Finding the right wedding venue takes a lot of time and research. It can often be one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding. You need to make sure that your venue checks all the right boxes before you sign on the dotted line, so here are 3 important things to consider before you choose your wedding venue. 

P.S. If you stay until the very end there’s a special treat 😉

1. Consider the venue size

Make a rough draft of your guest list before you start looking at venues. This way, you’ll know how many people you’re planning to invite to your wedding in order to compare with the number of people the venue can comfortably fit. Aside from the venues guest count capacities, you’ll want to think about how your guests and tables will fit. If your guest list is 200, and the venue can seat 200, does this leave room for a dance floor, or for your buffet? Ask to see pictures of a wedding with the same guest count, or ask if they have past table layouts they can show you. A crowded reception can be uncomfortable not only for your vendors who need to move throughout the space, but also for your guests. On the other hand, if your venue is too large, it can look, feel and sound empty.

Camp Lucy, Ian’s Chapel, photographed by The Bird and The Bear

2. What is the Plan B for inclement weather?

Of course we all hope your wedding day is sunny with a perfect breeze, but we can’t control the weather! Be sure to ask what alternatives there are for bad weather. Don’t forget – bad weather can mean more than just rain! You’ll want to consider wind, excess heat and cold temperatures, too. While you may choose the venue for Plan A, make sure you’d be okay with the look of Plan B. If the venue doesn’t have an included Plan B, make sure you budget to for the necessities. This might include a tent, heaters, or AC systems.

The Addison Grove, photographed by Simply Breezy

Preferred vendors

It takes a team of vendors to bring a wedding to life, and you’ll be working with several of those vendors way before your wedding day. Many venues have a preferred vendor list. Check if it’s required for you to use their vendors, or if they are just recommendations. If they require specific vendors, make sure that you’re happy with those vendor’s experience, style, personality, and pricing. When a venue works lists a vendor as “preferred,” it means they’re confident in their experience and ability to delivery. That being said, it’s more important for you to choose vendors that fit within your overall preferences and budget. There’s nothing worse than committing to a venue with a required vendor list, and realizing the vendors are out of your budget, or not your style.

Wish Well House, photographed by Sarah Lord

Related: If your venue has a coordinator, do you still need a wedding planner?

Another area that takes up a large piece of your budget is the bar. Are alcohol and drinks are required to be purchased through the venue? Beverages are a big part of your wedding, so it’s important to find out whether you can bring your own alcohol, or if the venue will supply the drinks and what those costs are. Just like we mentioned above, you’ll want to be sure their beverage packages are within your budget and preferences before booking.

The Arlo, photographed by Anastasia Strate

Good Luck!

Those are our best 3 tips to help you choose a wedding venue that’s perfect for you. It goes without saying to make sure the venue speaks to your personalities and style as a couple. Have fun with the process!

We’ve created a printable guide for you to use as you start to research venues, complete with questions, space for notes and a Pros and Cons list!

Let’s get this planning party started! Want Bianca Nichole and Co to help plan your wedding in Austin or North Carolina?  Click here to send us an inquiry!

Bianca Nichole and Co is a team of wedding planners based in Austin Texas, and North and South Carolina.