Choosing your wedding venue can be a mammoth task. You have so many different things to consider and sometimes it feels like the perfect venue just doesn't exist. We are going to run through 5 tips to help you choose your perfect wedding venue.
- Photo Credit - Nikki Watkins Photo & Film
1. Think about your budget
Sit down together and work out your budget, without this you may be looking at venues out of your price range. You can set filters on venue searching websites to adjust the searches to fit your budget, and whether your budget is £10,000 or £80,000 you can still find a gorgeous venue.
2. Wedding style and theme
Think about a basic theme for your wedding. If you love a rustic theme with wooden palettes, logs & lots of lighting, then a modern manor house might not be right for you. If you love classic, chic and modern then a rustic barn venue might not work. If you're not entirely sure of a theme then that's absolutely fine, have a scroll on Pinterest and see what you like. If you're still a bit stuck then put a couple of different venue types on your list and book visits. This will help you to compare different venues and styles.
3. Type of wedding venue
Do you want a venue that is already decorated, somewhere that has catering staff on site, and somewhere that has everything? Look at places like hotel venues and manor house as they will generally have staff and be decorated to something where you wont need to add too much. If you want something you can truly make your own then look at blank canvas venues. With a lot of these venues they do a couple of days hire so you can set up and take down, but you will need to organise catering staff and an on the day coordinator to ensure the day runs smoothly.
- Photo Credit - Absolute Photo UK
4. Location
This is quite important to think about as it could definitely impact your guest numbers. For a larger wedding I would suggest to keep within a 1 hours drive from your home as this wont be too far of a journey for most of your guests. For a more intimate wedding you could look further a field, as your guests will be more willing to travel. If you find the perfect venue and it is too far for your guests you could always look at putting a coach or mini bus on from a central location to take them to and from the venue.
5. Ceremony venue
Do you want a ceremony on site? If so, check the licensing for where a ceremony can take place and how many people it covers. If you want an outdoor wedding with 100 guests at a venue that only has an indoor license for 75 guests then you will have to change your plans and cut guests. If you have fallen in love with a venue that can't accommodate your legal ceremony the way you want then you could go with a celebrant instead. They can give you the perfect ceremony, exactly how you like and you can do the legal part on another day in the registry office.
6. Some other things to consider
- Look at what's included within the packages, if you want a bespoke package and something unique then ask these questions at your first venue visit. Some venues aren't able to be flexible with their menus and packages so this is something to consider.
- Is there accommodation on site? If not, is there a hotel near by? Make sure you give guests options and information in your invitations!
- Do you have flexibility with suppliers? Some venues have a recommended supplier list that you have to choose from and sometimes they can be out of budget or not your style. Check their standpoint on suppliers so you know you can choose who you want!
- Photo Credit - Love & Life Studio
I hope these tips can help you in your search for the perfect venue! If you are still struggling and just need a helping hand then my venue finding service may be an option for you!
Amy xo