How To find you Dream Venue

Venue Selection: How to Find the Perfect Wedding Venue Without Losing Your Mind

Today we’re diving into a topic that many couples find both exciting and overwhelming—venue selection.

Finding the perfect venue can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In today’s blog post, I’m going to walk you through my foolproof process for finding lots of viable wedding venues, as well as share tips for staying organized and sane during this crucial part of wedding planning.

Let’s Start from the Beginning

Okay, so you’re engaged (congrats!) 

Before diving into your google search it can be good to rough out some numbers. 

• Do you have a guest list yet? It's good to have an idea of numbers before venue shopping. A common pitfall is to fall in love, and then go to make your guest list. It can be stressful to have to make BIG cuts. 
• Do you have a budget in mind? Remember my magic 5 minute formula:

your venue + catering and rentals should make up about half of your total wedding budget. So it’s time to set a realistic budget range before you even start looking.

This means that if you are planning on spending let's say 50K on your wedding. Your venue costs + essential rentals AND food needs to equal 25K. I know that may sound a little crazy but if you fall in love with a 10K venue that doesn't include anything- you may want to reach out to a caterer first before booking. And it can be helpful to know what types of venues you are going to be targeting. Limited budgets should look at a few traditional wedding venues, but they should also utilize less thought of wedding venues. Let me explain... 

Your Search: Where to Start

A quick Google search for wedding venues in your area will likely give you a ton of options, but this can be a little overwhelming at first. Sites like The Wedding Spot, Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Here Comes The Guide offer great lists of venues by location and type. You can filter for things like aesthetic, location, capacity, and sometimes even availability.

But here’s the tricky part—budget. Most of these sites don’t list pricing upfront, which can make it hard to know whether you’re wasting your time looking at places that are way out of your price range. And trust me, that is a major frustration for couples!

The Traditional Venue Approach

Traditional wedding venues that only do weddings are usually pretty wedding-ready. They come with staffing, parking, accommodations, and sometimes even in-house coordinators. The downside? They can be pricey and often book up quick! 

These venues often don’t list their prices online, so you’ll need to inquire. The key here is to be persistent and efficient. I recommend using a CTE method—that’s Call, Text, Email. Reach out through all three methods to increase your chances of getting a response. Create a template for your email and text messages so you can quickly copy-paste the same inquiry over and over again. Yes, it’s a bit of work upfront, but it’ll save you time in the long run.

But don’t stop there. A great resource is your network. Ask friends, family, and professionals in the wedding industry for recommendations on venues. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from people who’ve had weddings in the area. They can often point you to places that Google might miss.

The Numbers Game

Venue shopping is a numbers game. I’m not kidding. The more venues you reach out to, the better your chances of finding the right one. So, when you sit down to do your venue search, set a goal. Make a list of 5-10 venues that match your criteria and start reaching out. And then block off time on your calendar to follow up with them.

Here’s how I recommend you approach it:

1. Call, text, and email each venue. Leave messages if needed, but be persistent.
2. Check availability and ask for a base rate. I know it’s annoying, but get a sense of the starting price before you book a tour. You want to make sure it’s within your budget.
3. Schedule site tours. If you can, try to tour 3-5 venues in one day. You’ll get a better sense of what’s available and what you like, plus it’ll save you time in the long run.

If you’re not getting a lot of responses, don’t be discouraged. This process takes time, but if you’re organized and diligent, you’ll get there!

Alternative Venue Ideas

Traditional venues aren’t the only option. Sometimes, you can find incredible places that are more affordable. Consider non-traditional venues like:

• Rental spaces: Parks, beaches, rec centers, or even Elk or Moose lodges can be great, less expensive options. They’re often under the radar because they’re not typically listed as wedding venues, but they allow events like yours.
• Other places with commercial kitchens: Country Clubs, Wineries, Vineyards and tasting rooms, Golf Clubs, Hotels, Conference Centers, Resorts, Historic Sites. 
• Private residences or backyards: If you’ve got a family member or friend who’s offered their home or property, this could be a highly customizable, cost-effective option. But before you say yes, be sure to consider things like parking, restrooms, and whether the space is appropriate for your guest list.

While these options can save you money, they do come with their own set of challenges. You’ll need to bring in rentals like chairs, tables, and a catering setup. Plus, you’ll need to plan for potential weather issues, especially if you’re getting married outdoors.

Dealing with Relational Elements

If you’re thinking about using a family member or friend’s home, I get it. It can be a beautiful, sentimental choice. But there’s also the potential for relational strain. Make sure you have a clear, respectful conversation with your host about their expectations, and make sure the property is set up for the event. If the relationship is already strained, or if there are concerns about the logistics, I recommend exploring other options.

And remember, don’t settle on just one venue. Always have a backup plan in case your dream location falls through.

How to Avoid Venue Shopping Burnout

The process can be exhausting, especially for couples with short engagements. But here’s the thing: if you stay organized, keep a detailed spreadsheet with all your options, and set aside focused time for searching, you’ll find the right venue.

Here are a few quick tips to make the process easier:

• Widen your search: Consider venues outside the city or in less popular areas. You might get a better deal.
• Be flexible with dates: Off-season dates or weekday weddings could help you avoid booking conflicts and save you money.
• Get creative: If your dream venue is out of your budget or already booked, look for alternatives like a church ceremony followed by a reception at a nearby hotel ballroom.

Final Thoughts

Venue selection is a huge part of your wedding planning, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Stay organized, reach out to your network, and be persistent. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—sometimes the most unconventional venues can be the most magical.

In the end, you want a venue that feels like the right fit for both you and your partner, but also one that fits within your budget and allows for a stress-free wedding day.

I hope this post has given you some practical steps for navigating the venue search. If you found this helpful, be sure to check out the podcast for more tips and advice throughout your wedding planning journey.

Happy venue hunting! And remember, you've got this.