendly amenities like sufficient bathrooms.
3. Budget And Packages
Narrow down your venue choices by setting up a budget. Talk to your partner and seek advice from your wedding planner. Most couples use 10-15% of the total budget on the venue. You may opt for the venue with an all-inclusive package that includes a bar, catering, and staffing but expect it to cover about 40-50% of the budget. Ensure you ask about the beverage and food minimums, the billable components, and site fees.
4. Consider the Venue Restrictions
Many wedding venues have restrictions like leaving time, noise levels, and others. If planning an overnight party, ensure you choose a location far from residential areas due to noise levels. Find out whether the location has a suitable alcohol license, especially when using temporary structures like a marquee or having an outdoor reception.
Check the venue’s restriction and policies on children, consider hiring a place with child—minding facilities.
Some venues also have decoration, usage of candles, personal suppliers and equipment, and fireworks restrictions. Before signing a venue contract, ensure you understand the restrictions to enable you to plan and adjust according to your wish.
5. Back-up Plan
Opt for a venue with a back-up plan in case of natural emergencies like wildfires, blizzards, or hurricanes. Confirm the cancellation policy and also the ability to execute the emergency plan.
6. Be flexible with the date
Choosing a wedding venue after you have planned the date may be problematic, especially during peak wedding season. Check out the available dates on your preferred venue, either through calling them, sending a message, visiting, or using their online calendars.
Having flexible dates will ensure you find your dream venue quicker and gives you the option to reschedule to an off-peak season like February, early December, and November. During that period the prices are lower and the locations less competitive. You can also adjust your wedding date to a weekday or Sunday.
7. Location and Space
A wedding venue should capture your vision, be within budget and provide a comfortable location for your friends and family. Choose a location accessible by everyone, even your elderly relatives. Take into consideration the guest count and choose a place that can accommodate your entire wedding party.
8. Wedding Venue Visit
Once you have shortlisted suitable venues, it’s time to visit them and get to know the place better. Pay attention to the venue's finer details like the bathrooms locations, air conditioning, ample heating, and power sockets.
Ask about the cost breakdown, discounts, and payment policies. Consider asking for the main contact person to work with throughout the planning process and the day itself for easy communication with your wedding planner.
9. Keep an Open Mind
Not every venue will meet your desires and particulars. However, some places may have hidden gems that can be incorporated into your theme to make your wedding day perfect.
In conclusion
Finding your perfect wedding venue is one crucial piece of the big day puzzle that helps to bring all ideas together and seamlessly. It’s easy to fall in love with a place due to its beauty. But ensure your research, read reviews, ask for recommendations, and follow your personalized vision and rules to find your perfect wedding venue
We would like to thank Canvas Events for their guest blog.
BusyBrides we just like to add, that in light of the pandemic we are experiencing, it would be useful to add a further question to your venue and ask what their policy is on pandemics. DO NOT sign any contract where a venue waive their right to Force Majeure. It's just not enough to have a cancellation policy now, you want to know that at a time like this you have accommodating venue that will be prepared to offer you a postponement free of charge.