Your wedding venue sets the stage for your entire day, from the ambiance to the logistics. Finding the perfect spot isn’t just about beauty—it’s about fit. At Lily in June, we’re here to help you choose a venue that brings your vision to life. Ready to start the search? Here are our expert tips!
1. Picture Your Perfect Day: Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Before you start visiting venues, take a moment to envision how you want your wedding day to unfold. Are you dreaming of a rustic barn surrounded by fields, a chic urban space with modern design, or a romantic garden overflowing with blooms? Defining your style—whether it’s classic, whimsical, bohemian, or something in between—will help narrow down your venue options and guide your decisions.
Think about how you want to spend your day. Are you imagining a laid-back celebration with outdoor games and plenty of time for your guests to socialize? Or is your vision an epic dance party that keeps going until you make your grand exit under the night sky? Your day’s activities will influence the type of venue you choose, whether it’s an expansive outdoor space or an elegant indoor setting.
Tip: If you’re planning a relaxed outdoor wedding with lawn games and socializing, look for venues with large outdoor areas, such as gardens or vineyards. If your dream is a lively indoor reception with dancing and lights, a spacious ballroom or modern loft might be the perfect fit.
By picturing your ideal day, you’ll be better equipped to choose a venue that reflects your style and ensures the celebration flows seamlessly from start to finish.
2. Budget Brilliance: Making It Work
Setting a realistic budget early on is key to finding a venue that ticks all your boxes without breaking the bank. Wedding venues can vary significantly in price depending on location, size, and what’s included in their packages. Some venues are all-inclusive, providing everything from tables and chairs to catering and decor, while others simply offer the space and leave the rest up to you.
It’s important to know what’s included in the venue fee so you can accurately compare costs and avoid surprises. An all-inclusive venue may seem more expensive upfront but can often save you time, money, and stress in the long run by bundling everything into one neat package. On the other hand, a more flexible venue allows you to bring in your own vendors, giving you more creative control, but potentially requiring more coordination and budgeting for separate rentals and services.
Tip: When discussing pricing with venues, ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included. Does the fee cover essential items like tables, chairs, and linens? What about setup, teardown, or even lighting? These small details can add up quickly if they aren’t factored into the initial budget.
Balancing your budget with your dream vision takes some planning, but with clear expectations and a little flexibility, you can make it work!
3. The Guest List Guide: Size Matters
Your guest list plays a crucial role in venue selection. A space that’s too small will feel cramped, while a venue that’s too large might lose its intimate feel. Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest count, leaving room for a dance floor, food stations, and mingling areas.
Tip:Look beyond the venue’s maximum capacity and consider how much space will be left once tables, decor, and other elements are added. If you’re hosting a large event, ensure there’s enough room for extra activities like a lounge or photo booth. For smaller weddings, opt for a cozy space to keep the atmosphere warm and personal.
Ultimately, the venue should fit your guest count comfortably while enhancing the overall experience.
4. Find the Flow: Layout is Everything
The layout of your venue can make or break the flow of your wedding day. It’s important to think about how the different spaces within the venue work together to create a seamless experience for you and your guests. Will there be separate areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? Is there enough space for dining, dancing, and mingling?
Consider how your guests will move through the day. Do you want a grand reveal for the reception after the ceremony, or would you prefer everything to be in one open space? The venue’s layout should support the flow of your wedding vision, whether you’re going for a formal sit-down dinner with designated spaces or a more relaxed atmosphere where guests can move freely between areas.
Tip: Look for venues with flexible layouts that can adapt to your needs. If you’re planning an indoor-outdoor celebration, make sure the space can accommodate weather changes. Ensure there’s room for specific elements like a dance floor, food stations, or a cozy lounge for guests to relax between events.
5. Seasons and Settings: Timing is Key
The time of year you’re getting married will greatly influence your venue choice. A dreamy outdoor venue may seem perfect for a spring or summer wedding, but unpredictable weather in other seasons can make outdoor weddings tricky. Consider how the season impacts everything from the aesthetics of the venue to the comfort of your guests. Will the flowers be in bloom? Is it too cold or too hot for an outdoor reception?
Beyond aesthetics, think about the practical aspects of your wedding season. For instance, peak wedding season (spring and fall) often comes with higher venue prices, while booking in the off-season can help stretch your budget. Additionally, if you’re dreaming of a winter wedding or an unpredictable-weather season, look for venues with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces so you have a backup plan.
Tip: Consider the activities you want to prioritize based on the season. If you're having an outdoor celebration in spring or summer, does the venue offer shaded areas or covered patios to keep guests cool? For cooler months, ensure there are heating options or cozy indoor spaces to keep everyone comfortable.
6. The All-Inclusive Dream or DIY Fantasy?
One major decision when choosing a venue is how hands-on you want to be. All-inclusive venues simplify the planning process by bundling services like catering, rentals, and decor, making it a great option if you’re looking for convenience and less coordination. On the flip side, DIY venues offer full creative control, allowing you to choose every vendor, but this comes with the added responsibility of managing logistics and setup.
Tip: When considering an all-inclusive venue, ask about how customizable their packages are. Do they allow flexibility in vendors or decor options? For DIY venues, ensure that you have enough time, budget, and support to handle coordinating multiple vendors, especially for elements like rentals and catering.
Ultimately, the choice depends on how much involvement you want in the planning process. Whether you prefer the ease of an all-inclusive venue or the creative freedom of a DIY space, make sure it aligns with your vision and comfort level.
Finding your ideal wedding venue is all about balance—matching your vision with your budget, guest list, and logistics. By considering these key factors, you’ll be one step closer to finding the venue that will make your wedding day unforgettable.
Need help with the search? The team at Lily in June is here to guide you every step of the way!
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