Budget

• Venue Cost: Establish your budget early on, as this will narrow down your options, some places charge a flat fee, while others may charge per person, or have extra fees for things like rentals and service. Remember to account for additional fees (e.g., service charges, taxes).
• Inclusions: Check what’s included in the venue price, such as tables, chairs, chair linen, catering, furniture, decorations, lighting, staff, etc. Sometimes an all-inclusive venue can be more cost-effective than renting everything separately.

Guest List and Size

• Capacity: Ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your expected number of guests. You don’t want it to feel overcrowded, or of course too empty.
• Flexibility: Consider if the venue can adapt to changes in guest count. Some venues may not be able too.

Location

• Accessibility: Many couples have an affinity to a certain part of the world i.e. where one or both are from, a place that was significant in the couples’ love story or sometimes what’s easiest for family and guests to get to…many opt for the last criteria i.e a venue that is convenient for the majority of your guests, including those traveling from out of town. Consider the location of the venue in relation to your guests. Is it easily accessible for elderly or disabled guests. Are there accommodation options nearby.
• Parking and Transportation: Look for venues with ample parking or transportation options for guests. When you’re ‘suited and booted’ it’s not ideal to walk across fields and muddy roads! Also if the ceremony is in a different location from the reception, ensure that the distance between the two venues is manageable for guests.

Venue Style and Aesthetic

• Theme Compatibility: Select a venue that complements the style and theme of your wedding, whether it’s rustic, elegant, modern, beachy, or traditional. The venue should match your desired atmosphere/feel.
• Ambiance: The existing decor and architecture of a venue should align with your vision. Some venues have a specific look and feel, while others are more of a blank canvas. It’s worth consider how much you want to personalise the space.

Availability

• Date Flexibility: Popular venues do book up quickly, particularly for weekends in the summer peak season,  sometimes a year or more in advance. It’s a good idea to have a few date options in mind if you are set on a particular venue.
• Seasonal Considerations: Consider how the venue looks in different seasons and if weather could impact your event. Think will the gardens be in bloom, or will it be cold and snowy.

Catering and Drinks Options

• In-House vs. External Catering: Some venues require you to use their in-house catering, while others allow external vendors. Don’t forget to check for food and beverage minimums.
• Menu Tasting: Ensure you have the option to taste the food before making your final decision. 
• Dietary Needs: Confirm that the venue can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Alcohol and Bar Options: If alcohol will be served, verify whether the venue has a liquor license and whether they provide bartenders or allow you to bring your own, any associated fees (corkage) and closing times.

Logistics and Layout

• Event Flow: Consider how the venue’s layout will work for different parts of your wedding (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, if you want a band, DJ or entertainment)
• Facilities: Check for essentials like restrooms, bridal suite, and spaces for the wedding party to get ready.
• Setup and Breakdown: Understand the venue’s rules regarding setup and breakdown times, and whether they assist with these tasks or its yours or your wedding planner’s responsibility. 
• Venue Rules: Some venues have restrictions on things like candles, confetti, or photography, and some have a preferred vendor lists. Find out if you’re allowed to bring in outside vendors and if there are any associated fees.

Acoustics and Sound

• Sound Restrictions: Some venues have noise compliance needs or restrictions on live music, particularly after a certain time, Check this out with the venue.
• Acoustics: Ensure the space has good acoustics for speeches, music, and conversations, can the venue supply a microphone?

 Weather Contingency Plans

• Outdoor Venues: If considering an outdoor venue, check if they have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Does the venue provide tents or a secondary indoor location?
• Heating/Cooling: For indoor venues, ensure they have adequate heating or air conditioning depending on the season.

 Personal Connection

• Emotional Appeal: Choose a venue that feels right to you and your partner, one that resonates with your love story and personal style. It’s a mistake many make…it’s your special day, no one else’s. 

Reviews and References

• Past Experiences: Read all the relevant on line reviews, and if needs be ask for references from couples who have previously held their wedding at the venue to get a sense of their experience (and any challenges).

Visit in Person

• Site Visit: Pictures can be deceiving, so it’s crucial to visit the venue in person to get a true sense of the space and how it will work for your wedding.

By carefully considering all these factors, appropriate to your circumstances, you can find your dream wedding venue that not only meets your practical needs but also creates the perfect backdrop for your special day and will make perfect photos to cherish.

Once you have decided on your dream venue, come and visit Bridaltique to help you choose the right wedding dress for you and your venue.

Good luck!