When you were a little girl, did you often fantasize about your wedding? I know I did. I wanted 10 bridesmaids, a 6 tier cake and The Monkees would play at my reception (Yes, I am that old !) I am so giddy when it comes to weddings. I love how many options enable the bridal couple to plan any wedding they wish. It is so cool to see how different people’s tastes, preferences, and cultural traditions shine through in their nuptial celebration.
We’re Having A Wedding!
In our family, we’ve got a very special wedding coming up. My daughter is tying the knot next year and we are all so thrilled. I am extremely proud of everything she has accomplished and cannot wait to watch her walk down the aisle. From my experience with my own wedding, I know choosing the perfect venue is not only the first step, but probably one of the most difficult decisions to make.
Choosing The Perfect Wedding Venue:
When you plan a wedding, so much has to be taken into consideration. From choosing your bridesmaids to the song that will play for your first dance, every detail matters. When we finally settled on the date for Chelsea’s wedding, we went full speed ahead in choosing the venue. Who knew there was so much you had to consider before choosing the perfect wedding venue!
Setting The Budget: Once you set the date for the wedding, the next thing you need to do is set your budget. Once you have an idea of how much you can afford, you can start to break that number down into pieces. You will find pretty quickly choosing your venue will be at the top of the budget as it can take up the most of your cash. But, with a lot of investigative work, you can find the perfect wedding venue that will fit not only into your budget, but your esthetic as well.
Size Does Matter! When choosing a venue, size really does matter. I told my daughter before we could go full speed ahead with choosing a venue, we had to have at least an idea of how many guests they were inviting. The last thing you want to do is choose a venue that comfortably accommodates 100 and you have 200 on your list!
Next, you want to consider how you want the layout of your venue to be. Do you require a dance floor? How about plenty of walking room in between the tables? Some couples prefer very large spaces, even if the guest list isn’t that long. Others like a smaller, more intimate room, where family and friends can easily find each other and enjoy a good chit-chat. When speaking with the venue coordinator, ask about the minimum and maximum amount of people the room can hold.
To Cater Or Not To Cater? When shopping around for a wedding venue, catering is something that you’ll have to take into consideration. Of course, pricing is always a primary concern, but do not forget to inquire what the venue will and will not allow as far as food and beverages. Some venues are very open to having outside caterers come in to serve, while others will strictly have you use their own people. If you decide to go with the venue’s catering service, do not forget that you have the right to a taste-test. Essentially, it will help you decide whether the food is the right fit for your preferences and is exactly what you’re looking for!
Talk with the venue organizer to see what their requirements are if you were to bring in your own catering service. Be sure to ask if you need to provide the flatware, plates, and serving platters, etc. Will you be required to pay additional venue insurance? Is there a full kitchen where the caterers can set up? Are you allowed to serve alcohol and if so, do you need a permit? What about trash? Are you required to remove it or is there a service to take care of that?
How’s The Lighting? When you are shopping for a venue, make sure to ask what type of lighting is available. Some venues provide lighting, while others have the bare minimum and you will need to supplement. Be sure you consider all of the reception areas (from cocktail/lounging areas to the dining area). Does your venue offer lighting with dimmers that help create a soft, romantic ambiance? That is great for the dance area, but not so much for the food area! Furthermore, venues that specialize in weddings will often have different colored lights, so you can choose one or a combination that will adhere to your wedding’s color theme.
Play It Again DJ! Make sure to inquire about the venue’s sound system, or if the venue has one at all. Some venues will require you rent a sound system or have a DJ readily equipped with one. If the venue does not have its own internal sound system, you will need to provide speakers and other sound accessories. Be sure to take your budget into consideration and the logistics in terms of delivery and service.
How Long Do You Have The Venue? Another consideration you need to think about is how long the venue is available. Verify how long you have the space and if you go over that time, is there is any additional charge. Also, some venues have multiple rooms to accommodate multiple weddings on the same day.
Some bridal couples will choose to have their wedding on a non-traditional day in order to get the entire place to themselves. Many venues will offer a discount if you have the wedding on a Friday or a Sunday. Many venues offer the space the night before to give you additional time to set up. Much of this will depend on any weddings that take place before or after your own.
