Finding the Perfect Venue

When looking for a venue, make sure you ask the essential questions such as when the earliest arrival time is, when vendors are allowed to set up, what time the reception will need to end and what time guests need to be off the property.

There are so many things to look into and consider when finding the perfect venue for your big day, the first step after picking a date for your wedding. Here are 10 points of advice for things to look for and what to watch out for that you may not already know.

• A hotel venue will have different arrangements than a facility you rent for the day. Hotels are great because they have overnight rooms for you and your guests. If you have a venue that does not provide overnight accommodations, you could have transportation for your guests.
• Some wedding venue rentals will allow you to choose your own caterer. Be sure to ask if the venue requires you to use a certain caterer. If they do, you will want to check pricing before committing to the venue. It’s also recommended to taste the food as well.
• Make sure you ask the venue if they provide tables and chairs. If they do not, you will have an additional rental fee for these items.
• Even if the venue’s décor does not fit exactly with your ideas for your wedding, remember you can always use flowers and accessories to change the ambiance.
• It’s important to ask if a DJ must be used or if it is permitted to have a live band or live music.
• If you are allowed to bring your own alcohol, you will need a licensed bartender and an insurance policy for the day of your event. This can be acquired through your insurance company as a one-day event insurance policy.
• The cancelation/postponement policy is important. Life events can happen. For instance, if one of you or both of you are in the military, you need a venue that is flexibly.
• When you find a place you love for your wedding, check to make sure it will fit all of your needs. You will want it to fit all your guests comfortably. If you need an area for the ceremony, it may be an additional cost. And keep in mind an alternative option to outdoors in case of inclement weather.
• Make sure your guests will be able to find the location you choose. It is always a good idea to make sure you have accurate directions to the location of your wedding.
• Check if the date of your wedding conflicts with events in the area. This may prohibit your guests to getting to your wedding on time.

Tips provided by Wendy Hammaker, wedding coordinator from Hammaker’s Flower Shop in Lemoyne, Pa.