How to Pick Your Wedding Venue
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during the planning process… and the most expensive. But you shouldn’t base your decision on budget alone. Similar to your wedding dress, you should be searching for that special feeling of finding “the one,” but there are other factors to consider as well. As you walk through your potential wedding location, be on the lookout for these certain things.
What to Look For in a Wedding Venue
Size of Guest List
Make sure the room or space is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list. The site may look enormous when it’s empty, but wedding essentials – tables, chairs, buffet, gift table, wedding DJ setup – will fill it quickly. And, of course, your guests will need some elbow room. The best way to assess the size of a wedding venue is to take a tour of the venue, see it for yourself and layout a floor plan with the representative you’re working with.
Fall in love with a venue that doesn’t accommodate your guest list? Learn how to trim your guest list.
Budget
Bottom line: can you afford it?
For most couples, one of the top factors in your decision when picking your wedding venue is your budget. We recommend getting an idea of costs prior to touring venues. The last thing you want is to tour and fall in love with a venue that doesn’t fit your budget – you’ll end up either heartbroken, or going way over your wedding budget.
Style
Don’t forget to consider your wedding aesthetic. Are you dreaming of an elegant soiree in a grand ballroom? Maybe you could not imagine saying “I do” anywhere other than a barn. Or perhaps, a chic black-tie affair is more your style. Start by determining your overall wedding style and vision, and then narrow down your venue search.
Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Wedding Venue
Will the space be shared?
Banquet halls and hotels often hold more than one wedding at a time. While this is personal preference, it is something to keep in mind while doing research. Most venues do an excellent job keeping events separate and making you feel like you’re the only wedding in the building.
What is included with the space?
From table linens, chiavari chairs, even centerpieces – ask the venue rep what types bonus items come included in their various packages. Working with a venue that includes these extras in their package can save you time, money and eliminates the need to work with another wedding vendor.
Hm? That concept sounds familiar. Have you heard of The Team Approach?
Do they have a backup plan?
While you might not even want to think about rain putting a damper on your outdoor wedding, you can’t look at venues without considering an alternative plan of action should Mother Nature have other ideas, this is Michigan after all. Determine if there’s an indoor space you can use should the weather take a turn for the worst. Love the location of a venue but want that open air vibe for your reception? Ask the wedding venue if there’s an option to set up an outdoor tent.
Read More: Our Back Up Plan
What about the not-glamourous essentials?
There’s nothing exciting about checking for plenty of power outlets at a wedding venue, but it’s one of those minor details you don’t want to overlook. You’ll want to make sure that your wedding DJ has all the power they need to keep the party going. This means taking note of all the electrical outlets in your reception & ceremony area.
Another less glamorous topic: bathrooms.
- Can they handle your guest count?
- Are they clean?
- ADA compliant?
Checking out your potential venue’s restroom situation is an absolute must.
Looking for information and inspiration for Metro Detroit Wedding Venues?
Get inspired by our featured weddings! Browse popular Metro Detroit wedding venues and learn from the couples who got married there to find inspiration for your wedding day.
The Mike Staff Productions Guarantee
At Mike Staff Productions, we trust that you’ll choose the perfect person to work with because you know what you want on your wedding day! There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all wedding photographer, DJ or videographer – we get that, that’s why we invite you to be a part of the planning process.
Let’s bring your wedding vision to life!
Mike Staff is the founder and CEO of Mike Staff Productions, one of the most highly acclaimed wedding services companies in the country, providing award-winning Wedding DJs, Wedding Photographers, and Wedding Videography for over 25 years.