Make Sure You Really Love It: Don’t settle for just anything! Make sure that you really love the space – this is your big day so you have a really good idea of what you want! Brides, don’t fear being labelled a “bridezilla” just for having opinions. A wedding is a day that you want to make positively memorable, so don’t let a good sales pitch make you say “Okay” when you’re not too fond of certain elements or the venue itself. Does the place hold sentimental value for you? Do you adore the area in which the venue is located? Have you fallen in love with its architecture and structure? Bridal couples: go for what makes you happy and is realistic for your budget and time.
We Found A Place That We Really Love!
My daughter was lucky enough to land a really amazing place for her wedding venue. When we were shopping around, we made sure to keep all of the aforementioned questions in mind. I am excited to announce Chelsea will be celebrating her wedding at The Historic Train Depot in Newnan, Georgia. This amazing locale is just about an hour from Atlanta, making it super convenient for us. We wanted a DIY wedding and the Train Depot was the perfect fit for us.
The Historic Train Depot is quite a sight to see. Originally built in the 1850s, it served as a freight and passenger depot, so it holds a lot of history. It has a beautiful rustic charm which was a big must for Chelsea. We love all of its detailing from its dark hardwood floors to the exposed brick on the walls. It can accommodate both outdoor and indoor ceremonies and receptions, can hold up to 150 guests and allows us to do our own catering, which we were also looking for.
Stay tuned for my second in a series of posts about The Historic Train Depot. I cannot wait to tell you more about The Historic Train Depot and all it has to offer and pricing, etc. as well as show you a ton of photos we will take on our next visit. Get social and like The Train Depot on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Keep an eye out for #HappilyEverConwell2017 to follow along with all the wedding details!
The Historic Train Depot is located at 60 East Broad Street, Newnan, GA 30263. You can reach Ellen at 770-251-0207 or email her at ejenkins@newnancowetahistoricalsociety.com for more details on pricing, availability, etc.
Beeb Ashcroft says
July 19, 2016 at 5:44 pmThese are some great tips. When I had my wedding, we used the beach and that had been decided since the dawn of time so it was easy.
Jeanine says
July 19, 2016 at 5:54 pmWonderful tips. Thank you! We got married back in feb 2007 however it wasn’t a real wedding just a quick service so at some point I want to do it the proper way… with all our kids included. I will need this when that time comes!
Stacie @ Divine Lifesytle says
July 19, 2016 at 6:52 pmThese are all really excellent tips. You have to be thorough when you plan for your venue unless you want some form of disaster to occur.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
July 19, 2016 at 7:22 pmA lot of people don’t think about the lighting, but it’s so important! A space with lots of windows and natural light always makes the best wedding photos!
Val says
July 19, 2016 at 8:51 pmThese are some great tips for choosing the perfect wedding venue. Love the photos as well, looks so elegant yet simple!
Melissa Dixon says
July 19, 2016 at 9:22 pmWow all of these venue ideas are great! I was married in a greenhouse and it was pretty but if I had done any planning at all I would have probably went with one of these ideas. I just let everyone else handle the details, I was just happy to be there.
Liz Mays says
July 19, 2016 at 9:24 pmThis is great advice! I think choosing a unique location is key. The Historic Train Depot looks like an awesome venue.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
July 19, 2016 at 9:26 pmM husband and I got married in September 2010 and him and I did most of the planning and executing. I am a DIY kind of bride so we had lots of attention to details and DIY stuff at our wedding. It was stressful yet it was a very fun experience and something that we were so proud of because everything turned out so beautiful and we didn’t have to spend so much money for it. I love all your tips!
Vicky says
July 19, 2016 at 10:01 pmChoosing the venue is such an important decision. You certainly give a lot of good tips to make a difficult process easier.
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
July 19, 2016 at 10:32 pmSuch great tips! Will save this and share to my friends!
Vera Sweeney says
July 19, 2016 at 11:24 pmI love these tips!! It is amazing how many different types of wedding venues are out there now it can be hard to decide on one.
Melisasource says
July 20, 2016 at 12:05 amI love weddings! These are some great tips!
Nikki Wayne says
July 20, 2016 at 1:42 amWow, nice tips! My friend is getting married in a few months, these tips will help her!
Amanda Love says
July 20, 2016 at 9:55 amIt’s important to know what you want before you decide to book a venue. These are all factors that you need to consider as well, from the budget down to the caterer and everything else!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
July 20, 2016 at 11:06 amThese are great tips! The venue is definitely important, it is something you will remember for life!
Ann Bacciaglia says
July 20, 2016 at 12:35 pmI can remember how stressful it was to find a good wedding venue. These are great tips. I will have to share this with my friend that just got engaged.
