Wedding Planning Advice: How to Choose the Right Venue

Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your big day. There are a lot of things to consider before signing a venue contract that will be almost impossible or very expensive to get out of. Our number one tip is to find an experienced wedding planner who is familiar with the venues (local or even a destination wedding venue if that’s what you dream of for your wedding day.)

This outdoor wedding at Highlands Ranch Mansion was captured by Elevate Photography. Flowers by: Inspired Designs

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect venue:

Determine your budget: Before you start looking at venues, determine how much you can afford to spend. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid falling in love with a venue that is way out of your price range. If you overspend on the venue the rest of your wedding budget will suffer.

Consider your guest list: Make sure the venue you choose can comfortably accommodate your guest list. If you're having a large wedding, you'll need a venue with plenty of space. If you're having a smaller, more intimate wedding, a smaller venue may be more appropriate.

Think about the style of wedding you want: The venue you choose should match the style of wedding you want. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, a barn or outdoor venue may be a perfect choice. If you're having a formal wedding, a ballroom or hotel may be more appropriate.

Location: Consider the location of the venue and how easy it will be for your guests to get there. Is it near a hotel or accommodations for out-of-town guests? Is there parking available?

Check availability: Make sure the venue you're interested in is available on your wedding date. If you can be flexible about the day of the week it will open you up to more availability, and weekday wedding venues are typically more budget-friendly.

Visit the venue in person: Don't rely solely on pictures, videos or a friend or family member's recommendation of the venue. Visit the venue in person to get a feel for the space and make sure it's the right fit for your wedding.

Ask about included amenities: Find out what amenities the venue includes, such as tables, chairs, linens, etc. This can help you save money on rentals.

Read reviews: Check online reviews from previous couples to get an idea of their experience with the venue. A couple of good places to start are TheKnot and WeddingWire.

By taking these factors into consideration, you'll be able to choose a wedding venue that is perfect for your big day. Planning your wedding is a big undertaking. If you hand over the details of your wedding to an experienced wedding coordinator, you know your wedding is in safe hands. Blue Linden has years of experience and would love to help manage your wedding day, so it’s everything you dreamed of and more. Get in touch to talk about your wedding needs and how we can help.