Most people have been fantasizing about their wedding ever since they were a teenager, but one thing they’re never prepared for is the amount of work that goes into the wedding planning process. There’s so much to figure out and even more decisions to be made by the couple.
Of all the decisions you’ll have to make, perhaps none is more important than the venue. It’s not only where your lasting memory will be made, but it’s where your guests will gather to celebrate that memory. You want it to satisfy your wants, but you also want it to satisfy their needs.
The wedding venue can make or break the experience for the couple and guests combined. It’s bound to be a beautiful moment regardless, but there’s nothing wrong with going above and beyond for the things that matter most. And the wedding venue hunt is something that matters most.
Finding a Wedding Venue That Meets Your Wants & Needs
Finding your dream venue isn’t easy. There are so many options available, especially if you’re willing to go against what’s normal. Although it usually takes time to sort through your options, it’s nice to know that there’s something out there designed for everyone and anyone.
With that said, there are several factors that you’ll want to consider when finding a wedding venue that fits your wants and needs. These are things that every couple must consider before making a final decision and failure to do so can lead to major disappointment on the wedding day.
Don’t worry, we’re going to help walk you through a wedding planning checklist to keep in mind when finding the perfect wedding venue. Together, we can help ensure that your wedding day is perfect in more ways than one. With our wedding venue ideas, your wedding day will take your breath away.
Budget, Cost, & Expenses
The first factor you want to consider is the cost of the venue and any other expenses that come with it. If you’re not careful, the venue can eat into a majority of your budget. This means you’ll have to set your budget prior to determining which venue is best for you and your significant other.
Wedding Location & Surrounding Area
The next factor is the venue location and surrounding area. Not only do you have to pick out the city you want to get married in, but you need to find the right neighborhood – especially if you have family visiting from out of town. At the end of the day, you want everyone to feel at home.
Vibe, Ambience, & Aesthetic
Once you have a location figured out, you can start to search for unique wedding venues that fit your style. Pay attention to the ambiance, aesthetics, and overall vibe of the venue. Make sure it fits the theme of your wedding and start to picture some of the decorations you would want to include.
Availability & Flexibility
Wedding venues almost always have full schedules, making it hard to find one with your wedding date available. This is often the most stressful part of the process. You also want to make sure they’re flexible when changes are needed – hopefully, they aren’t, but you never know.
Seating Capacity & Guest Limit
Next on the list is seating capacity and guest limit. By now, you should have an idea of how many guests you’ll be entertaining at the wedding ceremony and reception. All you need to do now is make sure the wedding venue is large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.
What’s Included & What’s Not?
Before you zero in on any one venue, in particular, you should educate yourself on the different packages available. Some of them might be all-inclusive, but most of them aren’t. Figure out what the venue offers and what it doesn’t, that way you can budget your way around it.
Load-In & Breakdown Requirements
Since most venues are on a tight schedule, it’s important to understand the load-in and breakdown requirements before and after the wedding. When can you start setting it all up? When do you need to have everything cleaned up? Do they offer any help with either one?
Nearby Hotel & Parking Accommodations
If you have out-of-town guests arriving, make sure there are quality, yet affordable hotel options near the venue. The closer it is, the easier it’ll be for guests. You also want to make sure there’s ample parking space and that guests won’t have to walk far from the car to the venue.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Anytime you’re spending money on anything, you should always look at the customer reviews and testimonials. It not only gives you an inside look at what the venue is like but gives you an honest perspective of what to expect. It’s always good to have that confirmation from others.
Photo & Video Opportunities
It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re going to want a lot of photos and videos of the wedding ceremony and reception. If that sounds like you, then make sure your venues provide an ample amount of photo and video opportunities. After all, you want them to turn out perfect, don’t you?
Lighting & Sound Equipment
Lighting and sound equipment is always important factor to consider when planning a dream wedding. During the ceremony, you want to make sure you can see and hear the bride and groom. During the reception, you want to make sure you can hear the music and the speeches.
Consider Secret Window Events for Your Wedding!
Planning a wedding can be difficult and stressful, especially if you’re still trying to find the right wedding venue for your perfect memory. At Secret Window Events, we understand the frustration involved in the planning process and want to help make it as easy as possible!
With a number of different wedding packages available, our venue is designed to meet anyone’s wants and needs — and any wedding budget. Located in beautiful Monument, Colorado, the venue is situated amongst mountain views with all the accommodations your guests could need. We are even a short hike from Monument Lake, which makes for beautiful photos. Contact us to learn more!