Where To Start With Wedding Planning: How To Choose A Wedding Venue
We have planned countless weddings based in New York & beyond, and that means we have been asked endless times, “How do we even choose our wedding venue?” We get it! There are so many options, and we always tell clients how important it is to make this decision very early on in the planning process. It will dictate the majority of your future wedding decisions! It sets the tone, the budget, and the entire guest experience. With that, we have learned a few critical things every couple MUST consider before locking in their wedding venue. Before you fall in love with a space and sign the dotted line, here are the essential wedding planning tips you need to make your decision.
Wedding Venue Capacity: Not only will your guests fit, but comfortably?
One of the first questions to ask a venue for your wedding is how many guests it can hold. But don't stop there. Wedding venue capacity and comfortable capacity are two very different things. A room that technically fits 200 guests might feel cramped once you factor in a dance floor, a band, a sweetheart table, a floral installation, and a dessert station. Think carefully about your wedding guest count and how you want your guests to feel in the space. Don’t worry, this is where we would come in to help you visualize the space and your prioroties.
Wedding Budget Planning: The Bigger Picture
The venue fee is just the beginning... Before committing, zoom out and look at the full financial picture. Florals, entertainment, photo, video, attire, not to mention lighting, rentals, and catering if they are not included, all need to fit (based on your priorities!) These costs add up fast, and a lot goes into it. Are some of these vendors included with the total cost, or is it a raw space? This is one of the most important tips for wedding planning that couples consistently overlook.
Wedding Venue Requirements: What Are You Actually Signing Up For?
Every venue comes with its own set of rules, and these can have a major impact on your design and logistics. As part of your wedding venue planning, ask about in-house catering requirements, curfews, and whether the venue restricts outside vendors or mandates specific rental companies. Are there time or seasonal constraints? These aren't small details - they affect everything from your menu to your decor to how late the party goes. Read the contract carefully and ask every question upfront so there are no surprises on the big day. P.S. A planner will do this last step for you!
Wedding Guest Experience: Put Yourself in their Shoes
When deciding on a wedding venue, walk through the full guest experience as if you were them: arrival to ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and everything in between. Would you enjoy the flow as a guest? Is there enough space for all the moments you're envisioning? These are key aspects of your decision! Will guests have a comfortable place to sit, mingle, and dance? A beautiful venue that creates a frustrating or uncomfortable wedding guest experience will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Again, we’ve got you covered on navigating this!
Accessibility: Don't Overlook This!
Accessibility is a non-negotiable part of wedding venue planning and one of the most overlooked essential wedding planning tips we share with every couple. Consider your full guest list - are there elderly guests, guests with mobility needs, or guests requiring special accommodations? Ask the venue specifically about accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, and parking. Whether you're planning locally or looking at destination wedding tips for an out-of-town celebration, a venue that works seamlessly for most guests but creates barriers for others isn't the right fit.
Ready to Choose a Wedding Venue that Fits Your Priorities & Desires? Let's Talk.
Now you know exactly what to look for when choosing your wedding venue. If this list of wedding planning tips has your head spinning just a little, that's completely normal! Wedding venue planning involves so many moving parts, and the decisions you make at this stage will shape everything that comes after. The good news? You don't have to figure it out alone! Finding the right planner is one of the most important steps you can take before you even tour your first space. Whether you're using these tips as where to start with wedding planning or you're deep in the process already, cue BLB Events - that's us, your NY wedding planners and new best friends in navigating every detail, from wedding budget planning to wedding guest experience, so you can stop stressing and start celebrating. Let's make this dream a reality together! Check out one of our TikTok’s on this topic, too!
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Our expertise with high-end budgets, iconic spaces, and world-class vendor teams ensures that your celebration at the New York Public Library will be flawlessly executed and truly unforgettable. If you’re ready to begin planning your dream wedding in this breathtaking Manhattan landmark, we’d be honored to guide you every step of the way. We are more than ready to bring your vision to life.
Planning- BLB Events | Photos- Sasithon Photography, Justin Jun Lee, Weddings by Nato, and Eryc Perez de Tagle.