Besides saying “I do” to the person waiting for you at the end of the aisle, and possibly your dress, one of the most important things about a wedding is the venue.
This one decision can impact so many different aspects of your day that it can seem like an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be! You have a vision in mind, and there’s a venue that matches that vision. Here are some helpful tips to make this process less daunting.
DO have a rough guest count
What comes first: the guest count or the venue? One can impact the other, so when you start looking at venues you should have a rough idea of how large of a wedding you are looking at. Are you thinking small and intimate or a large celebration? You don’t need an official headcount but you should know if you are looking for a space to hold 50 people or 300 for instance.
DON'T rush...but don’t take too long
Selecting a wedding venue is a big and costly decision. You want to make sure the venue is just right, and finding the perfect one can take some time. But, if you have a very specific date in mind, especially during peak wedding time, you don’t want to wait too long and risk losing the venue altogether.
DO consider a non-peak date
Just like the holidays are considered engagement season, there is a wedding season. This is typically May through October. Weekend dates during this time will fill up fast, so when looking at venues consider a non-peak date like a weekday or months outside of that peak time. Not only will this open up the venue’s availability, but it will also save you a great amount of money; allowing you freedom to allocate your wedding budget in creative ways! Who doesn’t love that?
DON'T take in too many opinions
Just like anything in life, too many opinions can make it difficult to decide on a wedding venue. Getting the opinions of parents and wedding party members isn’t a bad thing. They can point out pros, or cons, you hadn’t considered about a venue. However, you need to remember at the end of the day this is your wedding.
DO think outside the box
The days of weddings only taking place in banquet halls or hotel ballrooms are long gone. There are so many different spaces from repurposed houses and mansions to loft spaces that are perfect for any wedding. When your checklist includes gorgeous outdoor spaces, a stunning ballroom with an elegant feel, Bavaria Downs might fit your vision. For couples looking for something more modern, A’BULAE’s loft-like space with a full rooftop overlooking the state capitol is a perfect option. If you are attracted to a space with more romance and history, Van Dusen Mansion should certainly be on your list.
DON'T stress
Easier said than done, right? Your wedding day will be one of the happiest days of your life, and the planning should be just as joyful. Securing an all-inclusive venue like Bavaria Downs is a great way to combine practicality and aesthetics.
Picking the perfect wedding venue is like a lot of other parts of your wedding (including the fiancé and dress) you’ll just know it’s the right one. The staff at Bavaria Downs is here from the very beginning to assist you in the planning process to make sure your special day is all that you dreamed it would be.
Learn more about this venue and what it has to offer here.
Don’t know where to start with your planning? Check out our Wedding Budget and Vision Planner Quiz!
Image provided by: Jules LA