HOW TO CHOOSE A VENUE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU.
Photography - Ashleigh Haase
Searching for the perfect wedding venue can feel like no small task. With so many options, locations and boxes to tick, it is no surprise that couples often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start or what questions to ask.
As stylists and planners, we know exactly what to look for and what details make all the difference. Here are five helpful tips we consider when searching for the perfect venue.
1. Plan Your Site Visit
If the timeline allows, visit your venue 12 months before your wedding day. This gives you a clear idea of how the gardens and property will look at that time of year, which helps when considering photo backdrops and how the lighting will fall throughout the day. Note what flowers are blooming in the garden and the colours. We often use this as a guide when designing colour palettes and selecting seasonal flowers.
2. Location Matters
Whether you are dreaming of a city-based wedding, a winery among rolling hills, or a ceremony by the water, location plays an important role for you and your guests.
City venues:
If you plan to host your ceremony and reception in different locations, look for close proximity so guests are not travelling too far. If there is a break between the ceremony and reception, it is a thoughtful touch to suggest a bar or café nearby where guests can relax before the celebrations continue.
Outer city and regional venues:
Check accommodation options nearby, making sure there is an array of price point options. If there are limited options, you may need to arrange buses for transport, which can become costly for larger guest lists. Travel fees for suppliers may also apply, good idea to check before booking. Keep in mind that many regional venues have liquor licensing laws with an 11pm finish, so if you are hoping for a party that lasts into the night, this is an important factor to consider.
3. Floor Plan and Flow
The flow of the day can impact how your wedding feels. Guests can become stagnant if they remain in one spot for too long. The most memorable venues allow a journey, with different spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.
Ask whether the venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, as well as a wet weather backup you are happy with. Discuss floor plan options with the venue before booking, as some spaces have strict limitations on layout and set-up that may not suit your vision.
4. Blending styling & food
Consider how your catering style ties into your overall design. A shared-style menu, for instance, means leaving space on the table for food - something that can shape your floral choices and styling layout. Or take it further and let food become part of the design, blurring the line between dining and décor.
Before locking in your venue, ask if they offer menu tastings or interactive food and beverage experiences. Think caviar stations, roaming oyster shuckers, a limoncello cart, or even a tiramisu wedding cake that doubles as dessert theatre.
5. Lighting
Lighting is another key element that is often overlook. When visiting during the day, keep in mind that the lighting will change as the sun sets. Ask to see photos of how the reception space is lit at night, as harsh overhead lighting can ruin the romantic ambience created by candlelight. Also check the venue’s open flame policy. Many venues do not allow real candles, in which case LED table lamps can be a great alternative to create warmth and mood.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
No venue will ever be 100 percent perfect. There will always be compromises, but the most important thing is to choose a space that ticks the boxes that matter most to you. A great way to narrow this down is to create a Must have’s and a Would like to have’s list.
The small details you may notice on a site visit, such as dated carpet or an unusual garden feature, will not matter on the day. Once you are surrounded by friends and family, those little things will fade into the background. What will remain is the joy, love and atmosphere of the celebration.
Need Guidance Choosing Your Venue?
As stylists and planners, we can guide you through the process, help you see the possibilities in each space, and ensure your wedding venue feels true to you. From location advice to styling, floor plans, décor and on-the-day coordination, we work with you to create a seamless experience from start to finish.
