How to Choose a Wedding Venue

Every little detail of your wedding plays an important part in making your big day extra special. The date of your wedding, your guest list, your dress, your decor, the music, even your photobooth—when you combine all of these elements, they create an experience that is uniquely yours and your partner’s. One of the biggest details, however, is none other than your wedding venue.

It’s the base of your day. The location sets the tone of your event and it won’t go unnoticed because it will be the backdrop of all your wedding photography—and we mean all of them. And, of course, it is the place where you create memories that will last a lifetime with the ones you love. Your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your wedding.

To help you navigate this big wedding decision, we’ve listed below some essential factors to consider when you’re choosing your Hawaii wedding venue. As with any decision, remember to take your time. The more research and time you dedicate to figuring out this major wedding detail, the more rewarding the outcome will be.

It’s All In The Details

Start on the right foot by knowing what your requirements are. These will help you choose the perfect venue for your special day.

Your Timeline

If you have a particular dream location in mind, starting your search earlier is vital. Great wedding venues get booked 12 to even 18 months in advance. The sooner you get started, the more likely you are to get your first choice.

Speaking of time, another factor you should consider is what’s more important to you between picking a wedding date or choosing a venue. It’s best to go into a location with two ranges of dates: ones that work (like your favorite season or an anniversary) and ones that don’t (such as holidays or conflicting schedules that you’d like to avoid).

Your Guest List

When picking a wedding venue, you need to have an overall idea of how many people you want to invite. This will establish whether you’re searching for a location with a capacity for 50 or more people or an intimate venue perfect for a micro wedding.

If you’re planning on a smaller guest list, make sure not to pick an oversized space as you will have a difficult time making it feel full and intimate. On the other hand, if you’re planning for a big wedding with many of your loved ones present, ensure that everyone fits in the space.

Consider the accessibility of your venue to your guests as well. Directions should be easy-to-follow and straightforward so that guests who aren’t familiar with the area can easily make sense of it.

Your Chosen Locale

As a couple, one of the things that will help you narrow down your choices is to figure out which area you would like to have your wedding.

Another item to sort out is the number of venues. You can stick to just one or you can go fancy and choose a location for your wedding and another for your reception. If you’re thinking about the latter, it’s best to have a full understanding of the travel time from one venue to the next. This will help create a day-of schedule that your vendors can follow.

Your Wedding Costs

Planning mistakes come from the lack of a realistic budget. The venue typically isn’t just about how much renting the space will cost. You also have to look into decor, design, catering, photographers, and other wedding vendors. If you’re on a tighter budget, the best thing to do is to break down your overall cost into categories. Prioritize the vendors you feel are more significant than others.

Stay True To Your Style

The main goal of your wedding venue is to represent who you both are. If you’re both into something more contemporary, you can look into celebrating in an industrial space. Love that rustic feel? You can choose a location such as a ranch.

Whether it’s the beach or the city that your heart desires, it’s important to choose a space that feels authentic to you and your partner.

Consider The Experience of Your Guests

Always have your guests in mind, especially when deciding on your venue. If you’re planning on a destination wedding or if you’re inviting several out-of-town guests, it’s important to look into a venue that is near a hotel as much as possible.

Think about transportation as well. Make sure that there’s enough space for your guests to park their cars without having to walk a mile from your wedding site and another mile to your reception. When it comes to your guests’ experience, no detail should be left behind.

Look at What’s Included

There are lower-cost packages for sites that don’t provide full service (bar, catering, staffing, etc.). On the other hand, expect to put at least 40% to 50% of your budget forward to cover all the costs of a full-service venue. Make sure you’re getting a good deal by inquiring about site fees, food and beverage minimums, and other billable elements.

In addition, look into offers as well. Some venues may give you the bridal suite for a night or provide you with rooms for you and your guests to book. There are also locations where you can secure welcome drinks or canapés. These small details can have a huge impact on your budget as well as your guests’ satisfaction.

It’s The Feeling That Counts

There are just some venues that give you butterflies in your stomach the moment you step into them. Sometimes, the location of your wedding comes down to your gut feeling.

Just remember that if it keeps you awake at night, then maybe it’s all wrong. However, if it is what pops up in your mind when envisioning your special day and it ticks all the boxes, then it’s probably the right choice for you.

Your wedding venue is one of the very first big decisions you will make on your journey towards your special day. It deserves your undivided time and attention. Enjoy the process and take in all the options available to you. Research, read lots and lots of reviews, and sooner or later, you’ll find the perfect venue for your special day.