Start Looking Into Venue's Now Or Wait?

Before you try on your dresses, or book a band, look at the big picture and imagine what kind of vibe you want to set for your wedding—and where you want to hold it. Close your eyes and picture your fantasy wedding. What do you see? Is it a candlelit ceremony in a mansion? Alternatively, are you walking barefoot on a beach?



Now, go ahead and get looking! Normally it's a good idea to book your site as soon as possible once you're engaged -- at least a year to nine months before the wedding. If you're planning a wedding during the more popular seasons, you may have to be more flexible about the day you get married to get the site you want and if you opt for off season dates, chances are that you may get your venue at much cheaper rates.  

First Things First…

It is always advisable to make a list of questions you should ask your wedding venue vendor. Sit down, take a deep breath and start penning down the questions that may pop up in mind. It indeed is not an easy task to plan a suitable wedding venue according to the predilections of the bride and the groom.



To start with, discuss with your fiancé on how much you are going to spend and do your homework and find out the rates in your desired area. Rates are important. (Don't spend more than half of your overall wedding budget on venue.) You can search HERE for your suitable venues. Try to get quotes from different venues, which mean that you will get a good value.



Lock In Your Head Count

Checking the guest count is another major task. It will not be easy to get the exact guest count at an early stage, especially soon after the engagement, but having a rough understanding of your estimate guest strength will help. Once you have a rough idea about the number of guests, you can confidently go to the next step.



Prepare a list of outstation guests who may need accommodation and ensure that the there are enough accommodation facilities for them adjacent to the venue. Check if parking is available onsite. If not, check out the parking fees for your guests. You should never book the first venue you see. Go for at least three or four places, which may fit your pocket and style. Come back, sit down with your fiancé and analyse the pros and cons.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Depending on your budget, you will have to decide on the nature of the venue: Indoor or outdoor. Here you need to take into account the season during which the wedding ceremony will be held. For example - booking an outdoor venue during rainy season is not advisable.



Research it Right!

Don’t forget to check the venue details and photos. It is prudent to personally visit the venue before signing on the dotted lines. You may examine the venue closely, such as the overall ambience, total hygienic conditions, surrounding areas, dressing room, kitchen, outdoor/indoor lightings, washrooms, dining hall, etc.


Pic Courtesy: Morvi Images

Also, consider checking out the venue when it is decked up for a wedding, which should give a fair understanding of its true worth. Try to visit on the very day your wedding function will be held. For example, if your wedding ceremony is scheduled on Sunday evening, you may check out on the same time on a Sunday to see the lighting, ambience, etc. That way you can personally find out if there is anything lacking or if you need to do any special arrangements.

Show Me The Money…

Once you find a particular venue satisfactory, try to get the pricing (with taxes, service charges, etc.) and other details, which will give you a fair idea with regard to the costs. You may also take photos of the venue that should help you compare the venue facilities with others that you may visit afterwards.



Theme It Up!

You have to finalise a theme in your mind before visiting any venues. Not all venues may fit in to the theme that you dream about. (Remember to choose an apt colour). Normally many couples are under the impression that they don’t have to finalise the wedding theme so early. However, fixing an appropriate venue that suits your wedding-day style early on can save you a lot on decor and decorations.



Once you are satisfied with your venue you may sign on the dotted lines and give a deposit. In the grand celebration of two individual’s union, venue plays a very crucial role and as such due diligence has to be exercised all the time.