9 TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Deciding on the right wedding venue for you is a pivotal decision in your wedding planning journey! We are so lucky in South Australia have such a huge range of stunning venues. From chic inner-city venues to Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale winery’s to the Barossa Valley, there are so many beautiful wedding venues in to choose from!
In this guide, we'll walk you through 9 essential steps to help you choose your perfect wedding venue, ensuring your big day unfolds seamlessly in a venue that resonates with your personal style.
1. Define Your Vision:
Before diving into the search, decide your wedding vision. Consider the style, ambiance, and size of the venue that aligns with your dream celebration. Are you envisioning a country wedding, a historic manor, a winery, an urban chic vibe? If you are unsure, we recommend getting on pinterest and Instagram for inspo!
Consider your Ceremony, photo shoot locations and your reception. Some venues, in particular venues outside of the city offer an all-in-one package where your ceremony and reception are provided for at the same location as well as providing beautiful outside photo shoot opportunities. Eliminating the need for travel (for example from the ceremony, to photo shoot locations, to the reception) for you both, as well as for your guests and vendors can make for a smooth sailing day!
Some venues also offer a space for preparations also which can mean no additional travel is required at all (this also saves you time and money on your photographer and videography budget as by eliminating travel, you can book a package with fewer hours). City weddings on the other hand offer the option to utilise fabulous bars and architectural details in your photo shoot.
2. Set a Budget
Determine a realistic budget for your venue. Adelaide offers a range of options and varying price ranges, and having a budget in mind will help to narrow down your choices and guide your decision-making process. Consider also that some venues will offer food and drink packages, whilst others will require you to organise catering separately which may need to be incorporated into your budget.
3. Guest Count and Capacity:
Establish an estimated guest count early on. This will help you shortlist venues that can comfortably accommodate your guests while ensuring an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere.
4. Consider the Season:
Consider the time of year you want to get married and how the venue accommodates different seasons. When you view your venue we recommend asking about wet weather plans and options available.
5. Location and Accessibility:
Assess the venue's location and accessibility for your guests. Consider proximity to accommodations, parking facilities, and transport options.
6. Write down your questions before visiting venues:
It’s a good idea to write a list of questions before you go to be sure you get all the info you need at the visit. Pay attention to the layout, lighting, capacity and overall vibe of the venue, as well as checking out the ceremony location options and photo shoot locations. Some questions we recommend asking are:
Weather Contingency Plans: For outdoor venues, inquire about contingency plans for wet weather. Some venues will offer a back-up option for outdoor ceremonies, whereas others will require the couple to provide a marquee for example.
Any Venue Restrictions: Clarify any restrictions the venue may have, such as timing limitations, noise ordinances, parking, or restrictions that may impact on vendors. Knowing these details ahead of time will help you plan your wedding day timeline effectively.
Flexibility and Customization: Inquire about the venue's flexibility regarding customization and personalization. Some venues may have restrictions on decor or catering, while others offer more freedom to tailor the space to your vision.
Services and Amenities Available: Ask about any in-house services and amenities offered by the venue. Some venues provide catering, decor, and coordination services, streamlining the planning process.
7. Check Reviews:
Check out online reviews from couples who have had their weddings at the venues you are considering. This can provide insights into the venue's quality of service, and any potential challenges.
Follow the venue on Instagram and check out content relating to the venue to get a feel for it from real weddings.
8. Review Contracts Thoroughly:
Carefully review the venue contracts, paying attention to terms, conditions, and any extra fees. Ensure that your venue has adequate insurance in place. Check that all details, including the date, timing, and services and pricing, are accurately reflected in the contract.
9. Trust Your Instincts:
Ultimately, we recommend to trust your instincts. Was the owner/venue manager warm and receptive? Were they able to answer any questions or concerns you had? Was communication easy and smooth? Go with your gut and choose a venue that feels right and aligns with your vision. If a venue resonates with you, and sparks excitement, it's likely the perfect backdrop for your wedding day!
Choosing a wedding venue in Adelaide is such an exciting step in crafting your dream celebration. By considering all aspects of your vision, budget, and preferences, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect venue that sets the stage for an incredible wedding day!!