Saying 'I do' to the partner of your dreams is a truly magical moment. But, to get there, there is a heck of a lot of planning to do first.
Everyone has an idea as to what their dream wedding would look like, though very few of us
realize how
much weddings cost until we start planning our own. Turns out a wedding in
the South of Italy, with a flower wall, horse and carriage, and a five-tier cake costs quite a bit – who knew?
What makes it even
worse is when you realize you and your partner had very different ideas as to
how your wedding will look...
Within all the
decisions you'll need to make as a couple when planning your wedding – from
cake flavors to first dance music - one of the toughest parts are finding a
venue and location that suits you both. Even if you can agree between you, most
venues require a little compromise in terms of your other plans: Having a
destination wedding means you'll likely need a smaller guest list and a bigger budget while planning your wedding nearer to home means you'll need to
accept the roulette of weather that comes with it.
With that in mind,
we're sharing this ultimate list of different wedding venue types to choose
from, as well as some key factors to consider when making your choice.
How
To Choose A Wedding Venue and Location
There are several
factors to consider when choosing a venue. Below, we've gone into each to help
you narrow down the options:
Budget
When we get
engaged, the first few days are incredibly dreamy and exciting. And then the reality
kicks in: "How are we ever going to afford a wedding?!"
Some people will
have money to splurge out on the big day, while others will be saving for other
things alongside it, like a house or kids, and finding the money for a big
wedding can be incredibly tough. You might feel like you have to sacrifice
something for your big day, but that shouldn't be the case. There will be
something that is affordable, that you can turn into your perfect wedding.
Saving for the
basics are hard enough, never mind when you throw an unexpectedly costly venue
into the mix. However, depending on how much you are willing to pay for your
wedding in total, you will quickly narrow down your venue choices.
You'll also need
to factor in whether you'll be having two venues: one for the ceremony and
another for the reception. Some venues like hotels, spas, or converted barns
tend to offer full-day services for a package price – making budgeting a little
easier. These bundles include everything from the ceremony, reception, food,
and décor. However, even with these packages, the prices can become pretty
steep if you're paying for a large wedding party.
Wedding Size
This brings us to
the next factor to consider: Wedding
size. If you're the traditional type, you'll likely need a venue that can
accommodate just about everyone you've ever known. Meaning a small beach
ceremony isn't going to cut it. A lot of people are now looking to downsize the
guests to create a more intimate affair. Plus, the fewer people invited tends
to mean you'll have more budget to spend on other things (hello, slightly too-pricy
honeymoon).
Guaranteed, as soon
as you announce you're engaged, you'll find just about everyone you know is
pining for an invite. 'Have you had any thoughts about your wedding, then?'
starts as a general interest question but soon turns sour if you mention
numbers are limited. However, it's important to remember that it's your day,
and just because someone else wants a reason to get all dressed up doesn't mean
you should feel pressured into inviting anyone you don't want to.
Additional Accommodation or
Travel
If you choose to
have your wedding further afield, there may be some level of expectation that
accommodation will be paid for, or at least subsidized, especially for main
guests such as siblings and parents. When it comes to destination weddings,
flights and hotels might need to be budgeted into your day to keep everyone
happy. That said, a lot of people take a destination wedding as an opportunity
to get away for a holiday – meaning they'll be more than happy to pay for
separate accommodation for a week or so.
Couples wanting to
escape to a further away venue – even in their own country or state – should
bear in mind peak holiday seasons. If you're not paying for accommodation, it's
worth getting your invites out with plenty of time so that guests can find
affordable hotels near to the venue before they all book up.
Wedding
Venue Ideas
So, with your guest list outlined, your budget planned, it's time to start the fun bit: actually,
picking a venue. Most venue ideas will require scheduling a visit – so there
are no unwanted surprises on the day.
We've gathered
together a few venue ideas as food for thought. A quick Google search will
undoubtedly find different venues in your area (or abroad) that fit into your
plans.
Place of Worship
Places of worship
are a traditional choice for a wedding. It's typically what we all see in
films: A little white chapel in the sunshine. If you're religious, this will be
an obvious go-to, and you'll likely use your family's place of worship for the
ceremony – meaning the rest of this list could be an inspiration for the
reception!
If you and your
partner are from different faiths, or only one of you has a religious
background, having a conversation about places
of worship as a wedding venue will be an integral conversation.
Non-religious people may take issue with getting married in a place of worship.
Make sure to be open and honest with each other to help you find a compromise
that works for both of you.
Rustic Barn
Barn conversions
are a hugely popular wedding venue choice. Usually, with a picturesque, rural
backdrop, barns have massive potential for creating the perfect venue with
flowers, décor, and drapery.
Rustic barn
weddings tend to have plenty of room for large wedding sizes, meaning you can
invite the whole family. If you're looking for a barn venue in the countryside,
make sure to find accommodation nearby for anyone that will need to stay.
Glamping
Rustic barns and
glamping can go hand in hand to create a beautiful, relaxed wedding setting
that means the romantic occasion can last long into the night.
Glamping sites
often offer teepees and pavilion tents so that you can create your own perfect
wedding venue. Whether you want to go for a black-tie event or hope to create a
relaxed feel for you and your guests, anything is possible with a blank canvas.
Yacht
If you love the
idea of getting married at sea, you could plan an elegant yacht wedding.
Of course, this would be a little pricier than going to the local registry
office, but it's your special day, and it should be exactly that.
With the sea
breeze in your hair and a boat ride into the center of the ocean, it'll be just
you, your love, and those you cherish most. If you live near the coast or have
always dreamt of a destination wedding, this is certainly an option to choose
if you can stretch your budget.
Beach
Those that want to
feel the sea breeze without the travel sickness could opt for a wedding at the
beach. Perfect for a laid-back event, plenty of businesses offer wedding
planning services for those looking for beachy vibes.
Woodland
Instagram is
filled with woodland settings for weddings. Having the reception under the
stars with fairy lights twinkling in the trees can create a hugely magical
atmosphere for the evening. Tables can be decorated with natural décor to match
the surroundings, while guests can enjoy fire pits or glamping pods to keep the
celebrations going all night long.
Spa
Hotels and spas
are a common choice for those wanting to stretch their budget as far as
possible. The bride and bridesmaids can enjoy the spa facilities the day
before, while the bride and groom can relax in the hot tub the day after their
wedding. It also makes it much easier for the family to book somewhere to stay.
However, spas often have a max number of guests, so make sure to do your
research before committing to this venue.
So, there is a lot
to consider when choosing a venue. While yachts and beaches will likely need to
be incorporated into a destination wedding (unless you're okay with rain),
woodland and barn conversions tend to be more adaptable for larger wedding
parties.
Planners and venue
organizers will more than likely be able to transform any location into your
dream, no matter what you're thinking. With a little foliage and a few
Pinterest mood boards, you'll be walking down the aisle in the most magical
setting you could possibly dream of.
0 Comments