8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue
Your partner has popped the question, you’ve set a budget, made a guest list, and now it’s time to research wedding venues! But soon, you find yourself in over your head. There are more options than you expected, and you don’t know how to determine which is the best fit.
The good news is that choosing a wedding venue doesn’t have to be complicated! As New Jersey wedding planners, we’ve helped so many couples with this process and know what to consider before you make your choice. By a simple elimination process, you can quickly determine which venues are even viable options and which stand out from the rest. Keep reading to discover how!
What to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue
Location
Does the backdrop of your wedding ceremony matter to you? If so, don’t book your venue based solely on their outdoor ceremony space, even if your heart’s set on exchanging vows in nature. The weather can be unpredictable, and you may have to move your ceremony inside. If that happens, you want to LOVE your venue’s indoor ceremony space just as much as you loved the outdoor setting! That way, you won’t be too disappointed to move your ceremony inside if there’s inclement weather.
In addition, check if the location has any sound restrictions. Some towns don’t permit playing music after 10 p.m., which puts a damper on any party. If this is your dream venue, familiarize yourself with the relevant rules and plan your day around them.
Hotels/Lodging
Choosing your wedding location carefully also requires researching the surrounding area to see what lodging is nearby for your out-of-town guests. Check what’s closest first. If it isn’t satisfactory, you can expand your search field. Keep in mind that in some remote areas of New Jersey (e.g., Sussex County), there is a drive of 25 minutes, at minimum, to the nearest hotel. If you’re tying the knot there, factoring significant travel time into your itinerary will be necessary. You’ll also want to book quickly since those hotels have limited availability.
Season
Many couples choose their wedding season based on weather or scenery, but it’s also crucial to consider traffic patterns, especially in New Jersey. If you’re getting married in summer near the Jersey Shore, be aware of peak travel times so your guests don’t get caught in traffic. The last thing you want is your loved ones to get trapped in a line of tourists and be late for your ceremony!
Guest Count
Before choosing a wedding venue, have a rough estimate of how many guests to expect. You need to know that your venue can accommodate your maximum amount comfortably and that you can meet their minimum amount of guests (if they have one). Guest count is the most crucial factor to consider during your venue search!
Budget/Financial Comfort Zone
Your venue is your most significant investment and will use the largest chunk of your budget. So, ensure you’re realistic about how much you’re willing to spend and expect to go over budget—it’s better to have money left over than not enough! We recommend making a conservative estimate of the price per head since you’ll likely opt to add a few enhancements later in the planning process. Don’t forget to factor in gratuity!
Availability
Is your potential venue in high demand? If so, prepare to commit to a date fast, especially if you’re looking at Saturdays or peak season. You should also book your other professionals ASAP to ensure you’re getting quality services. However, if you’re more flexible (e.g., willing to have a weekday wedding), you’ll have more options and more time to decide if the venue is right for you.
Accessibility
Does the venue have a getting-ready suite? If so, what time can you access it? The earlier, the better, especially if you plan on doing beauty services there. If your ceremony is at or before 4:30 p.m., you should plan to complete your beauty services by 12:30 p.m. (if you’re doing a first look). Odds are that you’ll be looking at a 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. start time for your beauty services, depending on the size of your bridal party.
Aesthetic
If you envision a specific color scheme or vibe, choose a venue that complements it. However, over a 2- or even 1-year engagement, the venue owners may make upgrades/changes to the décor. Be flexible! If necessary, there are solutions for adapting to venue renovations to ensure the space still fits your vibe.
We hope these guidelines help you with choosing a wedding venue! The best way to make this decision for ultimate peace of mind is to hire a wedding planner early. A professional can help you sort through New Jersey wedding venues and determine which looks like a good fit. Then, they can accompany you on your tour to ensure you ask the right questions. Our experienced, eleven-strong team would be honored to join you on your planning journey! Inquire today to learn more about our services.
