The wedding venue isn’t the most important element of your big day, but it can contribute tremendously to how it feels. That’s why you want to make sure that it has all the features you want.
But what should you be looking for?
Photo-Worthy Backdrops
The first thing you’ll want to look out for is photo-worthy backdrops. These should be ready and waiting to go the moment you and your guests arrive.
Many of the most beautiful venues, like St Osyth Priory, offer these naturally as part of their architecture and landscaping. However, some venues might not have the right setting, so you may need to use an artificial backdrop or photo booth.
Personal Connection
You also want the wedding venue you choose to have a personal connection. It should feel significant to you in some way, perhaps in ways you can’t describe.
Gut feeling will, of course, play a role. It should excite you and your partner. Furthermore, it could also have cultural significance, changing how you feel about it. Perhaps you visited it together in the past, or maybe you want something that reflects your heritage.
The Wow Factor
For guests, you want the venue to have the “wow factor.” It should have unique features that people will remember long after the wedding (and perhaps become a part of their lore).
For example, you could get a place with a rooftop terrace and bar so people can look out onto the surrounding lawns in the evening during the after-party.
You could also look for a place that serves the best food. Many venues have kitchens on-site staffed by expert chefs you can use if you rent them out for the whole day.
Staff And Support Team
You also want to keep an eye out for on-site staff and support teams. These professionals can make the day go much more smoothly and answer any questions that you might have.
For example, you could ask about their role during the event, and their experience of the wedding. You could also check the vendor policies to see whether they can recommend anyone, or provide support in-house. You don’t usually know what’s on offer until you ask.
Budget
Another consideration, of course, is the budget. You want venues that offer clear pricing for things like staff and cleanup. You don’t want to get hit by a big and unexpected bill after the ceremony because the venue neglected to add additional charges at the start.
Be sure to discuss things like overtime costs. If your wedding schedule overruns, you may need to pay extra to keep people on-site longer.
Logistics
Finally, you want a venue that most guests can access with no problems. If you can find one with Airbnbs nearby, that can help tremendously.
As for parking and transportation, guests will usually arrange this themselves. The only exception is if the wedding is in a foreign country. In these cases, you may want to organize a bus to collect people on the day.