When choosing a venue, there are three major things to take into account.  This quick assessment will help you find the wedding venue of your dreams that will fulfill all your plans for your big day.

Location.

The first thing you need to ask yourself is where your wedding will be located.  Will your ceremony take place at a specific place of worship? Do you want your venue to be centrally located for friends and family members?  Are you interested in a destination wedding? Before you even start researching venues, it’s important to consider each of these factors.

Is it most important that your venue be located:

> near where you will be living?

> in the bride or groom’s hometown?

> nearby to a place of worship?

> at a tropical destination?

Guest list.

Another huge factor when choosing a venue is the capacity of that venue compared to your guest list.  If you are considering a venue that you are in love with but will only hold half of the guests you want to invite, is it worth moving forward?  Are you willing to sacrifice a number of friends or relatives to fit in a smaller venue?

When you imagine your wedding day and reception, which scenario comes to mind:

> Elopement:  an intimate event with only a handful of your closest friends and family members?

> A Small Wedding:  a larger, but still cozy reception with only dear friends and family members?

> A Big Wedding:  enough space to include most of your contact list in your big day?

> The Party of the Century:  a block-party level gathering including your friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances?

After you know exactly where you stand with regards to your guest list, you can choose a venue that is the right size for your guest list.

Budget.

Venues come at a variety of price points and knowing your budget can also help you when looking at venue options.  Once you know where you would like potential venues to be located and around what size your venue needs to be, you can narrow your options down to which venues fit your budget the best.  Remember, most couples will spend almost half of their budget on a venue, so it is a big monetary commitment. Having a set budget in mind can help tremendously. You also have to know how flexible your price point is.  

What is your budget and how flexible is that budget:

>Set Budget:  Do you have a set price you are willing to pay that is not flexible?

>Flexible Budget:  Is there a range of prices you are willing to consider depending on how much you love the venue?

>Nonspecific Budget: Do you have a general idea of what you want to spend, but you’re willing to contemplate venues out of your price range?

Once you have decided the location of your venue, the size of your guest list, and your budget and budget type, you have a checklist for the perfect venue.  Write your answers below and keep this checklist with you as you set out to find the perfect venue for you!

Looking for venue ideas in the Sioux Falls area? I have a few favorites. Send me an email at savannah@lukeandsavannah.com to ask! Ready to book us? Contact me here!

Location:  

Guest List Size:  

Budget & Flexibility: