Choosing the right wedding venue is the foundation of planning your big day.

It sets the tone, influences the vibe, and ultimately frames the memories you and your guests will cherish forever.

When I was on my venue hunt, it felt like every turn brought a new surprise.

But guess what?

I navigated through that chaos and learned a ton along the way, and now I’m here to share the real deal on how to snag your dream wedding venue.

Whether you’re eyeing a rustic barn, a chic urban loft, or a sandy beach escape, I’ve got insider tips to guide you through it all.

So, grab your notepad (and maybe a glass of bubbly), and let’s help you nail that dream venue, making sure your big day is as magical and unforgettable as you’ve imagined.

I’ve sprinkled some affiliate links throughout this post for stuff I totally adore (like, seriously). Clicking on these won’t cost you a penny extra, but if you do make a purchase, I may earn a tiny commission which goes straight to feeding my fur babies.

My First Wedding Planning Mistake and how it cost me big!

When I first got engaged, I jumped on the traditional bandwagon and hired a wedding planner.

And I had no problems choosing a venue recommended by my planner because duh… who else would I take venue recommendations from, right?

After touring a few of her suggestions, I found “the one”. The perfect wedding venue.

It was like swiping right on what looked like Mr. Right—recommended by my planner, looked stunning in photos, and had that “too good to be true” price tag.

You know where this is going, right?

It turns out, most wedding planners have cozy deals with certain venues—venues that might not be the right fit but sure fill up their pockets with commissions.

My planner was no exception; she pushed these venues without a second thought about my dream of a destination wedding paired with a local pre-wedding reception.

Since I was wrapping my head around floral design, photographers, and not tripping down the aisle, I decided to trust my planner entirely.

That’s where the major screw-up happened.

I soon learned the hard truth.

These “trusted” venues were nothing but commission goldmines for planners.

If someone signed up for a venue off the planner’s list, the planner got a cut.

So, a venue, even if it wasn’t perfect, could be sold as the dream spot by simply being on the list.

If your planner gets a little too cozy with certain wedding vendors or venues, you might just find yourself paying for their “special relationship” like I did.

Yep, I racked up extras I didn’t even know existed.

Cake cutting fees?

Oh, come on!

That’s how they get you!

I realized that this was why they pushed these so-called perfect venues. It’s a sales tactic.

I had dreams of a destination wedding with a local pre-wedding reception.

But my planner?

She had other ideas, recommending only those venues where she could make a quick buck, completely disregarding my wedding budget.

Once I uncovered her game, I fired my planner. Plain and simple.

At this point, there were just 8 months to the big day and my reception venue was still undecided.

Talk about wedding drama, right?

When I started planning again, on my own this time, I didn’t go with any local vendors.

I discovered Plum Guide and as soon as I explored their options, I knew I had struck gold.

Instead of paying $20,000+ on a venue for a few hours, I found a stunning location that I could book for an entire weekend for under $2,500.

I turned what could have been a $20,000 blowout into a budget-friendly multi-day celebration, hosting both my bridal shower and my pre-wedding reception, on the same weekend.

Pretty cool, huh?

I was facing a financial sinkhole with the first plan, but switching gears allowed me to save and host two luxury events before my destination wedding.

And all this?

Managed without a planner skimming off the top.

Just me and my savvy planning skills.

Choosing a Wedding Venue That’s Awesome Sauce!

When I embarked on the wild ride of wedding planning, I did so knowing two things.

I wanted a small intimate destination wedding AND I wanted to somehow celebrate with everyone back home.

if you’re planning a wedding (like I was) and you know at some point you want that out-of-a-magazine reception but need to do it on a dime, it would make sense to splurge on a venue that eats into your budget for other essentials.

Because overspending on a local venue could slice into your budget for other, say, your dream honeymoon or destination wedding like I wanted.

Like let’s be real, who wants to swap that breathtaking sunset toast for something less?

It’s like opting for a sugar cookie when your heart screams for a chocolate chip.

Not only does this approach help you keep your spending in check, but it ensures that every dollar spent goes towards something memorable.

Point to note: The real secret to pulling off your dream wedding without selling your soul to the bank or an expensive luxury wedding planner? It’s all about being smart with your wedding budget. Know where to splurge and where to skimp—that’s how you play the wedding game

So, Nailing down your venue choice before you start booking anything else is crucial.

Like, picking the perfect wedding dress type of crucial.

