How To Choose A Wedding Ceremony Venue
Whether it's a moment you've pictured your entire life, or one that you've barely considered, selecting a place in which to say 'I do' is a significant decision. Tanya Bywater shares the points couples should consider in their quest for a Wedding Ceremony setting perfectly suited to them.
Old Broadwater Farm (Western Australia)
Once the question's been popped, and answered, and the ring is securely on a finger, one of the next questions on everyone's lips is, “Where?”.
Even if you think you know, or you’ve had the perfect place picked out for years, take a breath before you respond, and refer to the advice below to make sure all of your needs, and those of your guests, are considered.
Establish Your Style
Regardless of whether you’re laissez-faire or totally-traditional types, ponder the venue styles that reflect your personality and preference. Ascertain whether you want a formal setting, or more casual surrounds, want to take religious beliefs into account, are more comfortable in a garden or chapel, or lean toward more modern or slightly rustic decors, and you’ll start to narrow your options down.
Balance Your Budget
Boring yes, but also essential. There’s no point setting your hearts on a venue that you simply can’t afford, so be realistic from the outset. Ask about inclusions too. Will you need to furnish or decorate the venue? Or is everything provided for you?
The Manor Basket Range (Adelaide) | Blush Wedding Photography
Think Timing
You don’t necessarily need to ‘set a date’ at this stage, but having an idea of the month, season or time of year you’d prefer can be helpful. A favoured wedding venue’s limited availability could dictate the date for you, or encourage you to explore options better suited to your timing preference.
Count Your Guests
Of course, you won’t need an exact head-count just yet, but having an idea of the numbers you’re likely to invite will help with your planning. A small, intimate setting might work well for fewer guests, but you’ll need plenty of room to comfortably accommodate larger groups.
Warrawong Estate | White Shutter Photography
Weigh The Weather
Even the most organised wedding planner can’t control the elements, so hope for glorious sunshine, but ensure there’s a contingency plan in case of inclement weather. Carefully consider the comfort of your guests when choosing a venue too — an exposed location on a blistering summer’s day, or an unheated mid-winter venue, may well distract from your ceremony.
Get Practical
Think beyond the ceremony, and consider the location in relation to the reception, photographs and beyond. If necessary, will it be convenient for you, and your guests, to travel between the ceremony, photographic locations and reception venue? Or do you want a location that offers the lot, perhaps even with guest accommodation as an option?
Do Your Research
Tap into the experiences of couples that have come before you and visit the ABIA Directory to read real-life ratings and reviews of a range of Australia-wide Wedding Venues. Or discover the best ceremony venues in your state, with our guides to ABIA Award-winning venues in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
