Chances are you have visited a place so beautiful that it is forever etched in your memory. You can still recall the details… the lighting, the scenery, the sounds around you and the emotions it stirred inside you. In the same way, you will carry the beautiful setting of your wedding with you for years to come, not only etched in your memory, but professionally photographed for posterity. Your wedding day is a day that is one of the most memorable days of your life. What sights, sounds, and feelings will you carry with you from that day? The venue for your event will be the backdrop for all the other details of your magical day! Choosing your beautiful place is one of the most important wedding decisions you will make!!
NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN? HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR DISCOVERING THE VENUE OF YOUR DREAMS.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
Before you start looking for your venue, you need to determine your:
Style…will your wedding be formal or informal, Traditional or non-traditional?
Budget… be realistic!
Guest Count… the number of guests determines the size of the venue you need.
Approximate date.. Which comes first? The venue or the date? It ultimately depends on what is most important to you…getting married on a particular date/season or nabbing the venue of your dreams. The majority of couples choose the venue first _ once you have the location, the date will follow based on availability. If you select the date first, you limit your venue options.
Location…Decide how far you are willing to travel in order to find the venue of your dreams.
Then it is time to zero in on your beautiful place.. The earlier the better!
NARROW DOWN!
CAREFULLY LOOK OVER THE INFORMATION SENT TO YOU BY YOUR FAVORITE VENUES. HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT EACH ONE:
Can I really afford the venue? Eliminate venues that you can’t afford. Not only is it a waste of your time to tour the location, but if you really love it, it can be disappointing when reality kicks in.
Is its location convenient for your guests?
Is it available? And if not, is your date flexible?
READY. SET. TOUR!
Next step? Pay a visit to your favorites. Contact the venue to set up a day and time for your visit. There is nothing like actually laying your eyes on the space to confirm that this is the right place for you!!
Things to look for:
As you tour, observe the ambience. Does the venue offer the look, style and feel you desire? A romantic vineyard? An elegant barn? A Southern mansion? An intimate garden?
How much effort will you have to put into the venue to make it the perfect backdrop for your special day?
Lighting? Will you have to add lighting to illuminate the space to your liking and for the photos of your dreams?
Does the venue have adequate space and a comfortable traffic flow for your guests?
Are there separate areas for the bride and groom to get dressed for the wedding?
What are the restroom facilities like? (Not a glamorous question, but an important one, as each of your guests will most likely visit there!)
Is there ample parking with parking attendants to assist your guests?
Things to ask about:
What staffing and services are included in the venue price/package?
What equipment is provided? Are there tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, flatware, stemware? Is there sound equipment?
Does the venue set up and take down tables and chairs?
Who is responsible for clean-up?
Are there restrictions on décor?
Does the venue have a back-up plan for inclement weather?
Load in/Load out? When will you be able to bring in and take out your personal items? Is there a plan in place for that?
How many events are allowed on the same day?
Are there food and beverage minimums?
Are there limitations on alcohol?
Are there additional fees on top of the base price? Service charges? Taxes?
What about deposits? Do they offer payment plans?
How much work are you willing to put into readying the venue? Work will vary from venue to venue. Consider lighting, set up, a back-up plan. Will you be responsible for hauling tables and chairs in and out? Stringing up lighting? Coming up with a plan for inclement weather? If you are not willing or available to put in the elbow grease, choose a venue that already has your desired lighting and equipment elements in place, offers set-up and take down, as well as a back-up plan for inclement weather.
Think it over!
Think about the venues you have seen and compare their appeal, their packages, their pricing and your general overall feeling when you left the property. Chances are, you will have a gut feeling about which beautiful place is right for you! Don’t delay! You don’t want to miss out on holding your date! When you are ready, contact the venue to reserve your beautiful place and set up a time to go over details and…
Sign on the dotted line!
Celebrate!
Pop the bubbly!! This major wedding decision is done and the venue of your dreams is secured! With this behind you, you are ready to begin adding all the intricate details that will make your beautiful place one that you will carry with you for years to come!