Trust Your Gut

After my whack planner experience, I was suspicious of everyone—the catering companies, photographers, florists, you name it.

I figured they were all in cahoots, ready to pounce with hidden fees and unnecessary extras.

So, in true rebel fashion, I declared a vendetta against the entire wedding industry.

Everyone seemed like they were out to get a piece of my wedding budget.

So, I thought, “Heck, I’ll just DIY everything!”

That was until I stumbled upon WeddingWire.

Which was a lifesaver when it came to vetting vendors who weren’t out to gouge me

It’s not just a tool; it’s your wedding planning sidekick, helping you dodge the BS and connect with vendors who aren’t playing games.

Here’s the lowdown:

  • Straight Talk: Real reviews, no fluff. You see what’s up before you commit.
  • Big Saves: Spot the money traps before they spot you. Keep your cash for the honeymoon or that extra wedding bling.
  • Your Rules: Run the show your way. WeddingWire’s like having a backstage pass to the best vendor gigs in town.

So once I ran across them, what do you think I did?

I said, “F*ck it” Why not just be my own planner, right?

I booked a killer venue through Plum Guide and handpicked the best vendors through WeddingWire.

Talking full control, making sure everything was not just what I wanted but in my budget too.

And you know what?

It turned out bomb AF.

Managing it myself meant no surprises, just straight-up good vibes and a day that was 100% me.

Being your own planner? Heck yeah, it’s a power move.

And with tools like WeddingWire and Plum Guide?

Total game changers, making sure every piece fell perfectly into place

But lemme tell you, the most amazing find of my wedding planning journey?

Hands down, it was stumbling upon Plum Guide.

It is a Godsend.

Let me tell you why.

Why I Chose Plum Guide

So here’s the real tea: I ditched my cash-grabbing planner, took a hit with the venue cancellation fee, and boy, was I scrambling with just 8 months to go!

But hey, no venue? Challenge accepted.

That’s when Plum Guide came in clutch.

I wasn’t just looking for a venue; I was on a mission to find a place where I could throw both my bridal shower and the pre-wedding reception without re-mortgaging my life.

Imagine this: hosting not just my reception but also the bridal shower I nearly scrapped.

Plum Guide let me lock down a stunning spot for several days for way less than what those other local venues were charging for just a few hours.

Hell yeah, it was a steal!

It was so freaking refreshing, especially after dealing with that planner and venue contract drama.

It proved you don’t need to stress or overspend to get your perfect wedding setup.

And here’s the kicker—I saved over $13,000 compared to what I would’ve been robbed of at the original venue.

Total control and that’s how you win at wedding planning!

How To Choosing a Wedding Venue in 8 Steps:

1. Understand Your Wedding Vision

Before diving into the venue search, have a clear idea of your wedding style.

Are you aiming for a formal evening affair or a relaxed, daytime garden party?

Your venue should reflect the overall aesthetic and feel of your wedding, complementing both your theme and the experience you want to create.

Getting this vision thing down helps every other decision fall into place.

Just as a chef needs a recipe, your wedding needs a clear plan.

Without one, you’re just throwing ingredients in the pot.

You’re liable to f*ck up

So get clear.

When you know your vibe, choosing the perfect venue, the music, the menu—all of it—becomes a whole lot easier.

Here’s how to bring that dream into focus:

  • Reflect on Your Personality: Are you all about that boho-chic vibe, or does sleek and modern better suit your style? Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are.
  • Think About Your Story: How did you and your boo meet? What hobbies or passions do you share? Maybe you met at a music festival (hello, festival-themed wedding!) or during a mountain hike (mountain getaway wedding, anyone?).
  • Colors and Themes: These can set the mood. Light pastels can evoke a soft, romantic feel, while bold colors might bring in some drama and excitement.

If all this talk about vision has your head spinning a little, don’t sweat it.

I’ve got just the thing to help. My Free 12-page Blog Planner isn’t just any planner.

It includes a Wedding Vision Planner that’ll guide you through everything we just talked about.

2. Set Your Budget Before Booking Your Wedding Venue

Figure out what you can comfortably spend without having to eat ramen for a year.

When I was planning my wedding, I knew I wanted two things for sure—a fancy 5-course meal and entertainment that wasn’t boring AF.

So, my hubby-to-be and I sat down and laid it all out—our savings, potential help from our folks, and what we expected we could save up before the big day.

Here’s the kicker: We prioritized.

