Finding 'The One' When Looking for a Venue
FINDING THE PERFECT VENUE
The wedding venue is the backdrop for your dream day. It should reflect who you are as a couple, and it should be able to comfortably host the wedding of your dreams. No matter where you’re getting married, the perfect venue is out there.
WHERE TO FIND IT
Wedding website The Knot has a database of venues that you can search by category (reception venues, hotels, rehearsal dinners) or by name, and, of course, by location. You can filter the results by price, capacity, outdoor space and more. Other websites, such as Wedding Pro, Wedding Wire and more have similar databases. Search as many as you can to find the perfect place to exchange your vows.
WHEN TO BOOK IT
Ideally, you should book the wedding venue 12-18 months out. It’s one of the first steps you should take after getting engaged because the venue controls so much else about your ceremony.
Online research is great, but you should also visit the venue in person.
If you are using a wedding planner, have them come with you and look over the contract to make sure the venue can really accommodate the type of wedding you have in mind.
BUDGET
The venue will take up a sizable portion of your budget. Know your bottom line before you sign anything. Nothing is more disappointing than finding the venue of your dreams and then learning you can’t afford it. If you’re finding the budget a hardship, consider looking at locations in the off-season when there’s less demand and prices may be lower.
CAPACITY
Have a rough idea of your guest list before you start visiting venues.
Each venue will have a maximum capacity, and it’s up to you to make sure you don’t surpass that. Finalize that list before you secure a venue.
HAVE A BACKUP
Just in case, pick a venue and a backup venue, especially if you’re planning on an outdoor wedding that is subject to Mother Nature.
When booking a venue, ask whether they have an alternate space and make sure you can visualize your ceremony there, too.
Fayline and William Bell, October 23, 2024 Photo by Jennifer Robison
Wedding receptions are a once-in-a-lifetime party. You’ll be more likely to look back at yours with fondness if you choose classic themes and avoid fly-by-night fads.
Here, though, are some trends becoming popular for wedding receptions.
SPLIT DECISION
More couples are going with a ceremony on one day and the party on another. That way vendors, friends, family and the couple themselves can give each event their full attention. Of course, there may be more in travel charges, but you may save on venue rental by not having to reserve each space for as long.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
Wow your guests with experiences at the reception such as drone performances, fireworks and shows. Live music is a great idea, but turn it into a vibrant concert rather than just an afterthought.
TO-GO BOXES
Make wedding cakes or other sweet stuff grab-and-go so guests can focus on dancing and having fun. Plus, it gives them a late-night snack.
LIVE STREAMING
Ask your photographer or videographer to live stream the ceremony and the party so that people who can’t be there in person can still share in the love.
Have them record any comments so the couple can read them later.
DIGITAL GUEST BOOKS
Skip the old-fashioned paper book for a digital guest book that will give the happy couple a lasting, immersive experience. Allow guests to share photos, videos, audio messages and more.
SUSTAINABILITY
Look for greener options for your reception, such as recycled or recycling friendly dinnerware, favors that use less plastic and food and florals that come from close to home.
NON-FORMAL MENUS
Go for a more personal menu rather than sticking with a menu that’s more formal but more generic. Use family recipes (and share them!) or pick a dish from a favorite dinner date.
SMOKE MINES
Go viral with TikTok craze smoke mines to express the sheer joy of being married. Colorful clouds of smoke can be seen in the daylight, unlike fireworks, and have the same wow factor.
ICE SCULPTURES
What’s old is new again, and that means ice sculptures, obviously. Wedding ice sculptures can do dual duty as a shot luge or dessert display to make it an interactive experience for your guests.
Floral Q&AYour florist is responsible for the blooms that are so important to making your wedding day perfect.
Those posies can cost a pretty penny, too, so you need to make sure you and your floral professional are on the same page. Here are some questions The Knot suggests you ask your florist.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A FLORAL DESIGNER?
Ask your florist about their years of experience. What kinds of weddings have they participated in? Do they have photos? Can you talk to the brides?
DO YOU EMPLOY SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN YOUR BUSINESS?
More and more couples are insisting on greener ceremonies. Florists, with their use of plants, water and other goods, need to use green practices. Talk to your floral professional about sourcing the blooms for your wedding and make sure they use responsible vendors.
WHAT FLOWERS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR OUR WEDDING?
Ask florists what flowers you can use to maximize your budget and your style. Because florists have seen many weddings, they can recommend flowers to dazzle your guests and complementary decor.
HOW DO YOU SUGGEST WE MAXIMIZE OUR BUDGET?
Floral arrangements and bouquets are going to be a big line item in your wedding budget. Make sure you can cover everything you need by asking your florist for seasonal blooms or other ways you can make the most of the money you have.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICING?
Not only should you make sure you are crystal clear on the pricing, you need to know what’s not included. Ask about any common service that there may be an extra charge for and make sure you factor that into your accounting. Some florists might charge extra for design, setup or delivery.
WHAT IS YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE?
You and your florist will need to be in conversation in the days leading up to your wedding. Avoid any problems by making sure your communication styles sync. Ask whether your florist prefers calls, texts or emails, and ensure that it works for you as well.
WHAT ARE THE DAY-OF LOGISTICS?
Know what your florist may need from your venue or any other vendors that you’re working with. Ask when the flowers are arriving and whether the florist will need help unloading or setting anything up.
