Choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, or a scenic outdoor ceremony, the right venue sets the tone for your celebration.
But beyond the aesthetics, there are key elements that every venue should have to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly and stress-free. Here are ten things we think you should look for when selecting your perfect wedding venue.
A Supportive In-House Team
Having an experienced and supportive in-house team can make all the difference in your wedding planning experience. It can, quite frankly, make or break the whole experience. Look for a venue where the team is not only helpful but also proactive in guiding you through the process. A great team will assist with everything from logistics to troubleshooting on the day of, ensuring that things go off without a hitch. You want to feel confident that they’ve got everything covered so you can enjoy your day stress-free. When we feature real weddings, it’s a joy when the couple mention how important the team has been in their celebration!
Strong Relationships with Trusted Suppliers
The best venues often have a curated list of trusted suppliers they regularly work with. From florists and caterers to photographers and DJs, these venues can recommend top-tier suppliers who know the venue inside out. This network of contacts can save you time and help you find reliable suppliers who understand the unique details of the space, ensuring that every element of your day is in sync.
Flexibility in Customising Your Day
Every wedding is different, and so is every venue. So, historic restrictions and open flame rules aside, it’s important to choose a venue that has an element of flexibility on areas that are important to you, whether that’s the layout, the décor, the scheduling or the suppliers you can use. A venue that’s adaptable will allow you to create a celebration that feels personal.
Clear and Responsive Communication
Planning a wedding often involves a lot of back-and-forth with your venue, so you’ll want to choose one that communicates clearly and promptly. There’s nothing worse than waiting days for an answer to an important question. A venue that’s quick to respond provides clear information, and offers transparency about pricing and availability will make the planning process smoother and far less stressful! B-T-S, we’re currently working on a big platform update, and one of the areas we’ve worked hard on is pricing transparency… we hope it’s a helpful first step to opening up the conversation with your shortlisted venues.
Ample Space (indoor/outdoor)
Having the option of both indoor and outdoor spaces can give you greater flexibility when planning your wedding. Outdoor ceremonies can be stunning, but it’s also important to have an indoor (or sheltered) backup in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Look for a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options so you can seamlessly transition between spaces for different parts of your day, from the ceremony to cocktail hour and the reception; even if you’re having a woodland wedding, chat through the options with the venue should the weather let you down.
On-Site or Nearby Accommodation
If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, having on-site accommodations or nearby options is a major plus. It’s convenient for both you and your guests, especially if you’re planning a weekend-long celebration. Even if the venue doesn’t offer accommodation, they should have partnerships with nearby hotels or be able to suggest transportation options to ensure your guests have a hassle-free experience.
Well-Equipped Facilities
The little things matter when it comes to venue facilities. When you’re visiting venues, you should check that they have well-maintained bathrooms for your guest count, a well-equipped kitchen for caterers (if you’re opting for a dry-hire event), or perhaps a private dressing space for you and your wedding party. Ample parking, good lighting, and easy accessibility are also key details that can significantly improve the comfort and experience of your guests.
Beautiful Backdrops for Photos
When you tour a venue, pay attention to the photo opportunities both indoors and outdoors. Ask where they usually recommend their couples to have their portraits snapped! You’ll want a venue with beautiful settings, whether a charming garden, striking architecture, or scenic views. Your venue’s backdrop will play a big role in capturing those key moments, so make sure there are plenty of picturesque spots for your photographer to work with.
Quality Sound and AV Systems
Great sound is pretty essential for everything from your ceremony vows to the dance floor during your reception. Check that the venue has quality audio-visual equipment or at least allows you to bring in your own suppliers if needed. A venue with good speakers, microphones, and lighting systems will make sure your music, speeches, and entertainment come to life.
Backup Plans for the Unexpected
No matter how much planning you do (even if you have a Wedding Planner’s expertise), some things are out of your control—like the weather. A good venue will have a solid backup plan for any unforeseen issues. Whether it’s a backup indoor space for an outdoor ceremony or contingency plans for power outages, make sure your venue has options in place to handle anything that might come up on the day. Having these plans ready to go will give you peace of mind. And don’t worry; they will have seen it all, so they will be able to manage anything unusual or unforeseen!
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect wedding venue is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about choosing a place that offers everything you need for a seamless celebration. From a dedicated in-house team to well-equipped facilities and flexible planning options, these ten elements ensure your wedding day will be as magical and stress-free as possible. Keep these tips in mind as you visit venues, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the ‘perfect’ spot!