That meant allocating big chunks of our budget to what mattered to us and cutting back on less important stuff, like a live band and fancy invitations.

Quick, Actionable Budgeting Tips

  1. Get Real with Your Numbers: Start by jotting down your total anticipated budget. Don’t just pluck a figure from thin air—base it on your actual financial situation.
  2. Prioritize: Like we did, figure out what’s most important to you. If you’re foodies, maybe you splurge on a killer chef. Dreaming of epic photos? Allocate more for a badass photographer.
  3. Use a Budgeting Tool: Seriously, don’t try to do this with just a pen and paper. Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet. Tools like Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget) can be great for keeping track of wedding expenses.

3. Consider the Guest List

How many guests you’re inviting will totally make or break your venue choice.

You’re not just choosing a place that looks cool—you need somewhere that fits everyone comfortably without feeling like you’re stuffing into a too-small wedding dress.

So get a rough headcount early on.

Let’s make it a day where no one’s crammed at the back table and everyone’s got a front-row seat to the magic!

Think About Accessibility

When you’re picking out your venue, think about all your guests, especially your out-of-town guests or those who might need a little extra help getting around.

Accessibility is key!

Make sure your venue is easy for everyone to get to, with good transport links that won’t leave anyone stranded.

And don’t forget about your disabled guests who need a little extra help getting around.

check for things like ramps and elevators, so everyone’s comfy and can enjoy your big day with zero fuss.

4. Understand Different Wedding Venue Types

Deciding on your wedding venue type is a huge deal, and it sets the stage for your entire celebration.

When I was mapping out my wedding plans, I faced the challenge of having a destination wedding while still wanting to celebrate with everyone back home.

  • Think About the Vibe: Whether it’s laid-back or formal, your venue sets the tone.
  • Consider Your Guest List: Make sure the space works for the number of guests you want to celebrate with, especially if you’re planning multiple events.
  • Look for Versatility: Venues like luxury homes can be styled to suit any theme and can often accommodate various types of gatherings from a dinner to a full-on party.

When we were venue hunting, we opted for a luxury home rental from Plum Guide for our at-home reception.

So, if someone tells you that you can’t have a luxury backyard reception, shoot them.

Not literally, but tell them to go to hell because it’s definitely possible, especially through Plum Guide.

Venue Location and Its Impact

The location of your venue plays a significant role in setting the atmosphere for your wedding.

So, here are some kick-ass wedding venue options that could totally vibe with your wedding style:

  • Country clubs: Fancy a slice of posh pie? These spots dish out top-tier views and vibes that scream ‘elite’.
  • Luxury hotel: Think full-service bliss and swanky reception halls.
  • Banquet halls: They’re like a blank canvas. Dress ‘em up, dress ‘em down—they’re ready for whatever you want to throw at them.
  • Historic mansion: Old-world charm for days. If you want a wedding that feels like a time travel to classier times, this is your jam.
  • Churches: For the traditionalists looking to keep it solemn and spiritual.
  • Museums: Who wouldn’t want to say ‘I do’ surrounded by art or history? It’s a quirky bride’s dream.

Think about how the venue’s location would complement your wedding theme and rock your guests’ world.

It’s all about finding a spot that turns up the charm and makes a memorable celebration.

5. Tour the Facilities

Once you’ve got a shortlist, go see these places with your own eyes.

Ensure the venue has adequate facilities such as bathrooms, parking, and a kitchen if you’re bringing in external caterers.

These elements are crucial for the comfort and convenience of your guests.

Ask About What’s Included

When visiting potential wedding venues, ask about what’s all included.

Some venues are all-inclusive, while others are more DIY.

Know what you’re getting into before you sign anything.

Does the venue have tables, chairs, and linens, or will you need to rent everything?

Details, darling, details!

Visualizing Your Event at the Wedding Venue

While you’re there, walk through your day from start to finish.

Can you see where you’d have your ceremony, cocktails, dinner, and dance?

Make sure the flow feels good and there aren’t any weird transitions that could kill the vibe.

Try to picture your wedding in each space.

Where will you set up the ceremony, the reception, and the dance floor?

Is there enough room for all aspects of your celebration?

Availability and Seasonal Considerations

Planning around the venue’s availability and the season can turn your wedding vibes from typical to magical or, well, a bit chaotic if you’re not careful.

