by: Veronika Lazabal
You know exactly what kind of dress you want (strapless ball gown, please), what your cake should look like (dark flowers, white fondant thank you very much) and which flowers you want to see at every table (roses yes, carnations no). But even the most well prepared bride-to-be often feels lost when it comes to deciding on just where she wants to have her wedding. But, since wedding venues often book six months to a year in advance, the sooner you decide on a location, the more likely you are to have the boda of your dreams. So just how does a girl go about finding the perfect wedding venue?
Start with a budget
Decide on just how much you can spend on your venue before making a single appointment. Then make sure you only visit places that lie within your price range. (This will help you avoid the heartache of falling in love with one venue, only to discover that you can’t afford it.)
Consider The Size of Your Guest List
Next, consider the size of your guest list. Keep in mind that you’ll not only need room to seat everybody, but space for dancing and toasting as well. And you’ll have to decide if you want to have your ceremony and reception at the same place, or divide your day between two venues.
Go with the Unexpected
Once you’ve got size and budget in mind, consider looking beyond the country clubs and golf courses… you can often get more individuality for less money by going with someplace a little more unexpected. For example, taking the festivities outside will help cut down on the cost of decorations, and many city parks or forests charge very little for the use of their space. Look for features like fountains, covered patios, or grassy picnic areas.
Theaters and performance halls also make for unexpected—and classy—wedding venues. Or, consider going with someplace that has significant meaning to you and your future hubby. The beach where he proposed, the restaurant where you had your first date, or the vineyard where you first realized that he was the one are all great places to stage your “I do’s”.
Schedule Your Walk Throughs
Once you’ve assembled a list of potential locations, it’s time to start scheduling your walk-throughs. A good rule to keep in mind: Never make your final decision before seeing at least three different venues. Remember to bring a camera and a pad for taking notes. And, since it’s easy to become distracted as you daydream your way through a potential venue, it’s probably a good idea to bring a list of questions with you.
