How to Choose a Wedding Venue
Wedding and Event Venue in Stafford, Va
What is a wedding venue?
Before we can find something we have to know what it is that we are seeking. What is a wedding venue? Technically, anyplace you host a wedding is a venue, which means that most anyplace can be a wedding venue and doesn’t help us narrow things down. I think it best to approach venue selection one of two ways, either select a venue and plan your wedding around it or plan your wedding and match the venue to your plan. It is very frustrating when you cannot reconcile the venue you love with the wedding plan that you want. Both ways to approach venue selection are very much a personal choice and neither is better or worse.
Outdoor Venue
Outdoor vs. Indoor Venue.
Selecting the venue first can based on any number of things; it matches your personal style, projects a desired image, is a convenient location for your guests, etc. However, planning around the venue may have trade offs such as limiting your number of guests, require flexibility in event of weather if outdoors, and adjusting your date for seasonal conditions. When you find the right place, you just know it and adds to the magic of your wedding.
Planning your wedding first and finding a complimentary venue comes with pros and cons. The way you envision your ceremony and your other requirements drive your plan, whether it is a formal affair, a relaxed ceremony, or something in between. After you decide on the style and the major requirements for your ceremony you have to find a venue that will accommodate your vision. You may have budget constraints due to other expenses, travel limitations to accommodate guest, or seasonal considerations that impact venue choices.
While neither method is better you should consider making one or the other a priority. The expression of, “when everything is important, nothing is important”, rings true. Work with your partner and be willing to compromise on non-priority issues to reduce stress and have the wedding you truly want.