Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be a daunting task, but next to your photographer, it is one of the most important decisions you will make for your big day. Your wedding venue will set the tone and atmosphere for your wedding, and it will be the backdrop for all of your special memories – no pressure hey!
Never fear! We’ve put together 10 tips we think will help when choosing the perfect wedding venue of your dreams. P.S. We have another helpful blog about planning aspects of a wedding here – https://lightcollections.com.au/how-to-plan-a-wedding/.
What Budget Do You Have For Your Perfect Wedding Venue
The first and most important consideration when choosing the perfect wedding venue is budget. The average price of having a wedding in Australia is close to $35,000 – a significant chunk of that goes towards your venue. Before you even start your search, it’s important to determine your wedding budget. What are your must-haves and how much are you prepared to spend. This will give you a clear idea of which venues are right for you, and help you narrow down your options – saving you time!
Guest List When Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Well, not who will be coming (that is a whole other blog!), but your overall number of guests. Your number of guests will also play a big role in determining the perfect wedding venue. Most venues have guest limits either because of physical space, or how many they can cater for. You want to make sure that the venue you choose can accommodate all of your guests comfortably.
What Style of Wedding do you Want?
Remember in the introduction we spoke about your venue being the backdrop for all of your special memories? Well, this links directly to the style of your perfect wedding. Determining the style of wedding you want will also help you narrow down your options. If you’re looking for an outdoor wedding, you may want– think Flaxton Gardens or Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens. If you’re looking for a more formal wedding, we’ve got a soft spot for The Brisbane Club. If you’re thinking coastal then somewhere like Rick Shores or The Broadwater Chapel might suit.
Read the Wedding Venue’s Reviews
Before you make a final decision on the perfect venue for your wedding, make sure you research the venue’s reviews. Look for reviews on wedding websites, join networking groups on your socials, read blogs like our recent one on some of the best Southeast Queensland Wedding Venues (https://lightcollections.com.au/best-wedding-venues-in-southeast-queensland/)! Overall, do your research to get a better idea of what other couples’ experiences have been like.
Consider Location of the Venue, and the Amenities for Guests
Some couples might not see this one as vital, however we strongly encourage you to be conscious of how easily their guests can access your venue – and whether they will want to stay close by, or travel to and from. If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, you may want to choose a venue that’s a little closer to the airport or hotels. This definitely shouldn’t be a deciding factor, but its still important to consider for the perfect venue for you.
Think About the Season for Your Perfect Wedding
The season you’re getting married in will also play a role in choosing the perfect wedding venue. Wedding Dresses can be multi-layered and extremely hot! If you’re getting married in the summer, you may want a venue with outdoor space, while a winter wedding may call for an indoor venue. Seasons can also influence the overall price you pay – and on that note, so can the day of the week!
Perfect Wedding Venue and Vendor Restrictions
Some wedding venues have restrictions on which vendors you can use – in fact, some have restrictions on how much control you have over various aspects of the wedding (for example, if you’d like to source the flowers yourself). So be sure to ask if there are any of these types of restrictions you should be aware of. Additionally, if you are wanting elements to your photography like Drone shots of your ceremony, ask the venue about the possibilities of this.
Be Sure to Tour Wedding Venues
Before you make a final decision, taking a tour of the wedding venue is an absolute must. This will give you a better idea of the space and help you visualise your wedding day. Not only that, but many venues allow you to visit for a tasting of the various types of food available for selection. We even recommend using your phone to take some photos of the spots on the property that you want your photographer to include in their thinking.
Ask Your Photographer About Their Perfect Wedding Venues
We couldn’t build our top tips without this one. Your photographer is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to perfect venues and the nuance of one over the other. They have visited tons of them, probably more than once. When we work with a couple, we don’t just offer amazing images – we are there for you to ask all sorts of questions about your planning. Jess especially loves the planning process and is in her element helping you decide on anything wedding-related (especially venues).
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, you should trust your instincts when choosing a wedding venue. If you have a good feeling about a venue, go for it. Your wedding day should be a reflection of you and your partner – and the style of venue if the epitome of that. It will be somewhere that you think back to regularly over the years, drive past and reminisce, or maybe even renew your vows.
Overall When Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue –
Choosing the perfect wedding venue is an important decision. It is something that you will be reminded of constantly through memories and photos. Overall, remember to take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts – and listen to your photographer!
For more on Light Collections, or to book your Wedding, Event or Conference visit https://lightcollections.com.au/, https://www.facebook.com/lightcollections.com.au, https://instagram.com/lightcollections/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/lightcollections/.
