The Perfect Pick: Advice for Choosing the Venue That’s Right for Your Wedding!
So you’ve found the one, you’ve bought the dress, you’ve picked the colors and designed your centerpieces… what could possibly be missing? Oh, yeah! The venue!
Okay, so we totally understand why you’d want to procrastinate when it comes to choosing the perfect locale for your big day. It’s a major decision that has a big impact on how your wedding will plan out! All the more reason not to make any choices lightly, which is why we’re rolling out our handy-dandy guide for picking the venue that’s right for you.
Nail down that date.
Can’t decide whether you want a spring soiree or a fall fest? Well, your choice in venue might help you narrow things down! Prices vary throughout the year at different venues depending upon how busy they expect to be. Peak wedding season is between June and September, which means that venues may charge more based on availability. This time slot also puts you in the ~hurricane danger zone~ on the southeast coast, so before you book, maybe consider budgeting in the cost of wedding insurance, too.
Keep your guests in mind.
Are your friends and family local? Are you treating them to a getaway with your destination wedding? Bear your guests in mind in the process of picking a venue! Locations that are closer to hotels and airports are more convenient for those who are coming in from out of town. Downtown Savannah is especially convenient when planning a destination wedding because in addition to being close to airports and tons of hotels, there’s plenty entertainment for before and after the wedding-- and all within walking distance!
Try to have an open mind.
So, you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding. That’s definitely doable, but y’all know the weather down here can be a taaaad unpredictable. We’re talking pouring down rain out of nowhere, 80 degree weather in October kinda unpredictable. Keep an open mind when it comes to picking a venue-- does it have outdoor AND indoor space to accommodate your guests in the case that the weather doesn’t cooperate? Sure the outdoor space is nice, but the indoor space match your vision if you’ve got to take shelter?
Read the fine print.
What’s included in your contract? It can be nice not to have to worry about catering, linens, and tablewear… but then again, having to work with a venue’s preferred vendors can add up! Take a moment to speak with the coordinator about what services the venue will and won’t provide. You don’t want to worry about being responsible for sweeping up on your wedding night.
Ask your planner.
No, seriously. We know what is and isn’t realistic for your budget, the number of guests attending, the venue layout-- any number of things! Chances are we’ve worked at that venue before and we have an idea of how the final picture will look when all is said and done. And hey! We might have a venue suggestion you’ve never thought of before… it never hurts to ask!
[Vendor Credits] Photography: Danielle George // Planning, Floral & Dresses: Ivory & Beau // Venue: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum // Food: Cha Bella // Cake: Vanilla & the Bean // Hair & Makeup: Hustle & Blow Dry Bar // Spray Tan: Body Bronzing by Becca // Tableware Rentals: Ultra Pom // Furniture Rentals: Southern Belle Events // Other Rentals: Event Works // Calligraphy: McKenzie Does Calligraphy // Wedding Dress: Blush by Hayley Paige available at Ivory & Beau // Bridesmaid Style: Hayley Paige Occasions available at Ivory & Beau // Videography: I Thee Film