Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue: An Ultimate Guide

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and choosing the right venue can make all the difference.

The venue sets the tone for your wedding and can impact everything from the decor to the guest experience. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect venue for your special day to make it unique and unforgettable.

Determine Your Wedding Style and Theme

Ready to rock your wedding day vibe? The first step is to nail down your wedding style and theme. Are you feeling a rustic barn bash or a dreamy luxury hotel-style wedding? Once you know your desired vibe, you’ll be able to narrow down your venue options with ease. So, let your imagination run wild and get ready to find your perfect match!

Set your wedding budget

The venue is a big-ticket item, and you’ll want to make sure you can afford the perfect spot to say “I do.” Keep it real and factor in all the other expenses that come with your big day. Trust me, it’s worth the effort to avoid any budget surprises later on. So get planning, and get ready for the wedding of a lifetime!

Consider location and accessibility

Location, location, location! When it comes to your wedding venue, accessibility is key. Keep your guest list in mind and pick a spot that’s easy for everyone to get to. If you’ve got lots of out-of-towners, look for a venue near a hotel or airport to make their trip a breeze. Your guests will thank you for making it a stress-free journey, and you’ll be able to relax knowing everyone’s having a great time

Capacity and space

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Size matters! Think about your guest list and make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate everyone.
Space it out. Consider the different activities you have planned for your big day – from the ceremony to the reception – and make sure there’s enough room to make it all happen.
Don’t forget the extras. Whether it’s a photo booth or a dance floor, make sure there’s plenty of space for all the fun extras you’ve got planned.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect venue for your special day – and make sure everyone has a blast!

Amenities and services

When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, it’s all about the details. Here’s what to consider when it comes to amenities and services:

Tables, chairs, and linens, oh my! Make sure the venue can provide the essentials you need to create the perfect atmosphere.
The decor is key. Will the venue provide decorations, or will you need to bring your own?
Food, glorious food. Check to see if the venue offers catering services, or if you’ll need to bring in your own catering company.
Anything else? From DJ services to photo booths, make sure the venue can provide the extras you need to make your wedding day unforgettable.

By doing your homework and finding a venue that can provide all the services and amenities you need, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your big day without any worries. So let’s find the perfect venue and get ready to celebrate in style!

Visit the wedding venue and ask questions

To ensure you select the perfect wedding venue, it’s essential to visit each one in person. Schedule a tour with the venue’s wedding planner and take advantage of the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Learn about their policies, restrictions, and any additional fees. Be observant of the venue’s ambiance, decor, and cleanliness. Taking these factors into consideration will help you make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget.

Should I negotiate on the wedding venue price?

Get the best bang for your buck by knowing when and why a wedding venue’s price may decrease. A Saturday during peak wedding season is always in demand, and in previous years, they may have received numerous requests for the same date. Your best bet for scoring a lower price is booking on days when the venue has less interest, which typically means weekdays or weekends outside of peak season.

What is the most common wedding venue?

The Top 5 Trending Wedding Venues are:

Hotel Wedding Venues
Barn Wedding Venues
Modern Wedding Venues
Estate Wedding Venues
Tipi Weddings

How can I make my cheap venue look expensive?

Shop online for decor treasures.
Double up on floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception.
Borrow from loved ones to save on expensive rentals.
Add a touch of metallic glamour to your decor.
Upgrade your table settings with fancy linens.
Add bright and bold accents to elevate your wedding space.
Incorporate natural elements from the outdoors.
Use calligraphy or elegant lettering to elevate signage and paper goods.
Create a focal point with a stunning backdrop or statement piece.
Invest in quality lighting to set the mood for an upscale ambiance.

How much should you save for your wedding venue?

Let’s be real, the wedding venue is the star player of your big day. But with great power comes a great price tag, and it’s no secret that it can eat up a big chunk of your wedding budget. According to our study, couples usually spend around 30% of their overall budget on the venue. So, choose wisely and make every penny count!

Serve unique food

While other elements of the wedding can be lighthearted and enjoyable, the reality is that your guests want to enjoy a good meal. This doesn’t mean that you have to offer a fine-dining experience, however. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, food trucks might be a great option to serve tasty steak sandwiches, falafels, or even gourmet burgers. I have photographed many festival-style weddings where they had exactly this, and believe me when I say, the guests absolutely loved it! Another option is to provide savoury canapés for guests to serve themselves from the tables.

Give thoughtful wedding gifts

Instead of conventional gifts, consider giving guests something meaningful and useful. This could be a custom-made item, such as a personalised piece of jewellery, or something that represents your local area, such as local honey or wine. I have even witnessed the best men being handed a signed copy of a lord of the rings book, and the best man was totally blown away!

Reception games

During the reception, it’s easy to get caught up in making sure your guests are having a good time that you, as a newlywed couple, may not get to fully relish the moment. Take some time during the celebration to pause the festivities and allow your guests to get to know you better.

Engage your guests with interactive games such as “The Shoe Game.” In this game, the bride and groom sit back-to-back in front of the crowd. This is a great game to play just before the first dance. Each holds one of their own shoes and one of their partner’s shoes. The MC or a member of the bridal party asks questions like:

“Who said ‘I love you’ first?”

“Who made the first move?”

“Who is the better cook?”

The couple answers the questions by holding up the shoe that corresponds with their answer. This game is a fun way for guests to get involved and see a different side of the newlyweds.

Hire a toastmaster

A Toastmaster will benefit your wedding day because:

Your wedding day will run on schedule as the Toastmaster will coordinate the various aspects of the reception and ensure that everything is timed perfectly.
The Toastmaster will deal with all the logistics, such as welcoming guests, announcing the arrival of the bride and groom, and introducing speeches, to ensure everything runs smoothly and without causing any stress for the newlyweds.
Toastmasters are professionals with a treasure of experience in dealing with weddings. They excel at creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere and making sure that everyone is having an enjoyable time.
The Toastmaster can ease any nervousness for the wedding party and speakers by leading them through the proceedings and ensuring that everyone knows what to expect.
The Toastmaster will help create a memorable experience for you and your guests by adding special touches and making sure the reception is filled with fun and laughter.

In conclusion, hiring a Toastmaster can make your wedding day truly unique, well-organised, and memorable, allowing you to relax and enjoy your day.

CHOREOGRAPH YOUR FIRST DANCE

Choreographing your wedding dance can be a fun and unforgettable experience, and it’s a fantastic way to inject a personal touch into your big day. Here are some tips to help you plan your dance.

Select the Ideal Song – Choose a tune that holds significance for both you and your partner and is appropriate for dancing. Take into account the pace, rhythm, and overall style of the song when making your decision.
Start Practicing – Begin practicing as soon as you have selected your song. Allocate regular practice sessions to work on your dance.
Keep it Simple – Start with basic steps and gradually progress to more complex moves as you get more comfortable. Remember, your dance should appear natural and effortless, not rigid or stiff.
Showcase Your Personalities – Your wedding dance should reflect your personalities, so don’t be afraid to include spins, dips, and other moves that you both enjoy.
Rehearse – Rehearse your dance several times until you feel confident and relaxed. Make any necessary final modifications to your routine.
Enjoy the Moment – On the day of your wedding, take a deep breath and enjoy your dance. The most crucial aspect is to have fun and create memories that will last a lifetime.

By dedicating a little effort and practice, you can choreograph a one-of-a-kind and memorable wedding dance that will be a standout moment of your special day.

By organising these unique elements into your wedding, you can create a special and memorable day that positively represents you and your spouse. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something new – your wedding is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your love in a way that is unique and unforgettable.