Finding the perfect venue is one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding. This is why so many couples will go to great lengths to find the ideal location to celebrate their union. So what exactly are the things to consider when looking for the wedding venue of your dreams?
How to Find Your Dream Wedding Venue
Because you can’t have a perfect wedding without the perfect venue, you need to make sure you give the matter careful consideration. At Crockwell Farm, we have put together a quick guide to help you choose the best venue for your wedding ceremony and reception.
1. Consider your budget
Before you begin your search, you need to think about how much you will be willing to spend on your wedding and how much of the budget you can set aside for the venue itself. Not only will this help you narrow down your choices, but it will also allow you to make an informed decision. More importantly, it will mean that you won’t splash out too much on the venue and then not have enough for the other wedding essentials.
Pro tip: It would be more practical and cost-effective to choose a venue that includes all the essential services in the overall price rather than one that charges extra for things such as tables, chairs, lighting or accommodation for the key wedding party. For instance, at Crockwell Farm, we offer all-inclusive wedding services in addition to our venues so you won’t have to worry about the smaller details.
2. Check availability
We would recommend that you start looking for a venue as soon as possible, particularly if you are keen on having your wedding on a specific date. Certain venues, particularly the more popular ones, get booked up very quickly. Therefore, you need to act promptly to book your first choice or you run the risk of having to search for an inferior alternative.
Pro tip: Even if you have not yet set a date, it is still better to start searching as soon as you get engaged. That way, you will have lots of options to choose from because you can decide on a date based on your venue’s availability rather than settling for a location you don’t particularly like because it is the only one that hasn’t yet been booked.
3. Check your guest list
If you have a small, intimate wedding in a large venue, it may seem as if the place is virtually deserted and soulless. By the same token, you also don’t want to celebrate your big day in a venue that can accommodate 200 people when you are expecting 300. Your guests may not be able to fully enjoy themselves as they will need more room to move around safely.
For this reason, you need to have a firm idea of how many people you are inviting. Not only will this help ensure that you book a suitable location, but it will also allow you to determine how you can configure the space to match your vision.
Pro tip: If you are expecting 200 guests, don’t book a venue that can only accommodate 200. Although there will technically be enough room for everyone, it would be a tight fit. It is always better to allow for extra room to ensure your guests don’t feel restricted.
4. Consider your wedding theme
The overall theme is one of the most important things to consider when looking for a wedding venue. Because the venue will help set the tone of your celebrations, it would be a good idea to have a general theme in mind. For instance, if you are going for a rustic vibe and aesthetics, a luxury hotel should not be your first choice. You would want somewhere more charming and idyllic, like our country wedding venue here at Crockwell.
Pro tip: For best results, visualise how your venue would tie all the elements of your wedding together. And, if you need any help choosing a theme, you can look for ideas and inspirations online.
5. Check whether there are both indoor and outdoor options
You need to cover all bases, particularly if you are planning an outdoor wedding. As you know, the English weather can be somewhat unpredictable at times, so you need to have a Plan B or Plan C in mind just in case things don’t go as anticipated. That way, you can rest assured that nothing will prevent your guests from having a fabulous time.
Pro tip: Never book a venue without viewing it in person. Taking a tour will allow you to get a feel for the place and may even give you some design inspiration. More importantly, you will be able to check to see whether it has everything you need.
6. Consider the venue’s accessibility
If you are expecting some guests to arrive from out of town or you are planning a country wedding, you need to make sure that accessibility won’t be a problem. You should also consider the guest accommodation and your related needs. Your guests will certainly appreciate the fact that you have taken account of their comfort and convenience.
Pro tip: Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when looking for guest accommodation. Many wedding venues can connect your guests to local inns, hotels and B&Bs. For instance, at Crockwell Farm, we will send you the contact details for nearby accommodation that you can email to your guests so they can book it in advance.
Choose Your Wedding Venue Carefully
A first-class wedding venue can help make your big day even more memorable. This is why you should choose your location carefully to ensure it will perfectly match your vision.
At Crockwell Farm, we are committed to helping our clients transform their dream wedding into a reality. If you are looking for a beautiful and idyllic location for your wedding, do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our team. We would love to hear about your wedding plans and show you around our award-winning venue.
