Planning a wedding is a major event everyone involved, and choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. After all, your venue sets the tone for your entire celebration, and can make or break your big day. You want a venue that speaks your style, makes guests feel welcome and has amenities to fit the specific desires you have for your perfect big day. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when looking for the perfect wedding venue:
Location:
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the location of your wedding venue. Is it close to your home or the homes of your guests? Is it easily accessible by car or public transportation? Is there ample parking available? These are all important questions to ask when considering the location of your wedding venue.
You’ll want to be sure you’ve answered this question, is the venue accessible for the people I want at my wedding? If grandma is in a wheelchair, does the venue have special accommodations for grandma? Plus, are you making you venue a “destination” experience or is it local enough that most people can afford to make the journey? It’s your wedding, so the choice is yours. Feel free to check out some amazing wedding venues in central Illinois with this list here. Many of these venues are a complete surprise to even the local residents.
Capacity:
Next, you’ll want to consider the capacity of your wedding venue. How many guests can it accommodate comfortably? Will it be too large or too small for your guest list? Make sure to choose a venue that is the right size for your celebration, so that everyone feels comfortable and has plenty of space to enjoy themselves.
This is something you’ll get a good feeling for when you visit the space. Some venues say they can seat 300, but you walk in the room and just know they’re pushing the limit. Be sure to ask about how comfortably people can be seated with your guest list. If the venue says it can fit but doesn’t promise comfortably, they likely know it will be a squeeze. Guests will struggle and likely talk about that after the event is over.
Amenities:
The amenities offered by your wedding venue can make a big difference in the overall experience for you and your guests. Do they have a dance floor, sound and lighting systems, and other entertainment options? What about catering and bar services? Are there any restrictions on the types of decor or vendors you can bring in? Make sure to ask about all of these details when considering a wedding venue.
In addition, do they have relationships with other local vendors that could help you? Do they have a recommended florist or DJ who could come as a “package deal” for the venue? These are great ways to save some money since the venue has a relationship and could help pull some strings. Always be sure to ask what the recommended hotel accommodations are also (if your venue isn’t already a hotel) since any out-of-town guests will need a place to stay the night.
Style:
The style of your wedding venue should also be a major consideration. Do you want a formal, elegant wedding or a more casual, rustic celebration? Make sure to choose a venue that aligns with your preferred style, so that your wedding feels like a true reflection of your personalities and tastes.
Venues that come as “blank slates” give you the most flexibility, but you must be prepared to splurge on the decorations to make the space your own. Other venues that have a style built in are easier to decorate as long as that style fits within your preferences.
Availability:
Finally, it’s important to consider the availability of your wedding venue. Is it available on the date you want to get married? Will you have exclusive use of the venue, or will there be other events going on at the same time? Make sure to confirm all of these details before booking a wedding venue.
Overall, choosing the perfect wedding venue is all about finding a place that meets all of your needs and preferences. Take the time to tour several venues, ask lots of questions, and consider all of your options before making a decision. With the right wedding venue, your big day is sure to be everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more.
