So, you’ve started looking for a wedding venue. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start and you’re not alone! We, as well as many other Omaha event halls, know that many brides can attribute the stress of planning to all of the decisions that need to be made, which includes catering, drinks, music, guest list, dress, cake and most importantly, the venue.
Some may argue that the most important part of a wedding is the spouse, and while that might be pretty high on the list, you also need a location to marry the said spouse. With that being said, here are some helpful tips and things to consider when beginning your search for your perfect wedding venue in hopes to ease some stress and help you narrow down exactly what you’re looking for.
Figure out your budget
This may seem like a given when it comes to planning a wedding in general, but the cost of a venue may take some brides by surprise. Before looking at all of your venue options, you should begin by setting your overall wedding budget. This means the absolute max amount of money you can spend (don’t forget to include any contributions from relatives). Once you have your total budget, divide that in half to determine the amount to be spent on venue and catering. That's right, about half of your budget is set aside for those two things tends to be the norm, so save up if you want to splurge on your favorite appetizers!
Know your guest list
Many times couples underestimate the amount of people that will be invited, how many will attend or how much space they will take up. It is important to have the guest list conversation early in order to really know what your options are. This will also help you break down your budget further.
Consider location
Your dream wedding vision may be to get married in a middle-of-nowhere forest, but before you buy designer hiking boots you may want to consider what this means for your guests. Are you okay with having to provide transportation for your guests? If they need to drive themselves, is there parking available or other ways to get themselves there? The overall atmosphere of the venue is important, but accessibility for your guests and wedding crew should be taken into consideration.
What’s included?
If you are wanting to bring in your own caterer, DJ, decorations or other elements, you may want to consider that when you are choosing your venue. Some are all inclusive providing linens, caterers, silverware, table pieces and other miscellaneous items and prefer that you do not bring in your own. This means that the overall price paid upfront for your venue will be pretty high, but by comparing how much you may spend on external elements you may see that it could be the cheaper, more efficient option. A great way to weigh your options is to contact a rental company and determine the total amount it would cost to get everything you need. Compare that to a non-inclusive venue and see what your budget looks like. For an example of inclusivity for you to compare with other Omaha event halls, here is what we offer our couples!
Align with your vision
This may be another no brainer, but make sure the locations you are scoping out match up well to your overall vision. If you are hoping for a modern feel, you may want to check out some art galleries, well-designed restaurant spaces or warehouses. Looking at pictures of previous weddings in that venue is a great way to get a feel for the possibilities. Choosing the right venue that enhances your theme is a great way to feel more connected to the space.
Lighting
Make sure the venue you’ve chosen has good lighting. Pictures are incredibly important to most couples because they are the best way to remember the special day. Go to the venue at the same time your ceremony would be and make sure the lighting is adequate or that it can be controlled.
Stay true to yourself
The last thing to remember when picking your wedding venue is to stay true to what feels right for you. With the world of social media, Pinterest and wedding TV shows, it can be easy to choose spaces that look great online or for other people, but be sure to pick somewhere that feels authentic to you as a couple and is an accurate representation of who you are.
Hopefully, you are feeling a bit less stressed about choosing your wedding venue after reading through a few tips. This is a special time and seeing all of the elements of your special day come together should be exciting! You may be looking around at lots of Omaha event halls, but contact us today to check your date and let’s see how we can help you plan your perfect ceremony.
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