How to Finding a Wedding Venue You’ll Love

Every couple that is looking forward to their wedding is hoping that everything goes smoothly without any wrinkles or hiccups. When choosing the perfect place to hold your wedding, it is important to ask the right questions and to know what red flags you need to look out for. Check out the thought process you need to have to choosing a wedding venue you will love.

(Photo: Artistic Films/Pixabay)

Budget and general location

When looking for a great wedding reception venue in Salt Lake City, it will help to have these two things pinned down. Knowing the general area you are interested in hosting your event is going to narrow your selection pool to make your choice less overwhelming and easier to make. And knowing your budget is going to save you a lot of headache later. Going into debt for a wedding isn’t what most people want, so budgeting is a very real reality that will serve you well.

Know your style

If you like things rustic, then you know that an old mansion may not be right for you, but a farm or garden might be right up your alley. If you are into modern elegance, then a banquet hall could work well for your plans. Have a firm grasp of your vision for the aesthetics of the celebration, and you will be able to better piece out which venues will best suit you.

Know what you are getting

You will want to know if the venue is all-inclusive or not. This means that you will be holding both ceremony and reception at the same location. Some all-inclusive venues will supply audio/visual components, catering and other elements, while others keep the add-ons to a minimum. A bare bones venue gives you a blank slate and you will supply the tables, flatware, decor, etc. It helps to know what the venue is offering and what you will need to bring.

Think about your guests

Considering the guest experience includes thinking about parking, food options, bathroom locations and climate control. It also means having an estimate of how many people will be in attendance and the flow of the event.

Take a tour

You need to see the venue for yourself. Internet pictures will not suffice. Read reviews and see for yourself. If you aren’t going to do these things, you are taking a huge risk.

Contingency plan

Know what Plan B and C will be. Especially if you plan on using an outdoor venue. Things don’t always go according to plan, so it helps to be prepared for these unforeseen circumstances.

Set-up and breakdown

Know what role you will need to play in setting up and breaking down the venue. Know how much time your vendors will have to set things up and at what time you need to be all cleared out. Ask about after-hours fees as well. You don’t want any avoidable surprises.

Red flags

As you go about your venue search, keep an eye out for some of these potential red flags

• Hosting multiple events simultaneously or concurrently.
• Difficult staff interactions and lack of communication.
• Not having contracts.
• Hidden fees and surcharges.
• Vague answers about what they do and don’t do.
• No experience in hosting weddings.

 
Making sure that everything with the wedding venue is in place and clear of any obstacles is going to make a big difference in how you experience your wedding day. It will be helpful to bring your wedding planner along or a trusted friend to help make sure that you don’t miss anything.

Article written by Jane Davies