Finding the right wedding venue takes a lot of time and research and can often be one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding. You need to make sure that your venue ticks all the right boxes before you make a final decision.
Your venue will influence your budget as well as the atmosphere on the day so before you sign on the dotted line, below are three important things to consider before you decide on your wedding venue.
1. Venue size. Look at how many people you’re planning to invite to your wedding versus the number of people the venue can comfortably cater for. A crowded reception can be quite uncomfortable and if a venue is too large, it can affect the atmosphere and the overall look and feel. Put an initial guest list together before you start venue shopping so that you can make a better decision.
2. What about the drinks? Alcohol and drinks are a big part of your wedding so it’s important to find out whether you can bring your own alcohol and what the costs are or if the venue will supply the drinks. Since you will also need a licensed bartender to serve alcohol, find out whether the venue can assist with this so that you can factor those costs into your final budget.
3. Preferred vendors. You’re going to be working with several different vendors in the time leading up to and on your wedding day. Many venues require you to use their vendors so find out about this before you make a booking. If they do work with specific vendors, make sure that you’re happy with their experience, style, personality, and pricing. When a venue works with preferred vendors, it does mean they’re confident in their experience but it’s more important for you to choose vendors that fit in with your style and overall preferences. Just because they are on the vendor list doesn't mean they are the best. Venues that require you to use certain vendors are usually charging vendors to be on the list and are making profits off them. If they lock you with a short list of vendors that don't speak to you then it may not be the right venue for you.
There are many different factors to consider when choosing the perfect wedding venue but make sure that it’s a space that speaks to your personalities and style as a couple.
*Lioness Cellars is the venue featured in the above photo. Great staff. We don't get paid for the recommendation. Just quality people. As always keeping it real for our clients.