You’ve got the love of your life and a gorgeous rock on your finger to prove it. Next step? Booking the perfect venue to mark the start of your married life. But this should be as difficult as, say, finding your Mr. or Mrs. Right, right?
To that end, we called on the planner at the pulse of Southern California’s wedding market—Tessa Brand, owner of Tessa Lyn Events—to divulge her pointers for how to find your “I do” happy place.
Tessa, take it away!
1. Ask too many questions.
Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you ask all the necessary questions because all negotiation power is diminished after the contract is finalized. Ask about curfew and noise ordinance. Ask about hidden costs like parking, power drops, or required security. Make sure you have the freedom to decorate as you wish.
Photo: Jimmy Bui
2. Look at logistics.
Convenience is key. Whether it’s enough restrooms for your guests, firm walkways from the ceremony to the reception, a short drive from the guest hotels to the venue, these are all considerations that are incredibly important when selecting your location. Your guest experience will be affected by logistics, so make it easy and comfortable for everyone.
Photo: Jillian Rose Photography
3. Consider your vendors.
Ultimately the success of your wedding will be attributed to the team you hire so you should choose a venue where you can bring in the vendor team you want to work with. Oftentimes venues will take kickbacks from vendors and therefore limit the client’s choices. If this is the case, you should keep hunting.
Photo: Next to Me Studios
4. Confirm a backup plan.
Because weather can be a gamble, make sure you like the backup plan. For the bride that has always envisioned her reception outdoors under the stars, a gloomy forecast can be heartbreaking. Always make sure you have a Plan B, whether that is building a tent or moving the celebration inside. Consider how your decor will change as well. (Read how James and Shara overcame their rainy wedding day in San Diego!)
Photo: Laurie Bailey Photography
5. Go with your gut.
Much like the feeling you get when you find your perfect wedding dress, you should be looking for a venue that makes you feel the same way. You can envision yourself walking down the aisle, imagine your photos with a particular background, and feel confident your guests will enjoy the location as much as you do.
The post seems really interesting. Thankyou for sharing the post about 5 Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue.
My cousin is getting married next year but hasn’t chosen a venue. I like your point about considering the vendors you are using. Choosing a location where all the vendors can make it would be a good place to start.
It might not seem obvious at first, but the article makes a good point about convenience at your wedding. After all, when you’re choosing a wedding venue, you’ll want to make sure it can fit everyone’s needs. For example, you’ll need to make sure that there are enough restrooms for everyone.
My sister is getting married soon, and she asked me to help her find a good venue. You had some great tips for choosing a wedding venue, and I liked how you said to choose a venue that will let you bring in your own vendors, so you can work with the team you have chosen for the special day. Thanks; I’ll share this with my sister to help her choose the best wedding venue.
The post seems really interesting.5 Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue. Thankyou for sharing the post about.
I like the tip you gave to have a backup plan for the location of your wedding. My fiance and I are getting married this December, and I am the one in charge of finding a venue. I will be sure to have a backup plan, so we will not have to worry.
I like the tip that you gave to have a backup plan and venue for your wedding. My fiance and I are getting married in a few months, and I am looking for the best wedding venue. I will be sure to choose a backup venue, so we will be safe if anything happens to one plan.
Thanks for sharing such informative post.
Hello, I was searching for the wedding venue. Your blog is very helpful for me before choosing the perfect wedding venue. Thanks a lot for giving us such best tips. Keep sharing!
I like the tip that you gave to look for a venue that you can afford. My wedding is in a few months, and it will be important for me to know that the venue that I choose will fit my budget. When the time comes, I will be sure to look for an affordable venue for my fiance and I.
I like the tip that you gave to choose to have a backup wedding venue just in case. My wife and I have been talking about choosing a wedding venue for our daughter, and it would be important for us to know that we can choose one that will be right for her. If we decide to reserve a wedding venue for her, I will be sure to have a backup plan as well.