As we may have mentioned once or twice (or 15 or 546 times), your wedding is going to be one of the most important, beautiful days of your life. As such, it's imperative that you find the perfect venue that meets all your needs and preferences. When embarking on your wedding venue search, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not. Taking your hand in ours, we're here to help you in your wedding planning journey as much as humanly possible. Today, we're going to be going over 7 key factors you should take into account before booking your spot. 

7 key factors to consider during your wedding venue search 

1. Budget

First things first - your wedding budget. This is the first thing you need to consider when you start your planning journey, hands down. Having a clear idea of how much you're willing to spend is vital - and is an integral element of your wedding venue search. Once you and your partner have sussed out your budget, this will help you narrow down your search and focus on venues that are within your price range. Falling in love with a venue only to find out that it isn't in your budget is not fun. Not fun at all. Let us remind you - a wedding doesn't have to have an extortionate budget to be breathtakingly beautiful. We've shown off some gorgeous celebrations for under 5k and weddings under 10k. 

2. Location

Location, location, location. Not only a brilliant TV show with more seasons than I've had years on earth, but it's also a vital factor to consider on your wedding venue search. You want to start having a think of where you want to tie the knot; in the place you live, somewhere in the country you live, or abroad. If you're going more local, it's a good idea to choose a venue that's convenient for both you and your guests. Wouldn't it be great if there was a website with a Recommended venue directory that you could filter by location... But if you're planning a destination wedding, make sure to inform your guests as far in advance as possible. Wherever you decide to get married, you just have to keep you and your guests' comfort in mind when it comes to travelling and availability.

3. Availability - wedding venue search

Wedding venues are a pretty big deal. That's why they can get booked up pretty quickly. That's why we recommend you book your venue pretty early on in advance. Nobody wants to find their dream venue, only to find out it is all booked up until 2047. If your preferred venue is unavailable on your wedding date and you're determined to hold your ceremony or reception there, you must either alter your wedding date or find a new location. As soon as you discover the ideal wedding venue and confirm its availability, reserve it right away! Then you can sleep easy, knowing your venue is just that - yours! 

4. Capacity

Next up is guest capacity. Choosing a venue that can comfortably accommodate all the guests you want is fairly important. I'm pretty sure my Aunt Susan would throw her wedding hat at me if I made her stand for the whole ceremony... It's a good idea to let venues know how many guests you are intending on having. Regardless of whether you want an intimate celebration or an all-out party, certain venues will only be able to accommodate guests up to or from a certain number of guests. Don't fret, though - just remember to ask your potential wedding venues the right questions. 

5. Amenities 

Amen to amenities. When we talk about wedding venue amenities, we mean things like in-house catering services and bars, a dance floor, lighting, a sound system, parking spaces, on-site accommodation, tables, chairs, accessories... The list goes on. Of course, the amenities differ vastly from venue to venue. And it's not just the venues that differ - obviously, couples will have differences, too! Some couples will want/require more amenities than other couples, and that's completely fine. It's just important to make sure you know what you're paying for, what you should bring yourself, and what you should be asking your other suppliers. 

6. Weather - wedding venue search

It's essential to consider the weather when choosing a wedding venue. If you live in oh-so-sunny England like I do, then it's even more important. As a country infamous for unpredictable weather, you want to be prepared. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you want to choose a venue that has suitable arrangements in case of bad weather. For instance, you may want to choose a venue with an indoor backup option in case of rain. Although many venues provide additional rooms as an alternative in case of sudden weather changes, there are certain locations where you must arrange for a marquee or backup option on your own.

7. Style

Finally, we've got style. Whilst the other factors in this list are more on the pragmatic side of things, the style of your venue lands on the aesthetic. You want to choose a venue that matches your theme nicely. If you're going for more of a classic style, then a country house would be perfect. If you're a quirky couple, then a more unusual venue might be more for you. Whatever your style, there will be a venue that will fit perfectly. Check the photos, check out our Real Weddings, and have a look on social media. 

Whatever wedding venue you choose, your wedding is going to be spectacular. We promise!

Finding the perfect wedding venue does require careful consideration of various factors. But that doesn't mean you have to feel daunted or overwhelmed! By considering your budget, location, capacity, availability, amenities, style, and weather, you'll be able to find a venue that meets all your preferences. If you want a refresher on the different kinds of wedding venues that you can book, we've got you covered on that front. Alternatively, if you're starting your planning journey and want to find out how you can save for your wedding, we can help out there, too.