It's official; you're engaged! Congratulations to you and your partner on your next significant milestone. Now it's time to start planning your big day. Choosing the perfect venue is one of the largest decisions you'll make in planning your wedding. Not only is it one of the highest costs, but it also sets the whole mood and atmosphere. Don't stress; we're here to help! Here are seven tips to help you find the perfect venue for your big day.
1. Talk to your partner about what you both would like
Your wedding is a celebration of both of you, and your venue should reflect that. Whether it's the location, look, or feel, work with your partner to find a site that suits your tastes. Also, when touring venues, ensure you are both present so you can get an accurate idea of what the venue is like.
2. Talk with your wedding planner
Your wedding planner is a fantastic resource throughout the planning process, especially when finding a venue you'll love. Not only do they keep your budget in mind, but they can also help you create a vision of what your wedding will look like. They have also seen many venues throughout their career and can offer a list of potential ones based on what you and your partner want.
3. Pick a general location and decide on a budget
The location of your wedding and your budget are two of the most significant deciding factors for your venue. Knowing where you want to have your big day and how much you want to spend will help narrow your list of potential venues. This will also help you decide a good time of the year to have your wedding. Whether outdoors or indoors, weather can affect your big day.
4. Decide what aesthetic and style you want for your wedding
Knowing what you want in the look and feel of your wedding can be extremely helpful and picking the perfect venue. Venue styles can be rustic to modern, traditional to vintage, etc. Remember that the venue significantly impacts your big day's ambiance, look, and feel. Now that you have your general location, budget, and a vision of what you and your partner want your wedding to be like, you can begin your research on venues that not only fit your desired look and feel but are also in the location you want and in your price range.
5. Get an understanding of your guest list and the types of venues available
Having an idea of how many people are on your guest list can be very helpful in hearing down your list of venues. You want to ensure your venue can accommodate the number of people attending your wedding. You also want to determine what the venues offer for you and your guests. This includes parking, furniture, an area for your caterers to prepare food, and other things that can affect your big day for you and your guests. Some venues are all-inclusive, and others are not, so it's essential to ask the venue what is included.
6. Time to start touring potential venues
Visiting potential venues in person is highly recommended, and it's always a good idea to bring your wedding planner if you can. If you book a venue without seeing it before your wedding, you may get into a surprise or two on your big day. Seeing it in person is the best way to get an accurate idea of the look and feel of the venue. Also, if you bring your wedding planner on the tour, they May be able to provide you with some ideas and even help create a vision of how it will look on the day of the event.
7. Time to pick the perfect venue for your dream wedding
After many meetings with your wedding planner and countless tours of different venues, it's time to decide where you want to get married. Decide with your partner on your number one spot. Once you have decided on the perfect place, it's time to review and sign the contract. Here are some things you will want to see on the contract before signing it:
Contact information for you and your vendor
Date and time frame of your ceremony and reception
List of rooms that you are allowed to use
What time are vendors allowed to set up
The approximate number of guests and tables needed
A list of what the venue will provide
Proof of insurance and liquor license
Clean-up, over time, as well as any other fees
Amount due for the deposit, as well as the balance and due date
The venue's cancellation and refund policy
Make sure you have a one-on-one with the venue manager to ensure that they provide everything that will fit your budget. Do as much research as possible to ensure there won't be any hidden fees down the road.
Now that the hard work's done and you have a solid understanding of what the venue will provide, you can start planning the fun stuff, such as decorations, music, caterers, and other things. The venue is the backbone of the look and feel of your wedding, and now you can begin to make the vision of your dream wedding come to life!
If you love the idea of an authentic ranch wedding, look no further! Park Home Ranch is a historic location in the beautiful Carson Valley in northern Nevada. Our barn is the real deal that has withstood the tests of time, nature, the elements, and more. With a legacy of over 120 years and mesmerizing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it is the perfect spot to begin the legacy of your marriage. To have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and health - we do!