Loving the look and feel of a space is just the beginning, and while you can make any venue work, it’s also perfectly valid to want a zero-stress choice where everything is set up for your big day to succeed. The best part is that these zero-stress considerations also tend to make your big day cheaper on the whole, since you’re typically bundling services and able to get a better price on it all, rather than going individually.
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What’s Included in the Venue?
Some venues offer just the space, while others provide a full-service experience that includes everything from the tablescape to catering and décor, taking the bulk of wedding planning off your hands. While you will ultimately have more control over the way your wedding looks if you opt for the first option, this approach tends to be more expensive overall and is more challenging to organize. Venues that offer full-service know their space and how to decorate it best, meaning you get exceptional service and results for less.
Can You Add On to the Service?
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting from a shortlist of wedding venues is the ability to customize it. Now, most venues will let you customize their premises with external vendors, but this does add up. If you can add on a French fry station or custom ice sculptures through the venue, you’ll benefit from:
- Lower average price
- Less hassle during setup
- More holistic design
Add-ons can range from adding extra time to adding décor to offering additional late-night menu options. It can be a headache and a half trying to add even small essentials like heaters if you’re planning a fall or winter wedding. Being able to book those small essentials through the venue instead of individually by yourself or through your wedding planner will save you both headaches and money.
What’s Plan B?
If the draw of your wedding venue is its outdoor space, what kind of Plan B is there in case it rains? Having a Plan B that you’re as happy with as your initial plan will mean you’re big day remains special no matter the weather, taking away stress in the process. Of course, if you want a plan A that is absolutely weatherproof, choosing an indoor location is your best bet.
What Accommodation/Transportation Options Are There?
One of the biggest things you’ll want to consider is how your guests are arriving, or where they’re staying, even if you aren’t covering these things financially. Being aware that it’s a short drive away from town with plenty of accommodation options is much better than being in the middle of nowhere, with no taxis available after dark. Either pre-plan taxis to arrive at a specific time, organize shuttles, or choose a well-connected venue.
How Much Space is Available?
The final, but arguably the most important, consideration to make is the space itself. Ultimately, every venue has a capacity limit, with smaller options only able to host small or even micro weddings. Even with the larger spaces, you may still run out of room if you’re planning big-scale experiences, such as a photo booth or a full-staged band. Always consider the amount of space you need for your guests and your experiences ahead of time, and factor that into your venue selection.