5 Overlooked Factors To Help You Decide Between Wedding Venues
Shopping for wedding venues is fun but challenging. Many couples end up narrowing it down to two or three spaces they love fairly equally. But making the final, committed choice in this scenario is difficult. If multiple venues are similar in obvious factors like price and ambience, what other factors can you use to help tip the scale? Here are five more subtle things to consider.
1. Convenience
A convenient location can be a big help on the wedding day. Is the location closer to your home base? Is it conveniently located near a separate ceremony venue? Will your guests find it easy to locate and a short commute? And will you have easy access before and after the wedding for setup and teardown? The easier you make things on yourself, the better.
2. Guest Experience
If you feel equally confident in both venues, look at things from your guests' viewpoint. Will they have trouble parking or have to pay? Will their food be hot and ready? Can everyone see well during the ceremony? Can the reception be arranged so people aren't crowded or left out of activities? And will your guests feel comfortable in the type of venue? Great guest experiences make more enjoyable weddings for all.
3. Responsiveness
How has your experience been so far with the venue itself? Have the staff or the coordinator responded quickly? Do they communicate clearly? Have they anticipated your needs and listened to what you want? Great staff to work with will make your wedding day much easier, so don't overlook your gut feeling about the management and style of the business itself.
4. Lots of Options
Does one venue provide more flexibility and options for various wedding activities? For instance, more than one onsite location — indoor and outdoor — gives you choices based on weather, guest size, and mood. Choices about things like ceremony backdrops, photo shoot locations, hiring outside vendors, and prep areas mean you have plenty to work with no matter what changes as you plan.
5. Bundles
Carefully assess the packages or bundles offered by each venue. Look for what is included and what is excluded. Couples may even want to create a comparison chart. If you choose a venue whose price includes more things you would otherwise spend on, you can save a lot of room in your budget for other splurges.
Where to Start
Ready to start comparing your best options now? Begin by touring likely wedding venues in your area and going over their options in detail. By looking beyond the obvious elements, you're sure to choose the one that will make your day perfect.