Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, a celebration of love, commitment, and the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. It's only fitting that the venue you choose for this momentous event should be equally exceptional, a place that perfectly reflects your personalities, preferences, and the overall theme of your wedding.
While the search for the perfect wedding venue may seem daunting, with countless options to consider, it's essential to approach this task with a clear vision and a well-defined set of priorities. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and ensure you select the venue that will make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
That does not mean you have to have the most exclusive wedding venue, or the most expensive wedding venue, or the most unique wedding venue. It means it is the most important part of setting the scene of your wedding.
If you want a registry office wedding, then the perfect venue for you is likely a registry office near you or a special registry office to you.
If the perfect wedding for you involves countryside, trees and a rustic feel is more your thing then a barn, a manor house or woodlands wedding may be more your thing.
If you are desperate for a beautiful seaside wedding with an Italian Riviera vibe, then likely a destination wedding venue is for you.
Just like Cinderella’s glass slipper, there’s a perfect venue for you!
What does having the right wedding venue mean?
It means that you go to that venue and you say ‘I can see us getting married here’, and you say it with a massive smile on your face and a tingle in your heart.
What else do I need to consider when picking my wedding venue?
Unfortunately, that wonderful tingly happy feeling isn’t enough to just say yes. There are a few other things to consider.
1. The venue has the wedding date you want available.
If you’re set on a winter 2025 wedding on a weekend, and there are no dates available, you need to decide whether this is something you are willing to be flexible on, or if this is something you could flex on for that venue that gives you the tingles.
2. It is in the location that you want or need it to be.
Location is tricky as you should always put yourself first, but if that involves caring deeply that your grandparents come to the wedding, and they have accessibility needs, then potentially a chateau in the South of France isn’t the best spot for your wedding.
You also have to consider, if it is a weekday wedding and miles from friends and family, they may struggle with time off work or have childcare issues.
Choosing the best wedding location for you is important and it is a tricky balance between what is right for you and for getting those that you love to come along.
3. It is within your budget.
I know it is annoying, but your budget matters, your venue and catering accounts for around 50% of what you spend on your wedding, so you need to keep it within budget!
For more information on the amount of budget you should spend on your wedding venue, see our blog post on effective wedding budgeting here.
4. Consider your guest list.
The number of guests you plan to invite will significantly impact your venue selection. Smaller weddings can be accommodated in intimate settings, while larger gatherings often require more expansive spaces. Ensure the venue you choose can comfortably accommodate your entire guest list, leaving enough room for dancing, mingling, and overall enjoyment.
5. Get the answers for the little things.
There are so many smaller things that make a huge difference to how smoothly your wedding journey will go, how easily you’ll stay in budget and how manageable your day will be! Find out more about what questions to ask your venue here.
How do I find the perfect venue?
This seems easier than what it is in reality.
Firstly, make sure you’ve noted those 5 tips on what your venue needs to have, so you have narrowed down where you are going to start looking for venues, and what really matters to you in a venue.
Wedding venues come in various forms, from traditional hotels and stately homes to unconventional spaces like museums, castles, and even vineyards. Explore a variety of options, considering factors like location, facilities, and overall atmosphere. Visit potential venues in person to get a feel for the space and envision your special day unfolding within its walls.
If you are getting married abroad my top tip is to find your relevant bridal Facebook groups and join all of them. Ask your fellow brides for suggestions and recommendations for your venues.
If you are wanting a UK wedding, Hitched, or Rock my Wedding are brilliant. You may even want to go more local with smaller businesses such as Yorkshire Brides, that will give you access to more businesses that are knowledgeable and local to your area.
How do I select the perfect wedding venue?
Now that is down to you.
If you don’t have time to visit lots of venues, don’t, talk to the venue first and ask all those relevant questions. Then whittle it down to your favourite ones and go and see those.
Honestly, I didn’t visit my wedding venue until the menu tasting. The reviews, the communication, the offer and the pictures. Alongside the dates, costs, location and feeling I got all meant I knew it was the one, and I was happy to sign without visiting! Not that I’m advising that, I think going to the venue is a superbly important part of your journey and should be magical, but it’s whatever works for you!
If you are struggling to make a decision, The Wedding Hand offers coaching which can support you with making these difficult decisions. Find out more here.
Then choose your venue based on all of those factors, and of course… that tingly feeling.
Happy wedding planning!
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