Picking A Wedding Venue And What You Need To Know

Things to consider when choosing you venue…

Selecting the perfect wedding venue is pretty much like choosing where to land your spaceship for the best intergalactic party—both thrilling and fraught with potentially epic failures. Here’s your guide to navigating this minefield, peppered with a dash of sarcasm because, let’s face it, who doesn’t need a little humor when making one of the biggest decisions of your life?

Location, Location, and... Location

First up, let’s talk about location. Because nothing says ‘romantic wedding’ quite like a three-hour drive into the wilderness where GPS signals go to die. You might love the idea of a remote fairy-tale castle or a beachside spot that’s off the beaten path, but remember your guests need to actually find it and preferably not need a compass or a sherpa to get there.

Make sure your venue is accessible enough that Aunt Edna and her bad hip can make it from the car to her seat without requiring a rescue mission. Consider proximity to airports or hotels if you’ve got out-of-towners. It’s your big day, but let’s not turn it into a multi-day expedition for everyone else.

Capacity: Counting Chickens Before They Hatch

Ah, capacity—you’d think it’d be simple. One guest, one seat, right? But here you are, trying to use advanced calculus to figure out if you can squeeze in your second cousin once removed without violating fire safety codes. Before you fall down the rabbit hole of guest lists, make sure your dream venue can handle your party size.

Too small, and you’re the bad guy making your guests sit on each other's laps (which could be fun but also, lawsuit?). Too big, and you might as well be throwing your wedding in an empty warehouse. Echoes during your vows are only cool if you’re going for that haunted vibe.

Style: The Devil’s in the Decor

You might think any venue will match your vision, but unless you’re planning to drop a small fortune on decor, try to pick a place that matches your theme. Want a rustic wedding? A sleek, modern art gallery might not be your best bet unless you plan to camouflage it with enough burlap to create a fire hazard.

Choosing a venue that fits your aesthetic not only makes your wedding Insta-worthy but also saves you from turning into a bridezilla or groomzilla trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Plus, you don't want your wedding photos to look like they were taken at two different events.

Weather: Because Mother Nature Has a Sense of Humor

Planning an outdoor wedding? How quaint! Just remember that Mother Nature might RSVP with a plus one named Hurricane Elberto or simply decide it’s a great day for a monsoon. Have a backup plan unless you want your wedding to feature a “Swim to the Bride” event.

Even if you’re not outdoors, consider the season and local weather patterns—unless you think sauna suits are appropriate wedding attire for a mid-summer, non-air-conditioned church wedding.

Budget: Your Wallet Might Scream

Let’s talk turkey—err, money. That magical night will fly by, but your bank account will feel the hangover for quite a bit longer. Every venue comes with its own set of costs: rental fees, mandatory caterers, insurance, and decorations, to name a few. Some places are all-inclusive; others nickel and dime you for every extra chair or fork.

Before you sign on the dotted line, get a full breakdown of costs. Because nothing enhances marital bliss like finding out you’ve accidentally spent your honeymoon fund on chair rentals.

Food and Drink: The Real MVPs

If the way to the heart is through the stomach, then wedding food better be on point. Some venues insist you use their in-house caterers. Others let you bring in that amazing taco truck you love. Know what you’re getting into, food-wise. Is your dream wedding cake a four-tiered fondant masterpiece? Better check if your venue has restrictions on outside vendors.

And drinks! Is a cash bar a faux pas? Depends on your crowd. Just know upfront if you’re required to buy alcohol through the venue or if Uncle Joe can bring his homemade brew. Trust me, ‘surprise, no alcohol!’ is not the kind of surprise you want at a wedding.

Lighting: Setting the Mood or Blinding Aunt Betty

So, you’ve found a venue that ticks all the boxes: charming location, just the right capacity, and it doesn’t break the bank. But what about the lighting? Poor lighting can make your wedding look like a scene out of a low-budget horror movie, and not in a cool, thematic way. Overhead fluorescents might leave your beautifully decorated tables looking more cafeteria than chic, and dim lighting might leave your guests squinting all the way through the reception.

Natural light is your best friend for those dreamy photographs, but as the sun sets, you need to think about the ambiance inside. A place with spectacular chandeliers or strategically placed soft lighting can turn a drab hall into a magical evening space. Conversely, a room without good lighting options might need a hefty investment in candles, lanterns, or professional uplighting services to set the right mood.

And remember, lighting isn’t just about visibility. It’s about creating a mood, an atmosphere, and sparking joy—not migraines. If your venue is naturally dark, consider the costs and logistics of bringing in extra lighting. Unless you’re planning a "find your seat if you can" themed wedding, adequate lighting is crucial.

With this added piece, your venue choice now involves not only practical considerations but also the crucial element of lighting, ensuring your big day is illuminated just right, both literally and figuratively.

Final Words: Trust Your Gut

Choosing a wedding venue is like going on a date. It might look good on paper, but you need to visit, feel the vibe, and trust your gut. It’s a big decision, but hey, what’s the worst that could happen? (Don’t answer that.)

Armed with a touch of sarcasm and a lot of planning, you’ll pick a spot that’s as perfect as your future spouse. Hopefully, less complicated, though! And if you really need a professional opinion about a venue, someone to give you the real raw truth about its true potential, feel free to book your consultation with me with me here as your wedding photographer and I’ll be sure you won’t fail! Happy venue hunting!