Here’s how to play the game right:

  • Popular Seasons and Dates: Everyone and their cousin wants a fall wedding. Those crisp vibes and stunning leaf colors? To die for. But remember, with high demand comes high stress (and prices). Think outside the box—spring blossoms or a cozy winter gathering by a roaring fireplace could be just as enchanting and easier on your budget.
  • Flexibility Is Your Friend: If your heart’s set on a popular spot, being flexible with your date can make a huge difference. Venues often have more availability during the week, and hey, a Thursday wedding could become the new Saturday before you know it.
  • Weather or Not, Here We Come: Planning an outdoor wedding? Keep Mother Nature in mind. Those summer sunsets are stunning, but they come with a side of heatwaves. And spring? Gorgeous, but potentially soggy. Always have a Plan B—like an indoor space or tents ready to roll out at the first drop of rain
Detailed Seasonal Wedding Planning Insights:
Season Considerations Average Number of Weddings Average Cost of a Venue Average Weather How Far Out to Book
Spring Possible rain; allergies might flare Medium-High $$ Mild, unpredictable 12-18 months
Summer Heat can be intense; higher costs High $$$ Warm to hot 12-18 months
Fall Very popular, book early! Very High $$$ Cool, colorful 18-24 months
Winter Travel delays; heating requirements Low $ Cold, possibly snowy 6-12 months

6. Understand Venue Restrictions

Every venue’s got them.

Find out what you can and can’t do.

Some places are strict about noise, others won’t let you toss confetti or light up sparklers.

Know what you’re working with so you can plan accordingly or keep looking if it’s a deal-breaker.

Catering Options

Some spots require you to use their caterers, others let you bring in your own food and drink.

If you’ve got specific tastes or dietary needs, make sure your venue can accommodate or is cool with you doing your own thing.

Since we rented a home, we had full control and could do whatever we wanted.

So, I decided to have a cute ice cream station at my reception

Decoration Limitations

Some venues may not allow you to use certain types of decorations, such as candles or confetti.

Check these details upfront to avoid any surprises.

7. Review Contracts Carefully

When it comes time to sign on the dotted line, read that contract like your wedding depends on it—because it does.

Those terms?

Tighter than a lid on a pickle jar.

So, if something seems off, don’t be afraid to choose a different wedding venue.

You’ve got the power to walk away and find somewhere that doesn’t make you squint at the fine print.

Keep your eyes peeled for those sneaky cancellation policies, the payment plan (because nobody likes surprises when money’s on the line), and especially those hidden fees I warned you about earlier.

8. Finalize and Book Your Wedding Venue

Alright, so you’ve found your dream spot and it’s everything you’ve been daydreaming about?

Hell yeah, it’s time to make it official!

Lock that venue down!

Grab that date, throw down your deposit, and boom—you’re not just dreaming anymore; you’re full-on wedding planning.

This isn’t just another checkbox; it’s the big leap towards your unforgettable day.

So, don’t drag your feet.

Venues get snatched up faster than the last slice of pizza at a party.

Seal that deal and start counting down to your wedding day!

FAQs

  1. How far in advance should I book my wedding venue?
    • Ideally, you should book your wedding venue at least 12-18 months in advance to ensure availability, especially if you’re planning a wedding during peak season.
  2. What should I do if my preferred venue is over my budget?
    • Consider negotiating the price or changing your wedding date to an off-peak time. Alternatively, look for a venue with a similar vibe but lower cost.
  3. Can I change the layout of the venue?
    • This depends on the venue’s policies. Some venues are very flexible, while others may have restrictions on how much you can alter the space.
  4. What are the most important questions to ask a potential venue?
    • Key questions include: What is included in the venue fee? Are there any hidden costs? What are the restrictions? Is there a preferred vendor list? What is the cancellation policy?
  5. How do I handle venue cancellations?
    • Review the cancellation policy carefully before signing your contract. In case of cancellation, communicate with the venue immediately to discuss potential penalties or the possibility of selecting an alternate date.

And There You Have It!

Alright, you’ve toured, you’ve tasted, and you’ve tackled the toughest parts of choosing a wedding venue.

Remember, the perfect spot isn’t just about looks—it’s about how it makes you feel.

It’s where you’ll laugh, cry, and dance into your new life together.

So trust your gut, keep your head, and never settle for less than your heart wants.

And hey, if you need a little extra magic to keep everything on track, snag my free 13-page blog planner.

It’s chock-full of tips, tricks, and checklists to help you manage your big day with the finesse of a seasoned pro.

Get your hands on it and plan your wedding like a boss—your own way, on your terms.