Choosing your wedding venue

The question of where and when a wedding will take place are not always as easy to answer as a couple would like them to be. Since the number of wedding venue options are infinite now, couples need to think about a wide variety of questions before the go ahead and select their space. Choosing a wedding venue might seem like a task consisting only of liking a space or not, but in reality there is way more to consider than that. Here are some tips to help you out.

Calculate The LogisticsWith all the emotion and excitement that comes with the early stages of wedding planning it is very easy for couples to see a venue, get excited and sign the contract. Remembering to consider the logistics of the venue can you big headaches later on. Everything from how many guest you will need the venue to fit, the season and time of day you want to have your wedding and any special accommodations your guests might need.

One of the first questions the venue will ask a couple is how many guest you'll be hosting. Having a rough idea of your wedding size -- whether it be 60, 125 or 300 guests -- will allow you to know what venue would best suit your wedding.

Also make sure you ask questions such as, "Is there heat and air conditioning? Is there a 'backup' space if all of a sudden it starts to rain? If there is a good lighting so that our guests will be able to see as the evening goes on?" also make sure the venue has proper accessibility for people with disabilities.

Visit The Venue At The Time Of Day Your Wedding Will BeSaturday is still the most popular day for couples to go out and visit venues and since most couples get married on a Saturday it only makes sense. But one of my most important rules is to go back for a second visit at the very time of day your wedding will be held. If you visit a venue at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and you are planning to have your wedding at 5 p.m. in the evening, you probably won't be getting the same view of the venue. It only seems logical to be able to see the venue at the very time of day you will be hosting your wedding but it is something that, most of the time, you will need to ask for.

Also when visiting a venue make sure you bring along your wedding planner or coordinator and have them take a look. Everything from how the light floods into the space, to if a cold draft sweeps through the hallway can help you figure out if this is the venue you want to spend your money on. Oftentimes wedding professionals have a different take of a venue and might offer some good advice.

Make more research There really are two very different types of wedding venues, full service and not full service. A full service wedding venue most of the time offers everything from table and chair rentals, to linens and catering supplies, while a non-full service venue most of the time only offers you the space and it is up to you to fill in the rest.

Your Day, Your way. Taking into account what style wedding you want will help you choose the venues you need to visit. If a modern indoor minimalist wedding is what you have your sights set on, you might want stay clear of any type of outdoor venues. Many couples think that they don't need to decide on a wedding style early on, but I think it is one of the most important decisions because you might be able to save on decorations and decor if you select a venue that suits your wedding day style.

Parking Space

Make sure the venue has a parking space or is near a good parking lot, garage, or big, empty (safe) street where it's legal to park. If parking is a problem, look for other ways to get everyone to the party. Can a shuttle bus or taxis take guests from the ceremony to the reception? You have to really consider this, you don’t want your wedding to be the cause of traffic congestion.

Ask, Ask & Ask Again Making a list and asking all the questions you have about a venue is important but not as important as asking that same question to multiple people associated with the venue. Depending on who you are dealing with and what their role is at the venue you might get different answers, so make sure you ask your questions to everyone -- from the catering manager, to the business manager, to the day-of coordinator. Important questions that you might not think to ask are, "How many weddings are held here in one a day? Who will be here helping me the actual day of the wedding? Do you have any construction or landscape changes coming up before my wedding? Do you anticipate any changes to the venue before the wedding day?" Just when you think you have asked enough questions, ask again and then of course get everything in writing!