Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
Your wedding venue sets the tone for your big day, creating the backdrop for your most cherished memories. With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect venue can feel overwhelming. To help you on this exciting journey, we’ve put together a guide on the different types of wedding venues and key questions to ask when visiting each one.
Traditional Venues (Hotels, Banquet Halls)
These venues are often all-inclusive, offering catering, decor, and accommodation options in one place. You’ll have a dedicated event team to help coordinate the details. This is a great option if you want a wedding package that covers the majority of your needs.
Outdoor Venues (Gardens, Vineyards, Beaches)
Perfect for nature lovers, outdoor venues offer stunning natural beauty and can create a relaxed, romantic atmosphere with beautiful backdrops for all your wedding photos. Ensuring you have a bad weather contingency is a must!
Barns & Farms
Rustic charm with wide-open spaces that are perfect for a country-style or boho wedding. Barns provide a great blank canvas for personalisation, often offering a dry hie option so you can bring your own catering and suppliers in.
Historic Venues (Mansions, Castles, Museums)
Grand architecture and timeless elegance make these venues feel like a fairytale. They offer a unique experience and lots of photo-worthy spots. Similarly to hotels, these venues often have packages that you can choose between, due to the historic nature they often have restrictions on certain types of décor such as candles so always make sure you check before investing in your decorations.
Key Questions to Ask Before Booking a Wedding Venue
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s essential to ask the right questions during venue tours to make sure you get the day you’ve envisioned. Here are some must-ask questions:
Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Be mindful of any restrictions due to local regulations.
Some venues require you to use their in-house caterers or vendors, while others give you the freedom to bring in your own. If you have specific preferences, such as using our catering, this is a key question.
Clarify what is included in the package (e.g., tables, chairs, linens, lighting) and what’s considered an extra cost. Also, ask about setup and breakdown times.
Some venues include set up time the day before or clear up time the day after, while others charge extra or may not offer this at all. This is important to be aware of so you can have people on hand to help gather the necessary items at the end of the night.
If you’re opting for an outdoor venue, ask about tenting options or indoor spaces in case of inclement weather.
Some venues have restrictions on things like music volume, candles, or sparklers. It’s important to know these details upfront.
If you’re having a destination wedding or have many out-of-town guests, on-site or nearby accommodations can be a huge plus. Ask if they have room blocks or discounts with local hotels.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your wedding venue is a significant decision that will shape the feel of your entire wedding day. By asking the right questions and considering all the details, you’ll find a venue that aligns with your vision, budget, and logistical needs. At Rose & Mae Events, we’re here to help guide you through the process and ensure your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
