Tips on Wedding Venues
A wedding may be the most elaborate ceremony in which the average person ever participates. It makes sense to choose the location for such an event with great care. The considerations that affect venue choice will vary from wedding to wedding, so it is best to have a good place to start with the selection process.
Deciding where to stage a wedding is a complicated task. Many factors play into the final choice even if an all-inclusive venue is booked. Considerations expand exponentially if the site chosen is a bare hall and all arrangements for the wedding must be made. In either case, think about these features to narrow down wedding venue options.
- Geography- Consider the convenience of guests, which may suggest that the wedding be in some specific area to make commuting easy or for some other reason.
- Type of ceremony- Some ministers are forbidden to celebrate marriages outside the sanctuaries of their religion and others may be reluctant to do so. Options expand for a civil ceremony.
- Ambiance- Make sure the feel of the location appeals to everyone involved in wedding planning. As long as the setting is feasible, this is likely the most important consideration. No wedding will be satisfactory if the atmosphere is not there. Also, make sure the location provides good spots for photographs.
- Timing- Find out if there are any dates when facility is unavailable and if there are restrictions on the time of day or day of the week of the ceremony.
- Number of Venues- Decide whether the wedding and the reception will be in the same facility. If not, know how your guests will get from one to the other and if out of town guests will need help in navigation.
- Size- Be sure the facility can hold as many people as will be at your wedding. Check both physical and legal capacity.
- Facilities- Find out what amenities come with the venue rental and what must be arranged separately, including tables and chairs, tablecloths, bathrooms, changing rooms, parking, a kitchen and a sound system.
- Access- Consider whether there will be guests in wheelchairs at your wedding or anyone not steady on their feet. Be sure these folks can get anywhere they are likely to have to go.
- Cost- Be sure the charge for the facility fits the budget. Also, find out on what schedule payments must be made and be sure you understand the cancellation policy. If this is an outdoor venue, be sure you have alternate arrangements for inclement weather.
- Regulations- Research the limitations imposed either by local governments or by the facility itself. Be sure a wedding can be legally held at this location. Also, find out how many people the room holds and if a permit will be required. There may be restrictions on music and decor or a dress code. If there will be alcohol sold, find out if a liquor license is required and if the facility has one.
- Services- Determine what the venue staff will do and what must be arranged separately. This includes setup and decoration, catering and cleanup.
Almost no venue will be perfect on all counts. The trick is to fulfill actual requirements and then balance preferences. Compare the different venues under consideration to choose the one most appropriate for any wedding.