Gone are the days when a couple would select the one event venue in their hometown. . The question of where and when a wedding will take place is not always as easy to answer as a couple would like them to be. Since the number of wedding venue options are now infinite. Couples need to think about a wide variety of questions before the go ahead and select their space. Choosing a wedding venue might seem like a task consisting only of liking a space or not. In reality there is way more to consider than that.
Rule – Understand The Logistics
With all the emotion and excitement that comes with the early stages of wedding planning. It is very easy for couples to see a venue, get excited and sign the contract. Remembering to consider the logistics of the venue can actually save you big headaches later on. Everything from how many guest you will need the venue to fit. The season and time of day you want to have your wedding and any special accommodations your guests might need.
Here’s a big question: Should a couple choose the venue before having a guest list or should they get a guest list and choose the venue?. It is not easy to have a guest count two weeks into the wedding planning process. If you don’t have an idea of what size wedding you are going to have you will not be able to pick a venue confidently. No firm count is needed to look at venues, but one of the first questions the venue will ask a couple is how many guest you’ll be hosting.
Having a rough idea of your wedding size will allow you to cross venues off your list. You won’t have to go look at them in person since almost every venue lists their facility size online. Online venue database like ogaVenue will allow you to save time and help fast track the booking process of the venue. Couples probably have a good idea of the season they want to tie the knot. Which can also help to shape the wedding venue search.
Many venues might showcase images from a beautiful season like dry season on their websites. So make sure you ask to see pictures from the season you intend to get married. If the venue holds weddings in all seasons, make sure you ask questions such as, “Is there heat and air conditioning? Is there a ‘backup’ space if all of a sudden it starts to rain? If there is a good lighting so that our guests will be able to see as the evening goes on?”
Visit The Venue: Saturday is still the most popular day for couples to go out and visit venues. Since most couples get married on a Saturday it only makes sense. One of my most important rules is to go back for a second visit at the very time of day your wedding will be held.
It only seems logical to be able to see the venue at the very time of day you will be hosting your wedding. Everything from how the light floods into the space, to if a cold draft sweeps through the hallway can help you figure out if this is the venue you want to spend your money on. Visiting the venue is also the perfect time to bring with you your wedding planner or coordinator and have them take a look. Often times those wedding professionals have a different take of a venue and might offer some good advice.
Find Out If The Venue Has Facilities: Confirm from the Venue have everything from table and chair rentals, to linens and catering supplies etc. If not, this means that you will be responsible for booking all of the vendors for the wedding. Either way, some venues have required vendors that they want you to work with. So that is something to figure out before you the book space.
Ask & Ask Again: Make a list and asking all the questions you have about a venue is important but not as important as asking that same question to multiple people associated with the venue. Depending on who you are dealing with and what their role is at the venue. You might get different answers, so make sure you ask everyone questions. From the catering manager, to the business manager, to the day-of coordinator.
Important questions that you might not think to ask are, “How many weddings are held here in one a day? Who will be here helping me the actual day of the wedding? Do you have any construction or landscape changes coming up before my wedding? Do you anticipate any changes to the venue before the wedding day?” Just when you think you have asked enough questions, ask again and then of course get everything in writing!
Photo Credit: Vibiana Event
Peace Ikhielea