Monica says
July 20, 2016 at 1:43 pmThe venue is such a huge decision. This is so helpful! Thank you!
Kathy says
July 20, 2016 at 3:42 pmI think these are all great ideas. Picking the venue can be such a hard decision too. This is a great list for those that could use some guidance.
HilLesha says
July 20, 2016 at 4:23 pmThis is one of the most important decisions to make when wedding planning. Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips!
kristin says
July 20, 2016 at 4:47 pmGreat tips!!! My favorite part of my wedding was the cake. 😀 😀 It really was an important decision.
Nicole Escat says
July 20, 2016 at 9:49 pmGood advice! My husband and I have been married for 3 years but not in a church, this coming 2017 we are planning to get married in a beach or church, I’m so glad that I found this tips.
Crystal says
July 20, 2016 at 10:50 pmWe saw probably 6 venues before we found the right one. Some of my friends looked at endless locations. These tips would be great considerations for anyone planning their wedding.
Amber Killmon says
July 20, 2016 at 11:50 pmWhile I don’t see wedding bells in the near future these are still great tips. I will definitely keep these handy for when that time comes.
Shannon Gurnee says
July 21, 2016 at 12:19 amThese are definitely things you’ll want to consider when choosing a wedding venue! This is a great post for those planning their weddings. Thanks for sharing.
Robin Rue says
July 21, 2016 at 12:40 pmChoosing the wedding venue can be one of the worst parts of the wedding. Everything else can have alterations done if you need to at the last minute, but not the venue!
Jennifer Henry-Novich says
July 21, 2016 at 12:41 pmThese are all such great tips to think about when choosing the place to get married. It can be a rough road to lock that part of the ceremony down.
Dawn McAlexander says
July 21, 2016 at 2:02 pmThe train depot is beautiful! That’s an unusual idea for a wedding place. I like it though. It doesn’t have to be a church.
Erin says
July 21, 2016 at 11:02 pmPlanning a wedding is so stressful. I didn’t even finish planning mine because it was too much. We eloped. LOL! But the venue was the one thing we did really enjoy planning.
Emily says
July 22, 2016 at 12:50 pmMy friend is looking for a venue right now! I will share your tips with her. I still love the venue we picked!
Ashleigh Walls says
July 23, 2016 at 11:19 amThese are really some things I had never thought before. I will probably be getting married within a year or two and these will help me when choosing.
MAGGIE BRANCH says
July 31, 2016 at 10:37 pmGoodness, these are all common sense but totally things that I did not think of when we were planning our wedding. THank you for sharing these oh so important tips that I feel like many brides forget!
Sarah Smith says
September 22, 2016 at 4:41 pmI’m helping my sister plan her wedding. Thanks for the advice about not settling on just venue so that you can get the one you really want. Another thing to consider is getting a venue that will last for both good and bad weather.
Shad Morris says
September 23, 2016 at 10:23 amMy friend is planning her wedding, and they weren’t sure where they were going to have the reception. It sounds like a great idea to ask if the venue has a sound system. That way you will know if you need to hire one.
Burt Silver says
February 23, 2017 at 12:19 pmI didn’t realize that some venues were restrictive about what food and beverages you could bring. My fiance and I have been looking for a venue for a while. We have already chosen our caterer, so we will have to make sure any venues we look at will allow them. Thanks for the tips!
Drew says
March 31, 2017 at 10:11 amGreat advice for choosing the perfect wedding venue. I’ve never thought to consider the lighting but it’s a pretty important part of the reception.
John says
April 12, 2017 at 1:11 pmI think these are all really good ideas for picking a wedding venue. I especially liked the suggestion to make sure you really love the place. My fiance and I have been planning our wedding for a while now, so we definitely won’t want to settle on something we don’t love. I think it would be helpful for us to ask for references from a venue in order to get firsthand testimonials from previous clients as to what we should expect if we decide to go with that venue.
Parkside Mansion says
April 20, 2017 at 2:56 amThis article delivers some important criteria to consider when choosing a wedding venue. Thanks for sharing this post.
Kairi Gainsborough says
June 29, 2017 at 10:42 pmYour wedding pictures are so pretty! I love the venue you picked. The bricks make a beautiful backdrop, and they give the event a historic vibe. I would love to find a similar place for my wedding. I think the venue should be one of the most important things on your list because it sets the mood for the entire wedding.