There are thousands of wedding venues out there, but only one is your venue. Before you jump on Google to find “wedding venues near me,” take some time to think about what your perfect venue looks like. How many guests will be in attendance? What’s your style? Can the space accommodate your vision? Here are 6 things to consider while searching for your wedding venue.
Guest Count
Avoid the heartbreak of falling in love with a wedding venue that simply can’t hold all of your loved ones by taking the time to chat with your partner about your guest list before you look for venues. That magical number alone will help you narrow your search, especially if you have a guest count of 200 or more.
Location
How far are you willing to travel on your wedding day, and how far are you comfortable with asking your guests to travel? You know your loved ones best. To some, an hour is perfectly reasonable to travel for a wedding. For others, even 30 minutes may be too far. It’s also important to keep in mind that guests may need overnight accommodations if the distance is more than just a short drive.
Style
Think about your vision – do you see yourself celebrating in a standard banquet hall, or is something more unique your style? From revitalized brick buildings and rustic barns to elegant hotel ballrooms and luxurious private estates, there are TONS of options. Knowing your preferred style will help you narrow down your choices.
Indoor/Outdoor Spaces
Dreaming of getting married outside under blue skies? An indoor-only venue may not be your best option, unless you’re willing to compromise. While researching venues, consider the indoor and outdoor spaces that are offered at each, then determine which fits your wedding day vision the best.
Customer Reviews
Check out the reviews! Real couples share their honest feedback about their venue experience on sites like Google, The Knot, and Zola. Pay attention to recurring themes (both good and bad) to get an idea of what your own experience may be like. Our best advice – reviews that are less than a year old are usually the most accurate to a venue’s current practices!
Pricing and Availability
Once you’ve narrowed down the options to a handful of wedding venues that fit your needs and vision, reach out to each location directly to request pricing and available dates. Depending on your budget and preferred time of the year, this information may help narrow down your options even more.
Now you’re ready to schedule venue tours at your top picks! Click here to request a pricing guide and tour Mercantile Hall.
Photo by Corrina Nicole Photography
