Congratulations! You’ve said the big “yes”, and I am sure you can’t stop grinning. Get ready for the happy tears, the frequent glances at your ring, the excitement, and the start of planning your wedding.
At the heart of this excitement is one huge, beautiful decision: selecting your wedding venue. I want you to think of your venue as more than just a pretty place to take beautiful pictures; I want you to think of it as the first page of your new book. This is the place you will promise to spend eternity together, where all of your favorite people will be there to celebrate, and you will be creating memories that you will share forever.
I know it feels like a lot of weight and overwhelming, but the best part; finding your dream venue is one of the best parts of the wedding planning process! Let me help you work through all of this, together, to find the space where all the pretty pictures will be taken, and the space that feels like the two of you.
Your Guide to a Venue You’ll Both Adore
Let’s make this enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Selecting your venue may very well be the first of your big projects as an engaged couple, so let it bring you closer, rather than induce stress. Not just a beautiful location, but also a feeling that you carry with you. Let’s talk about a few simple, heartfelt tips to help you find a location that supports your vision, your guests, and most importantly your unique connection. This is about making a day that truly feels like you.
1. Finding a Location
The location is much more than a pin on a map; it is the heart and soul of your event with your family and friends. First, think about the vibe you want in the marketplace. Are you going for a rustic, down-home vibe or a more modern, sleek party? The style of the venue should extend naturally from your relationship. Once you have a style in mind, think practically through the lens of your comfort of your guests. Will it be easy for your loved ones and friends to get to? Is there enough parking or accommodations nearby? A beautiful venue loses a bit of “wow factor” if it is difficult for people that you love to attend and enjoy. At the end of the day, the goal is finding a place where the energy feels right.
2. Food & Atmosphere Matter
Then, the magic of what happens in your selected space: your food and your ambiance. Catering is a direct extension of your love to your guests. Food is not just to be eaten, but an experience for all of your senses. Plan to have a tasting to talk about the menu, to customize if needed, and to find out about dietary restrictions of guests. And then the ambiance and decor. Does the space excite you? Check out the lights, the seating, the feel of it.
3. Guest Comfort and Extra Amenities
Like I mentioned, your wedding day is a marathon of joy and not a sprint! When considering a venue, think like a guest. What is their experience like for them from the moment they arrive? Guest accommodation is a huge factor, especially when considering out-of-town guests. Venue on-site or nearby lodging is a huge bonus. Explore the venue’s offerings. Do they have a cozy lounge with seating for a relaxed welcome drink? A beautiful garden for a recovery brunch the next morning? Wedding venue lodging and facilities add an extra layer of comfort and will give you opportunities to explore more relaxed or intimate moments with your friends and family. All these thoughtful details will take your wedding day from great to a weekend of connection that is already unforgettable.
4. Understand the Contract
A venue is a venue, until you add your touch. Before you book, have an honest discussion about the venue’s ability to be flexible and their policies. Can you bring in your own food, or is it all in house? What are their rules on decor? The most important part of finding a venue is finding a place where you can bring your own personal aspects that showcase your love story as a couple. Perhaps you want to highlight a family heirloom or you have a cultural custom that has a unique setup. The venue that listens is willing to partner with you in your vision. It is not just about the exchange of service for rent, you are actually hoping for an experience that helps create a day that feels true to you.
5. Add Personal Touches
While the venue is just that, the venue… you bring the colour. Have an honest discussion with the venue before you book about flexibility and their policies. Can you bring in your own caterer, or do they only allow you to use their in-house catering? What are the rules on style and decorations? Finding a venue that is receptive to you putting your mark on it, even a little mark, is key in bringing an additional layer of personality to your wedding day.; maybe you have a family heirloom that you want to display, or a cultural element to the day that you need space for. Ultimately, you want to choose a venue that is responsive to you and your vision. This is not only about booking a venue; it’s about finding the team that makes your day feel 100% you.
Wrapping Up
As you may have already figured out, the best wedding venue is the perfect blend of operational logistics that have a solid connection. It’s a great venue, heartwarming food and all experiences for guests that make them feel loved. So, if there’s one thing I could share, the most important thing to remember about relationships is this: no matter how special this day may be; your real journey begins with your marriage. So while you consider venues and make your wedding decisions, practice communicating with your partner; listening to your partner and learning to compromise with your partner. You go through the process to deepen the partnership you have together. Truthfully, at the end of the day the most beautiful wedding venue is just a beautiful step onto something even better, a lifetime of choosing one another every day.
