Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Venue

This is a shot on the upper level of District Loft in Benson. Beautiful, light and airy! Photo by M.Julie Photography

Lately I have been working with engaged couples to source and tour venues for their wedding ceremonies and receptions so I thought I would share some of my tips on how you can narrow down your wedding venue options and find the perfect one for your big day!

Budget:

Before I even start looking for and thinking of venues that will be a fit for my clients, I ask for their budget as a whole and then how much they want to spend on their ceremony and reception only (includes venue fees, food and drink.) Included in these costs are often fees to rent the space and often times service fees, fees for security and clean up. You’ll need to take this all into consideration. For example, if I have a client that tells me their entire budget for their wedding is $15,000 for 200 guests - I most likely want to look for a venue that doesn’t cost more than $2,000 for a rental fee - all inclusive. Most venues will tell you what their rental fee is and what it includes on their website. If you like what you see from photos, the reviews are good and it fits within the budget - it’s time to see it in person and set up a tour.

Parking and Venue Convenience:

You’ll need to think about and determine whether you want a venue that includes everything (catering, bar, linens, decor etc.) also known as an all-inclusive venue or a venue where you can choose your vendors yourself. For example, if there is a caterer you know you want to use - you’ll want to find a venue that allows you to bring in your own caterer. Many will have a list of preferred caterers they allow you to use or have their own in-house caterer you will need to use. It also depends on how much work you want to do (if you are not working with a wedding planner :)) as with an all-inclusive venue, you won’t have to make a ton of decisions or work with different vendors. However, if you choose a venue where you can work with any vendor you’d like - that will include more decisions, time and work to coordinate all of the vendors. If you are working with a wedding planner (**cough, cough**) they will do all of this work for you.

Make sure to also consider whether or not the venue is easy to get to and what the parking situation is. I’m all for a killer venue downtown but sometimes the parking can be limited. And if you have guests traveling in for your big day - make sure there are hotels nearby and shuttles available for transportation if needed.

Skyview Lounge at the Holland. Photo: courtesy of Omaha Performing Arts Center

Aesthetic:

Does the venue fit the general vibe, feeling, theme or décor you’re going for for your event? For example, if you are dreaming of a modern look and feel, a country club or garden probably isn’t for you. Setting up a site visit/tour can help with this as it’s hard to get a feel for the space from just photos online. Make sure to note how the venue makes you feel when you visit too. Is it inviting and can you imagine your wedding there? Can you see your guests eating, drinking and dancing or will you be worried there isn’t enough room or Great Grandma Marge won’t be able to make it down the stairs? It’s a little bit like your fiancé - when you know - you know!

Logistics:

Before you get too far down the road, make sure the venue has your wedding date available (this is something else we as a wedding planning company would do for you). You’ll also want to ask about their rules to make sure they are in line of what you are thinking. For example, some venues don’t allow open flame candles so if taper candles were part of your vision - it may not be the place for you. You’ll also want to explore and think about a rain plan if you want any part of your event outside.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, think about what type of feeling you want to evoke on your wedding day and go with your gut! And make a list of pros and cons for each venue too if you really can’t decide. You can also hire S.Lukas & Company to help you source, tour and narrow down venues for your big day! We can do this service a la carte for you.

When did you know that you had found your perfect wedding venue? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

Happy Planning!

Garden Patio at Cafe Postale. A perfect setting for small, intimate wedding. Photo: Tiny Luxe Weddings @tinyluxeweddings⁠