Congrats on your engagement! Picking a venue is typically the first thing couples check off their to-do list while planning their wedding. While other vendors may have the ability to take on multiple events in one day, many venues are only able to accommodate one event each day. That means that locking in your ideal date at your favorite venue should be one of the first things you do to pave the way for the rest of your planning!
Here are a few tips from the experts to consider while searching for your perfect venue, along things to consider before touring them.
Budget
Be sure to communicate with each other about how much you plan to spend on your celebration. Are you dreaming of an extravagant soirée or something a bit more intimate? Are you looking for a venue that includes everything you’ll need, or do you have rentals and other services worked into your budget? Is anyone else helping you with the cost, or are you and your fiancé taking care of everything? Knowing your budget will help narrow down your search, so you can focus more on the venues that best fit your needs.
Guest Count
Your guest count will play into other parts of your budget (like catering, bar services, etc.), but it’s also crucial to selecting your venue! Venues have a maximum capacity, which usually keep the comfort and safety of guests in mind. It’s important to know approximately how many guests you plan to invite so you book a venue that can accommodate everyone.
The Date
Many couples have a particular date or season in mind for their wedding. Others are completely open, and that’s okay! If you do have an ideal date in mind, be sure to take that into consideration when searching for venues. Some venues are only open for part of the year, or have limited seasonal availability, while others (like Mercantile Hall!) can accommodate weddings and events year-round. Popular dates – for example, dates around holidays and holiday weekends – tend to book up quickly, so if you’re 100% firm on your ideal date, this factor may move to the top of your priority list.
The Vibe
Now that you have a basic idea of what you’re looking for in a wedding venue, it’s time for the fun part – the vibe! What’s your style? How do you want to express your style on your big day? Are you looking for something urban and modern, or traditional and elegant? Is it important to have multiple spaces for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception? How close to home would you like your venue to be? What’s your overall vision for décor and colors (this might even change when you fall in love with your venue!)?
Now you’re ready to tour your future wedding venue! Click here to request a pricing guide and schedule a tour at Mercantile Hall.
Photo by Corrina Nicole Photography
