Finding the Right Wedding Venue

Finding a venue is the first big step in your wedding planning. Oftentimes, this step may feel daunting and overwhelming...to help you with the process I have put together a quick guide to help you find the right venue!

1.Your Vision

To start, take a moment to reflect on what your wedding vision is.

Which venue speaks most to your vision?

• Airbnb

• Aquarium

• Backyard

• Barn

• Banquet hall

• Beach

• Bed & Breakfast

• Boat/Yacht

• Botanical Garden

• Bowling hall

• Cafe/Bar/Brewery

• Castle

• Church

• College/University

• Community Center

• Country Club

• Greenhouse

• Home/Mansion

• Hotel

• Historic Site

• Library

• Local park

• Mountain Lodge

• Museum

• Nightclub

• Restaurant

• Vacation Rental

• Vineyard

• Warehouse

• Zoo

2. Plan and Prep

Start with some initial planning and prep, including:

• Planning an estimated budget and size of your wedding

• Jump online and get researching! Look up all the local venues in your area and/ or destination

• Create a list or google doc that includes each of you and your fiancé/ fiancée's favourite venues. Record all of the information you are able to get from their website. It is also a great idea to take a look at photos and posts they have been tagged in to see real client feedback!

• Call the venues to set up a live or virtual tour (if you are able to)

• Be prepared financially to put a deposit down!

• Prep all your questions so you do not wake up in the middle of the night remembering every question you forgot to ask... (more on that next!)

3. Key Questions

Now that you have done some background research, you are ready to tour the final venues (yay!). Below are some of the key questions to ask!

• What dates are available?

• How many guests are allowed/minimum?

• What’s the cost and what’s included?

• Weekdays versus weekend cost differences?

• How many hours are included?

• Are there any extra fees?

• Is there a ceremony fee? Indoor/outdoor?

• What’s the deposit and when is it due?

• Do they have payment plans?

• Are there changing areas for the bridal party?

• How many bathrooms are there and is a porta potty needed?

• Is it indoor/outdoor?

• Do they have weather backup plans?

• Will it work for ceremony, cocktail hour, and/or reception?

• Do they do rehearsal dinners and what’s the cost for that?

• What is the cancellation policy?

• Do they have insurance and do you need any?

• Do they offer catering, bar, waiting tables, services, etc? What are those details? Is there a minimum guest count for those things?

• Can you bring your own catering, bar, etc? Rules about these? Is there a kitchen available?

• Do they provide linens, napkins, plates, etc?

• Do they provide chairs, tables, tents, etc?

• Do they have any decor inventory you can utilize?

• What staff do they provide for set up, clean up, serving, break down, etc?

• Do they allow things like confetti, sparklers, live animals (horse drawn carriage, etc)?

• Do they provide their own signage?

• Do they provide an on-site coordinator and can you meet with them? Can you hire your own?

• Do they have vendor suggestions?

• Are there noise restrictions?

• What is the parking situation?

• Do they provide transportation services?

• Do they have overnight accommodations?

• Are they accessible for all disabilities?

• Do they have near-by hotel suggestions for your guests?

• Do they have photo examples of other weddings?

• How is the lighting in the space? Is it bright enough for good photos and will your makeup artist need to bring an extra light?

• Where does the sun set? Will you be able to get sunset photos?

4. Finalize!

Be sure to read your contract! Once you and your fiancé are happy with the terms and conditions be sure to sign your contract and pay your deposit.

We hope this advice was helpful! If we left anything out or you need more help, please send an email to lynea@theweddingtalk.com. Good luck with your search and happy planning!