Discover Your Dream Wedding Venue: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Perfect Setting for Your Special Day

Congratulations if you are newly engaged and looking to start planning your wedding. Have you and your partner spoken yet about what you envision for the day? Once your venue is booked, you’ve taken the edge off the plans and can relax as you work on the finer details.

Finding a picture-perfect wedding venue can feel like a grand task, but it’s also an enthusing opportunity to set the tone for your special day. Whether you’re visualising a manor house, barn or English garden ceremony, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure you find the right fit for you. This blog will help you on your journey.

Determine Your Budget

Before you start visiting venues, it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend. It’s super important to be clear on your budget and filter your search accordingly. This will help narrow down your options and ensure you’re not falling in love with a venue that’s out of your price range. You might want to change your day of the week or time of year to get a better venue for a lower price. Saturdays in the summer will usually cost you top shelf prices compared to other days.

Set Your Guest List

Knowing how many people you’ll be inviting to your wedding will help you determine the venue size you’ll need. Don’t forget to factor in space for vendors, a dance floor, and any additional amenities you may want. That way you’ll waste no time in touring the wrong venues. A marquee or barn wedding can allow for larger capacity parties whilst intimate weddings for smaller numbers call for a cosier space which keeps the atmosphere alive.

Consider The Location

Where are most of your guests coming from? It’s good to think about the location of your wedding venue in relation to your guests. Is it easily accessible for out-of-towners? Is there ample parking or public transportation options? Are there enough hotel rooms? If your guests are coming from abroad can they access your venue easily from the main airport? And if your guests are all travelling from up north, might you want to get married up north instead? Because northern venues can be considerably cheaper.

Take A Tour

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, its time to schedule tours of the venues that interest you. This will give you a chance to see the space in person and get a feel for the layout and atmosphere.

If possible, its good to visit the venue when its dressed for a wedding and when the weather mimics the date of your wedding. That way you know what to expect with the grounds.

You can make your wedding memorable by choosing a venue that suits your personality. Think outside the box. I’ve DJed in a lighthouse, gin distillery and many other usual venues which added quirk to the day! 

Think About The Details

As you explore venues, consider the little things that will make your wedding day special. Is there enough space for your dream wedding décor? Does the venue have good lighting or a backup plan in case of inclement weather? Is the venue so beautiful it doesn’t need décor? It’s amazing how fairy lights can transform an indoor or outdoor space. And of course, music can really lift the mood of your guests and the right wedding DJ can bring a personal touch by spinning some of your most loved songs.

Don’t Be Afraid To Negotiate

Once you’ve found the perfect venue, don’t be afraid to negotiate with the venue coordinator to see if they’re willing to work with you on things like price or additional amenities. Do some research and get at least three quotes so you know what sounds about right. Remember, finding the perfect wedding venue is all about striking a balance between your vision, your budget, and your guests’ needs. With a little time and patience, you can get everything you want.

Book Your Wedding DJ

DJ Paula would be happy to help with your evening entertainment. She covers the south east of England including London, Kent and Sussex and she provides a full DJ setup and photobooth to keep your guests entertained. Paula is a 2023 Finalist for DJ of the Year in the Wedding Industry Awards. She’s a professional wedding DJ with 6 years experience and excellent reviews.

Paula can DJ for up to 5 hours and she brings the full setup including DJ table, speakers and lighting. She’s DJed in 16 countries worldwide and played festivals, clubs and arenas. Paula has even hosted her own radio show in the UK and played over 200 UK venues.

Get in touch with DJ Paula Frost at weddinggirldj.com via the contact form to talk through the details of your big day.