How to Find a Wedding Venue!

Comment Written by natasha on May 19, 2010 – 5:00 am

For the past couple weeks, our Jenny has been posting about her wedding planning process. I decided that her process might be a good guide for wedding planning that takes us through her process step by step.

On Monday, Jenny told us about trying to find a venue that suits her and her fiance’s goals: that each guest makes 5 friends, that it’s fun & unique, and that it’s “theirs” — so that no one else takes control. While you may not have the same goals as Jenny and her fiance, you should think about what is important to you in a venue.

1. Will you use the venue for both the ceremony and the reception?

2. Is it important to you do have an indoor or outdoor venue? (If an ourdoor, do you have contingency plans for inclement weather?

Those should get you started thinking about some places you might want. And, as Jenny suggested, starting looking around the web for what’s out there. BUT also make sure you go look at the venue in person before you start booking vendors. Places are often very different in person than on the web. Trust me.

When thinking about how to find a wedding venue or location, you need to think both about what you want and what is practical. In other words, check your budget. This might drastically limit what you can do and/or how many guests are feasible for you to have at your wedding. Some venues may not be able to accomodate the number of people you want to invite!

When figuring out costs, remember that you won’t know an exact number until you know the answers to some questions that you should ask every venue.

For example: Does the venue require you to use certain vendors and/or vendors who are certified and insured? Does the venue provide seating and chairs? Does the venue set up these items? Do they allow DJs? If they allow you to bring in wine, is there a corkage fee?

PLEASE check out my complete list of questions to ask a venue before you select it for certain. Be aware that A LOT of costs — even with a venue — depend on the number of guests you have. And there’s a big difference between providing seating, dinnerware, food & drink for 100 people verses 125 people.

Finally, consider the dates you want to get married. If you want to get married next spring, you shouldn’t be looking at a venue that is booked up for years in advance.

In summary: check out what’s available, figure out your budget, ASK QUESTIONS so that you can figure out any hidden costs, and make sure the venue has a date available that you’ll be happy with!

Happy planning!

~ Natasha