One of the most important parts of wedding planning is choosing the perfect wedding venue. 

It is important to choose a space which shows off your personality and offers great locations for photos and celebrations. To help you in your venue search we have compiled some tips to remember.

Stick to Your Budget

The first thing you need to consider when trying to find a wedding venue is your budget. Generally, the venue can account for a large portion of your wedding budget, so if your budget is limited then you may have to allow for some wiggle room in other areas or choose a wedding venue that’s a little cheaper.

If you have your heart set on a venue that’s a little out of your price range, don’t be afraid to start an open conversation with your family, they may be happy to contribute to your dream day and help you cover the costs.

Starting this conversation is also important as, if you have a friend or family member that lives on a farm or property and is willing to let you use it, this can be a great way to save money while still enjoying a beautiful venue.

Consider Your Guests

The number of people on your guest list will be a huge factor in choosing a venue. Some venues will be spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of guests while others are smaller and more intimate which is perfect if your guest list is limited. 

In consideration of your guests it is a good idea to be mindful of accommodation options near your venue. Some venues will have accommodation included on the premises while with others you will have to source external options. 

If you are planning a destination wedding or have a large amount of guests who are travelling from out of town to be with you on your big day it is important to ensure that there is enough accommodation for everyone. 

Pick a Location

When trying to choose a venue it’s important to think about where in the country or world that you want your wedding. You can have a destination wedding on an island, stay in your hometown, or travel to the hinterlands, or anywhere else you can think of. Your options are limited only to your budget and imagination.

Once you pick a town or city you can start to peruse the venues in that area and find out if they’re available on your wedding date. 

Research & Brainstorm

If you’re still overwhelmed with options, and are struggling to decide on what your perfect venue looks like you can take some time to brainstorm. 

Open up Google, Pinterest or browse social media and once you start seeing your options and where other brides and grooms have decided to go you’ll start to develop your own visions. Then you can create a moodboard with your ideas and start searching for venues that match your vision. 

Think About Your Theme

If you want to have a themed wedding then this can also play a role in choosing your perfect venue. 

For example, if you are planning a fantasy wedding then a great venue could be a park or forestry area complete with twinkling fairy lights in the trees. Or if you’re water lovers then you may prefer to say ‘I do’ on the golden sands of a beach or on a boat out on the waves.

There are numerous venues all over the country so you are sure to find one that helps create the perfect atmosphere and theme for your dream wedding day. 

Visit Your Favourite Venues

Before booking and putting down a deposit on your venue it is a good idea to make a trip out and visit it. This allows you to see it in person and experience it through your own senses. 

During your visit you can also speak to the staff and ask all your burning questions and find out what they can do for you and your partner to make your special day perfect. 

Find Out What’s Included

When trying to find the perfect wedding venue, while sticking to that all too important budget it can be difficult when you keep seeing that some services come at an extra cost. So, it’s important to find out what is included in your venue’s price or package.

Some venues will include things such as:

• Catering for food and drinks
• Accommodation
• Photographers and/or videographers
• Decorations
• Music
• Transportation
• Celebrant

While other venues will only hire out the ceremony and reception space and you will have to outsource or DIY the rest of the services. 

If your chosen venue doesn’t have its own photographers and videographers Emot can help. To see what we can offer and how we can help you, check out our wedding photography services and packages and then fill out our availability form to check if your date is available.