How to Choose Your Wedding Venue 6 Factors to Consider

You’re engaged! Congrats! It’s such an exciting time in your lives! So, one question might be popping into your mind right about now:

“Now what?”

Well, near the top of most brides’ lists: choose your wedding venue! It’s the backdrop for everything and choosing that location is such an exciting process! Here are 6 things to think about while you look for a place that’s perfect for your “I do’s!”

1. Your Style

Think about the aesthetic or style of wedding you’re going for and base your venue selection off of that. For example: Maybe you’re going for a more modern wedding style. Modern weddings may be perfectly matched with city venues – think exposed brick, high ceilings, or bright white walls (white is so modern!). If you’re looking for more of a classic, ethereal space, try a historic home or ballroom. There is a lot of flexibility and room for subjectivity here, but the principle is there. Being able to connect your wedding and its elements to your venue space is so important! What feels true to you and your significant other? Which venue best represents you and your story? If you can start there, you’ll be well on your way!

2. Ceremony and reception spaces

Let’s talk practicality for a second. In order to avoid extra fees associated with transportation, and in order to keep your guests (happily) all in one place, consider venues that can host every part of your timeline! Take away the added stress of figuring out how and when your guests will get from the ceremony to the reception by ensuring they can park once and not worry about leaving! We understand some couples – especially here in the South – prefer the experience of having their ceremony at a church! That’s totally fine. This is just another consideration in the process. We have just found that sometimes keeping your ceremony and reception at the same location can remove a few extra to-do’s from your list and keep a few extra dollars in your pocket!

3. Size & Layout of venue

It’s important to consider the size and layout of your venue! You many need to put together your guest list or at least get a good idea of how many guests you’re expecting before you start venue searching. Make sure you don’t run out of room for your guests by asking venues their max guest count! However, the other side of the coin here is that you don’t want to choose a venue that will dwarf your number of guests. For example, if a venue can hold a maximum of 400 people, you may not want to host your intimate 75-person ceremony or reception there.

Finally, if you’re planing to hold you ceremony and reception in the same venue, consider whether there is space to have both in different areas of the venue or if you will need to flip the space between the ceremony and the reception. Either way is fine, but remember that flipping the space will put the vendors in charge of your reception layout and decor under time constraints and your photographer may not have as much time to get beautiful images of the design!

4. Your guest experience

Obviously this is all about you! It’s your wedding! But it’s always good idea to consider your guests and their experience too! Before committing to an event space, consider its surroundings. Is finding a nearby hotel going to be a problem for out of town guests? Are there plenty of things for your guests to do in the few days before your wedding? Many times, when friends come from out of town, they treat your wedding weekend like a mini vacation (why not, right?!). Hosting them in an area with ample activities will result in one happy party!

5. What’s included

When you’re venue searching you are focused on just that: finding the perfect venue for your day. But there are other considerations as well. Some of those are already mentioned above. But we’re willing to bet that budget comes into play at point in your mind. There are tons of venues of all different price points. That’s a big factor! However, consider this as well. Some venues are full service, and some just provide the bare bones for your day. Even though a venue with more services included (linens, chairs, tables, etc) may be more expensive, consider the price you’re paying for the convenience of having some of those things taken care of right up front and not having to worry about them later! Be sure to work closely with the venue staff to learn what’s included so you can make an informed decision. Cheaper doesn’t always mean cheaper in the end!

6. What will your venue look and feel like?

Let’s say, for example, your wedding is next May. But you’re exploring venues in November. Not a problem! But realize that seasons change. Venues look and feel different at different times. A venue that has gorgeous views in the Fall may have completely different views in the Summer! Or that barn venue you’re considering for your July wedding but it’s currently November? Realize it’s going to be a much hotter in July and make sure they have air conditioning (from experience!) or your guests will melt! Thinking of an outdoor mountain wedding? Consider avoiding cold winter months like December and January (or whichever months are cold where you are!).

These things may be “Yeah, duh!” but it’s important to consider the venue and how it will look during the same time of year as your wedding. This can impact the comfort of your guests, ceremony or reception locations (especially if you have a particular view in mind), and even the decor you have in mind. Ask specific questions about the temperature, weather, and surrounding environment of your venue during the same month as your wedding so you can plan accordingly!

There you have it! 6 factors to consider when choosing your venue. Navigating the wedding planning process can be a little overwhelming at first, but we’re hoping these tips will help you!

If you’re getting married in our area (or not, because we travel!), be sure to check out our group of Greenville vendors we love, too!