Every bride has a vision of her wedding day. Maybe you have every detail planned up to the "I do" and after. Perhaps there are a couple of elements you know you want to include but are still exploring most decisions. Whether you are one way, the other, or somewhere in between, the venue sets the stage and atmosphere for your entire wedding. Before signing on the dotted line, consider these four components when touring venues.
1. Unique Features
Each bride is unique and should have a venue that is as special as her. When visiting locations, keep an eye out for unique features that complement your style and event. If you love flowers, find a place with beautiful gardens surrounding the building. If you and your fiance are into sports, pick a location with outdoor space for games during cocktail hour.
For a truly individual venue, destination weddings are the way to go. If you love the ocean, get married on a sandy beach in California or Florida. If you enjoy art and culture, rent out a room at a local museum or art gallery.
2. Budget
Before committing to anything, be it a venue, dress or photographer, sit down with your fiance and create a wedding budget. According to one report, 21% of Americans have gone into debt from their wedding expenses. The last thing you want is to start your new lives as husband and wife with a mountain of debt from one day; save yourselves the credit card payments and set a budget before shopping.
Create a tracker or use an online template to clearly lay out every wedding-related expense. While there are obvious categories like food, decor, and a DJ, do not overlook the more subtle expenses. Maybe you have opted for a home wedding and are making small or large upgrades to your house to accommodate the wedding. Track these expenses as well! Make an itemized list of upgrades and costs. Not only does this help you stay within your budget, but it also creates an easy reference list to show a home appraiser should you decide to sell your house.
3. Capacity
The number of attending guests also impacts which venues you look at. Before touring possible locations, have a rough idea of how many guests you will invite. Be sure to factor in any people your parents want to be included.
Always plan for a few extra guests. It is not unusual for someone to change an RSVP at the last minute or for a guest to bring a date without letting you know.
4. Event Packages
Thoroughly review every venue's event packages during your appointment. Do you simply want to rent a room and bring your own lounge furniture, food, and drinks? Are you thinking about offering a family-style meal with wine and beer or a plated dinner with an open bar and cocktail hour?
Both the quantity and quality of package choices impact the overall venue cost. The time of year can also affect the price. Have an idea of what you want before going into the meeting, and be sure to ask exactly what is included in each package.
While you may want to immediately sign up for that ideal wedding spot you have been eyeing, take time to do your research first. Evaluating these four factors before committing ensures your venue is the perfect fit for your special day.
credited to Erin Reynolds website