Now 2023 is here, many engaged couples may be starting their journey to find a wedding venue that ticks all the boxes. With hundreds of beautiful venues and locations to choose from, picking the right one will come down to various factors such as budget, accessibility, whether you’re planning to have an outdoor or an indoor wedding as well as others. So here are some things to think about before making your decision.
Your budget will likely be one of the biggest factors in determining the type of venue you can afford. Determine how much you can afford to spend on your venue and use that as a starting point for your search.
Make sure the wedding venue you choose can accommodate the number of guests you plan to invite. Take a look nat some photographs of the venue fully decorated as this will help give you a more realistic idea of the size and capacity of the space once you’ve factored in room for a dance floor and any additional seating or tables you may need.
Consider the location of the venue in relation to where you and your guests will be staying. You may also want to think about the location in terms of its proximity to other locations you may be travelling to on the day.
Choose a venue that matches the overall style and ambiance you want for your wedding. For example, a rustic barn or a formal ballroom will give your wedding a very different vibe to each other. The photo above was taken at Cowlick Hall in Nottingham, a beautiful, Georgian and Palladian style venue. However, if you have you heart set on a rustic, nature inspired bohemian wedding, then choosing a venue like Cowlick Hall may not work well with the style and vibe you’re trying to set for your wedding.
Once you have a shortlist of potential venues, it’s important to tour them in person. This will give you a sense of the layout and ambiance of the space, and you can ask any questions you have about the venue’s policies and amenities.
Look for reviews of the venue online to get an idea of what others have experienced. It can be unrealistic to expect 5 stars from a wedding venue with hundreds and hundreds of reviews as naturally things can and do go wrong from time to time. But if a venue has been rated 1-2 stars overall, this could be a red flag and you’d be right to feel a little cautious!
By considering these factors, you should be able to find a venue that is both practical and fits your vision for your wedding. We always say its a good idea to start your search early and to book your venue as soon as you find one that meets your needs. This way, you’ll avoid missing out! Also, having your venue and date secured early paves the way for you to get started on planning and booking the rest of your wedding suppliers.
If you’ve booked your wedding venue then be sure to check out our post ‘How to Choose A Wedding Photographer’