Featured Image Caption: Checklist for Wedding Venue Selection
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The wedding planning process can be tedious and nerve-wracking, and finding the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you have to make. The wedding venue needs to be amazing and inspirational in order to set the scene for the wedding.
You also need to secure the date for the big day by selecting a wedding venue. Once you have set the date and booked the venue you can proceed to other more pressing matters.
However, you may be wondering what makes a good wedding venue? How can you create a memorable experience that people will continue to talk about for years to come? Here, we will discuss the elements that go into making a good wedding venue.
Does the venue match your wedding theme?
The pace of the wedding can only be established once you have chosen the wedding venue. When you are shopping around for a wedding venue you need to determine if the venue matches your theme.
Classic, contemporary, modern, post-modern, rustic, outlandish, rock, sci-fi, etc? There are hundreds of venues to choose from, so take your time and check what’s available. Do not settle for second best. After all, you only get married once, so make it count and go all out.
What is the maximum capacity? Does it match your guest list size?
Before you decide on a venue you need to decide how many people will be attending. Will it be a small, private affair, better suited to a cozier venue, or will it be a massive gala for the ages? If you rent a huge venue but only have about 50 or so guests then the hall may seem empty and depressing.
Conversely, if you invite several hundred guests but the venue is too small then your guests may feel crowded or suffocated. Trying to find a balance is key. Guests should have room to move around easily, but not so much that they have to walk across the hall to socialize.
Are there indoor and outdoor options?
Climate can create chaos, and weddings are no exception. Depending on where you live you may need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. If you are planning on hosting the wedding outdoors then make sure that there are indoor options, just in case.
The weather can be unpredictable, so having a worst-case scenario contingency plan will help salvage the day should Mother Nature decide to crash the wedding.
What about the surrounding area and nearby accommodation?
As already mentioned, the venue that you choose must address all of your needs and issues. Never settle for second best as there are plenty of possibilities to choose from.
Nearby accommodation will also need to be considered. Ideally, the venue itself will have all of the accommodation that you need but if not, you need to check out other options for your guests. For example, if the venue is situated near a popular airport with hotel accommodation, overseas relatives would find it easier to make the trip.
The area also needs to feel safe so that your guests can enjoy the event without fearing for their safety. If the venue is located in a secluded area or requires quite a bit of travel to get to, then make sure you take the necessary precautions. You may want to consider hiring security as well as renting a venue that has security cameras and other safeguards i.e., locks, fences.
What is privacy like?
If you are looking for a cozier venue then try and find a spot that is private and also feels personal to you. In some cases, a venue may host several events on the same day. If this is the case, then speak to a representative to determine how separate the events will be.
You don’t want your wedding to get mixed up with other events, nor do you want to deal with their stray guests and unwelcome noise. In some cases, you may be able to book the entire venue for just your wedding. However, this will likely come at a price, so if privacy is a top priority then you should be prepared to pay for the added luxury.
Outdoor locations may also cause issues with privacy. Strangers may decide to sneak in and cause a ruckus. They may also watch from afar with binoculars, which may make your guests feel very uncomfortable.
In today’s age it seems that everyone has a smartphone, so if you do decide to rent an outdoor venue, ensure that it provides guaranteed privacy. Wedding guests want to feel they can be themselves and have a good time without worrying about being spied on by uninvited guests.
Is the venue accessible to the differently-abled?
The venue should also be ADA accessible. You will likely have guests that will need help getting around the venue. They may require a wheelchair, cane, crutches or some other form of support in order to travel.
There should be multiple seating options available so that all of your guests can feel comfortable. Accessible parking is essential, and elevators and/or escalators should also be fully operational.
If some of your guests are visually impaired then a venue that provides audio-visual support for the blind is a must. Examples include braille and voice-supported elevators. The end goal is for all of your guests to have a fun time without having to worry about parking, travel and their accommodation.
Read reviews
Don’t forget to ask around in order to help you find the ideal venue. Start with trusted friends and family to learn about their experiences with different venues. You can also check out reviews online. Start with the 5-star venues and work your way down. Of course, the best venues will likely cost more, so work within your budget and set realistic expectations.
Have fun!
While planning a wedding can be stressful it doesn’t have to be. Working with an expert can help alleviate some of the anxiety you may be having. It is important to have fun when planning your wedding, as the top priority for all involved will be the happiness and bliss of the bride and groom.
By Devon Graham
who is a blogger in Toronto. He graduated with honours from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing. Devon Graham is a community manager for small businesses across Canada. He also likes to research various topics related to pets, food, storage solutions and business solutions.
Member since July, 2021
View all the articles of Devon Graham.
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