One of the most important choices a bride makes for her wedding is the venue. The wedding venue sets the entire stage when it comes to the wedding feel, ambience, style, size, and dictates what’s left in the budget since venue is usually the largest expense. 

Whether you’re picturing a rustic barn, a country farm, beachfront nuptials, or an elegant ballroom – these 6 tips for choosing a wedding venue will help you make your decision, stick with your budget, and plan a dreamy day!

1. Know the Numbers

Like we previously said, the venue is typically the biggest expense when it comes to a wedding. Since it’s going to be eating up the majority of your budget, it’s important that you know the true numbers of the venue, what it includes, and if there are any additional fees. When you’re speaking to a venue ask them these questions:

• What is your price list (depending on time, day, season, etc.)?
• What add-on’s do you offer that are optional?
• What services or extras are included in that price?
• Are there any other fees?
• Are taxes and gratuities already included in this quote?

Asking these simple questions can be the difference between you making an informed decision, and you getting a bill you were not expecting down the road. Make sure you write everything down or better yet, have electronic copies emailed to you, so that when you’re making your final venue decision, you have all of the pricing information in front of you.

2. Know What’s Included

Every venue operates a little bit differently. Some offer package deals where all of the vendor services are included, some offer a select few services for free, and some charge fees if you want to use any of their vendors. Many will let you bring all of your own vendors. It really depends on the venue, so make sure you’re getting detailed information of everything that is included or required.

If the venue doesn’t allow outside vendors, and their team is too expensive, that may be a dealbreaker for you. If you want a one-stop shop that takes care of everything from officiants to floral arrangements, an all-inclusive venue is a great option. Some venues may require a day-of coordinator to be utilized, or their preferred beverage service to be used. No matter the scenario, make sure you get all of the details of what’s included and what’s required so you can make the best decision for your special day.

3. Consider the Location

Location is super important when it comes to choosing a venue. Whether you’re looking for a specific atmosphere or ceremony view, or just convenience and accessibility for family members. Make a list of what you’re looking for in a venue ahead of time in terms of view, convenience, and size requirements so you know what is most important to you walking into your venue tours.

Many brides have family members that are unable to travel very far from home, visit venues at higher altitudes, take a plane to get to the wedding location, or have another restriction. It’s important to consider if that will impact your decision on which venue you choose, so you don’t end up having to make a change later down the road.

4. Determine Vendor Schedule

When you’re choosing a venue, you may not think to ask about the timeline in which your vendors can set up and what they’ll have access to. Though it’s often overlooked, it can impact your budget.

Determine when vendors can set up, how long the wedding ceremony and reception will last, when you need to tear down, and what your vendors need. Will DJ’s require an elevator? Is there a kitchen for the caterer or will they need to cook ahead of time? Will you need to have additional power cords, outlets, generators, or power requirements available for the DJ, lighting, or other vendors? Make sure you get the full picture.

5. Get Insurance

Most brides planning their own weddings will overlook insurance, but this can be super important depending on the venue. Some venues or vendors even require it. Be sure your venue and vendors carry liability insurance, and that you won’t be required to pick up the tab. If you want to add a one-day policy to cover all of your bases, decide ahead of time to build it into your budget.

6. Have a Plan B

Having a plan B is essential for your wedding day. There can be rain, power outages, last minute disasters or scheduling conflicts, etc. You want to make sure if something goes wrong, there’s an easy Plan B to switch over to so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Talk with your venue about where you can move the ceremony or reception if need be, back up plans due to weather or vendor cancellations, etc.