By Tariq Gardezi
The average wedding cost $33,900 in 2019. And of that total, over $15,000 was spent on just the reception venue.
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important steps of the wedding planning process. The majority of your big day will take place at this location and it sets the scene for the evening. But, how do you know when you’ve found the right venue?
Keep reading to discover the main things you should consider when choosing the right wedding event space.
Ample Size for Your Guests
Before deciding on the right venue, you need to get a good idea of how many people you’re inviting to the wedding. This doesn’t mean that you need to have your guest list finalized, but you should have a roundabout number of guests in mind.
Unless your wedding and reception are completely outdoors, your venue will have to abide by fire codes. This means that there is a maximum number of people allowed inside the building. Choosing a venue that doesn’t have room for all your guests will create an awkward situation.
Also, take a look around the venue to get a feel for the layout and area you’ll be renting out.
Is there room for your food vendor to prepare the meals? Is there a dance floor away from the dining area so that socializing won’t be interrupted by music?
Attractive Decor and Background
During your reception, you’ll likely bring in table centerpieces and other small decor items. But, you don’t want to spend all your budget or time redecorating an unattractive space. Instead, opt for a venue that is already partially decorated with your wedding theme.
For example, if you’re having a royal-themed, traditional wedding, you may want to choose an elegant location like this Toledo wedding venue. Or, if you’re having a rustic, outdoor wedding, you might opt for a barn venue.
In addition to the venue itself, you’ll want to make sure the surrounding area is attractive. You’ll want a beautiful background for photos of your special day.
Availability for Your Date and Time
One of the most important things to ensure before booking a venue is that it’s available for your preferred date and time.
Popular venues fill up fast, sometimes a year in advance. And if you’re getting married on a Saturday, you’ll find even less availability.
But, beyond the actual day, you’ll want to make sure your venue is available during the hours you prefer. Some venues have to stop music at early hours, so if you’re wanting to dance the night away, this could be a deal-breaker.
If you find the perfect venue, you could consider changing your wedding date or time to fit the venue’s availability. Just make sure you haven’t already sent out the Save the Dates!
Beyond Choosing the Right Wedding Event Space
Choosing the right wedding event space for your big day is just one of the many steps of planning your wedding.
Once you’ve picked your venue, you’ll want to start narrowing down your vendors. Then, start thinking about your decor. Finally, you’ll start planning the schedule for your wedding, from the vows to the last dance.
With all this planning, it can be easy to forget about the main reason behind the wedding. For tips to help your relationship thrive, browse the rest of this site.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
