Can't Decide on a Venue?
Image of Anam Cara Gardens by Hollow & Co
We’re not going to lie - choosing the right venue is a big decision! It’ll determine everything, from whether you need to organise accommodation and catering, where your photo spots will be, and whether you’ll need to transport your guests. It will determine the entire vibe, the aesthetic, and play influence on your colour palette.
That’s why we’re here to help, with a few top tips for selecting your venue.
All-in-one or multiple locations?
Will you be hosting the reception at the same space as the ceremony?
Many venues will provide options for both the ceremony and the reception - but you also may have your heart set on a church wedding, with a reception at an alternative location. This will hugely influence your venue choice, so it’s something to consider right at the start.
What’s the vibe?
Summery, beach wedding? Boho chic? Urban?
You might not know the answer to this question yet - and that’s absolutely fine! But many people go into their wedding planning with an image in their head already. Check out different kinds of venues and locations, to get a feel for your faves.
Image via Waihōanga River Lodge by Candy Capco Photography
Image at The Milk Station by Siaosi Photography
Budget
This will massively influence your decision. How many guests will you have? Working with your budget, you could decide to have an intimate wedding at a more expensive venue, or you could have every single person you know at a more cost-friendly venue.
Do they provide additional things that might cut down on costs, like transport for your guests, or a sound system? If not, you’ll need to arrange these things yourself, which can really add up. Also, ask the venue if they can provide catering, or will you need to arrange external catering?
Rainy day options
Consider - do they have a rainy day option? Do they have sheltered spots from the sun for the scorchers? You just can’t predict the weather - so it’s key to choose somewhere that has you covered.
When you first visit the site, consider the time of year - will the weather be different when your wedding comes around? How will that affect the light? The last thing you want is your guests staring into the glaring sun during your ceremony, and places can look incredibly different through the different seasons. Ask the venue whether they have photos from a similar wedding to your plans.
Image of Ngā Manu by Patina Photography
Photo spots
This is a good question to ask the venue, and your photographer - are there good spots for photos, or will we need to go offsite? And then - is that logistically possible with your plans? Again, think of rainy day options too.
Nothing quite beats a venue that has it all, so be sure to wander around the property and take note of the spots that you adore.
Trust your gut
Above all else - trust your instincts! This wedding is all about the two of you - so pick somewhere that resonates with you. Perhaps it’s a place of significance to your past. Perhaps you’ve fallen head over heels with a well-equipped venue. Pick the space that’s right for you, and fulfils all your requirements.
Brought to you by the wonderful Deanna Walker.