How To Know A Wedding Venue Is “The One”

When couples begin the wedding planning process, they usually start with one of three to dos: choosing a wedding planner, booking a photographer or securing their favorite venue. When it comes to the venue, you’ll want to choose a place that you and your fiancé both love. Today on the blog, we’re sharing how to know a wedding venue is “the one”! 

Check All of Your Boxes

While scheduling visits to wedding venues that you’re interested in, make sure you’re prepared with a list of what you’re looking for. Take the time to sit down and write out what is important to you for the big day and what you’ll need at the venue to make it “the one.” Being prepared will allow you to go in ready to see if the space matches your needs and not just your vision. Take the questions below into consideration as you start visiting potential venues: 

• What is the venue’s maximum capacity when it comes to how many guests you can invite? Before attending the venue, have an idea in mind of how many people are on your list. If your guest count is above their limit, you can check that location off your list. 
• How does the venue host the ceremony and reception? Do they offer multiple sites or do they have to flip the room during cocktail hour? Will this work logistically with your vision?
• Does the venue have preferred vendors, allow you to bring in outside vendors or maybe a combination of both? 
• Is there an area where the bridal party can get ready? Having a space for not just the bride, but also the groom is a huge plus! 
• What packages does the venue offer? If the venue offers multiple packages, take a look at each one and see which will best suit your needs! At Tate House, we offer a variety of different packages to choose from! 

Getting the answers to all of these questions can help you know which wedding venue is “the one”.

Stick to Your Budget

Once you have narrowed down your search and have a couple of contenders for a wedding venue, take some time to compare each place and what they have to offer. While doing so, also compare costs. If you’re on a strict budget and cannot go over what you’ve put aside, keep that in mind especially as you and your spouse think about future investments and goals such as buying a home. If you’re not sure how to set a budget or have trouble sticking to one, write everything down, including your monthly expenses, income and savings. Having an idea of what you’re able to afford will narrow down your choices to find the perfect venue while allowing you and your partner enough money to pursue other financial goals. 

If there are certain aspects and details that you and your partner want to add to your venue to make it the perfect place to have your wedding, track the cost of those additional expenses. While wedding planning can be a crazy and hectic time, it isn’t uncommon for newlyweds to also start house hunting at the same time as you plan your future together. If you’re paying for both your wedding and house, make sure you’re not stretching yourself and your budget too thin. Work closely with your realtor and determine how expensive of a house you can afford given your current income and wedding costs. 

Choose a Style 

During the process of searching for the perfect venue, make sure that you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to the style and vision you both have. Are you interested in an elegant wedding or something more classic? Whatever it may be, establish common ground beforehand. The style of your wedding should match your personality as a couple. You’ll also want to determine if you want to host an indoor or outdoor wedding, or maybe even both! Some venues may have the option to host it outside, but if the weather is an issue, it can be adjusted to resume inside to avoid any rain or snow. That’s one of the many reasons why couples often tell us that Tate House is “the one” for their wedding plans. 

Accommodate Your Guests

In the midst of finding the perfect wedding venue and going through all the details to make your wedding day special, not only will it be an amazing experience for the bride and groom, but it’s something your guests will look forward to as well. If having your family and friends at your wedding is important to you, your “the one” wedding venue will be in a location that can accommodate everyone. While there’s always the possibility of not being able to accommodate everyone’s needs, it’s important that the bride and groom’s vision come first, then everything after that will fall into place. 

There are so many pieces that go into planning a wedding and they can start to become overwhelming, but making sure that you’re enjoying this time is crucial. Take in the moment of each venue you visit and if you get a feeling full of butterflies, know that it could be the right place to celebrate your big day. The feeling of finding the perfect venue will be a similar feeling that brides experience when they find their wedding dress. If you’re able to check off all the boxes on your list, stick to your budget, and accommodate yourselves and your guests, then you’ve found the one! Now, take this time and enjoy each step of wedding planning and most importantly, celebrate!