Venue Selection 101

What to Look for When Choosing the Ideal Location for Your Wedding

Planning your dream wedding involves making countless decisions, and one of the most important ones is selecting the perfect location. The wedding venue sets the tone for your special day and plays a significant role in creating lasting memories. While numerous breathtaking options are available, it’s essential to keep things simple to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. Grab my free download with a list of questions to ask when visiting possible venues.

Accessibility

When simplicity is a priority, accessibility is crucial. Consider the convenience of the location for both you and your guests. Opt for an easily reachable venue, preferably with good transportation links and ample parking facilities. This will save your guests from unnecessary travel hassles and ensure a smooth arrival on your big day. If you and your partner have always dreamed of getting married on top of a mountain peak, then consider having just your immediate family at the ceremony. Don’t expect all of your guests to be physically fit enough to make it up there! And if some guests are not able to attend because the site is difficult for them to navigate (grandparents, guests with limited mobility), consider just taking some photos in the location and having the actual ceremony in a more accessible spot.

Destination Weddings

Beach weddings, vineyard ceremonies, Vegas chapels. They are all very popular venues and many couples fall in love with the thought of having this as your backdrop in all the photos. While they have their definite pros, consider your guests before putting down that deposit. Will your guests have to travel a significant distance and thus be very costly to attend? If so, consider booking this location for your honeymoon and find a local photographer that would do a honeymoon session. 

Capacity

Before falling in love with a venue, determine if it can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Keep your wedding intimate by choosing a location that aligns with the number of attendees you have in mind. I’ve been to far too many weddings where we had to take turns eating because they had to fit 10 people around a table meant for 8!

Indoor or Outdoor

Decide whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor setting for your ceremony and reception. Each option offers its own charm, but simplicity can be achieved by selecting a venue that offers both possibilities. This way, you can have a backup plan in case of inclement weather while maintaining the simplicity of having everything in one location.

Natural Beauty

Embrace the simplicity of nature’s beauty by choosing a venue with stunning natural surroundings. Look for venues that boast picturesque landscapes, lush gardens, or breathtaking views. This way, you won’t need to invest heavily in decorations, allowing the natural backdrop to shine.

Flexibility

Simplicity and flexibility go hand in hand. Select a venue that offers flexible packages and allows you to bring in your own vendors if desired. This gives you the freedom to personalize your wedding while keeping things simple. Additionally, ensure the venue has suitable spaces for all aspects of your wedding, such as ceremony areas, reception halls, and bridal suites.

Amenities

Consider the amenities provided by the venue to simplify the planning process. Look for venues that offer essential facilities such as tables, chairs, linens, and sound systems. Having these amenities readily available will reduce the need for extensive rentals, making the planning process more straightforward and cost-effective.

 Choosing the ideal location for your wedding should be an exciting and straightforward process. By focusing on accessibility, capacity, indoor/outdoor options, natural beauty, flexibility, and amenities, you can keep things simple while ensuring a memorable experience for you and your guests. Be sure to grab my freebie with questions to ask when searching for a venue. 

Remember, less is more
~ Melissa

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