2019 Wedding Tips: 4 Guidelines to Help You Find Your Wedding Venue
You’re engaged! It is an exciting time in your life, but after the celebrations and fabulous Instagram pictures, you may find yourself overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Though you don’t want to rush any decisions, you also don’t want to wait too long to select your wedding venue. Here are four things to consider that will help you find the perfect place before it is booked by someone else:
1. Budget
Determine your budget early in the process for the sake of your bank account and the sanity of all involved. It is recommended that you allocate 10 to 15 percent of your total wedding budget to your venue. Before you begin your search, know what your maximum number is and stick to it. Visiting venues outside of your price range is a dangerous game that can lead to disappointment or cause you to sacrifice in other areas of the wedding.
2. Time of Year
You don’t need to know the exact date right away, but an idea of your preferred month or even season can give you some guidance on how far in advance you should start reaching out to venues.
For example, many couples want a fall wedding. Those who live in the north long for photos amidst colorful leaves, and those in the south anticipate relief from the summer heat. September and October are currently the most popular months to get married, and if you are also hoping to celebrate over one of the holiday weekends, you will likely need to book over a year and a half in advance.
Photo by Creative Interpretations Photography
3. Style of Wedding
The style of wedding you envision will help you narrow down your search. Selecting a venue that already plays into your theme can save you a lot of money and effort on decorations. If you want a rustic wedding, you can probably eliminate ornate ballrooms and lavish country clubs.
There are many different types of venues, so don’t limit your options. A sure way to make your wedding stand out is to choose a more unconventional space like an art gallery, brewery or even a yurt (yes, a yurt wedding is a thing!).
Also, be sure to factor the weather into your decision. If you have your heart set on a barn wedding, you should pay attention to whether or not the venue is climate controlled or has other provisions to keep your guests comfortable. If you have always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, make sure there is a backup location in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
4. Size of Guest List
You won't have a complete guest count until shortly before the wedding, but you do need a rough idea of how large your party will be. The last thing you want is to book a venue with a capacity of 100 people and then realize you plan to invite 200. Yes, it is said that 10 to 20 percent of your guest list will decline, but you don’t want to be forced to make cuts based solely on the limitations of the space.
Photo by Lizard Nickel Photography
Wedding couples are booking their venues earlier and earlier these days, but if you’re like most busy adults and don’t know your exact wedding location years in advance, use the four points above as a guide to find your ideal setting (or hire me to find it for you)!
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