Venue selection is one of the most critical decisions in wedding planning, due to the fact that the couple has to sort out several preferences until the final decision is made.
Here are a few tips on how to evaluate, organize, and identify some key decisions until the final venue is picked.
1- Budget planning
In Nova Scotia, the average couple spends %30-40 of their wedding budget on the wedding venue. The average cost is approximately $29,500. Obviously, it is possible to find venues at a lower or higher cost depending on what you are looking for.
However, it’s important to determine a price and start contacting venues for bookings and date availability. Certain wedding venue types get crowded during certain seasons.
A winery in autumn or a hotel venue in winter, for example. Furthermore, some venues offer early bird discounts or packages that include services like catering or decoration for a low price.
In conclusion, you can see why fixing a budget for venue costs can often be the first step in choosing a venue.
2-Wedding Theme and Style
What is the general vibe like when you close your eyes and picture your wedding? Do you dream of dreamcatchers, feathers, and earthy tones? Or perhaps you see nautical decor, seashells, and pastels. What’s on your vision board when you start pinning on your Pinterest?
Your aesthetic and style will guide your venue choice. If you’re thinking of a nautical, sea-centric wedding, you won’t choose a winery or an art gallery as your venue.
So start “pinning” and discussing with your fiancee about the vibe you’re going for. You don’t want to learn at the last minute that they want the opposite theme.
Nova Scotia offers such a wide range of venues that it would be better for you to start thinking early and visiting multiple venues at once. Explore the beautiful beaches, gorgeous barns, and landscapes all at once!
3- Indoors vs Outdoors
This choice might seem simple enough, but it could be your turning point. Often, couples choose one and move forward based on the decision.
Especially, due to the fact that venues may not be available at all times. Therefore, this choice is definitely critical and should be a priority.
A wedding’s style and theme also dictate whether it will be indoors or outdoors. Consider optimizing decisions together.
4- Locations and Packages
The wedding ceremony, reception, after party… Each of these events can be held in a different location. Some venues offer different rooms/spaces within the location; some don’t.
Some couples may prefer different locations, like a barn, than a winery or a beach, then a bar; some may want to be in the same space for the entirety of the event… It’s all up to you and your preferences as a couple.
In Nova Scotia, there is a wide variety of natural beauty as well as resorts to choose from. There are lakes, beaches, all-inclusive resorts, national parks, inns, lodges, and many more.
But here’s an annoying disclaimer: Don’t forget the traffic between the venues when renting multiple locations since many venues rent on a time-based system.
5- Guest Count and Accommodation
Immediately after “Will you marry me?” comes the crucial “How many guests?” question. Is this a small family affair or an invite your cousin’s cousins’ husband type of event? Does the venue you have in mind accommodate the number of guests you intend to invite? Will the guests have a place to stay?
What type of accommodations will you recommend to them or will you leave it up to them? As sorry as I am to bombard you with questions when you are already overwhelmed, but your guests’ safety, especially if you are running an open bar, is pretty crucial. Moreover, if you choose to book multiple locations, you must also coordinate transportation.
By now, you can guess how important guests are to your wedding. It may seem unfair to you that you have to think about your guests on your wedding day, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they are taken care of.
If all this overwhelms you, you can always elope or have an adults-only wedding. In addition to large spaces, Nova Scotia offers many romantic intimate spots. Remember that smaller weddings are much more affordable; each table of guests adds up to almost $700-1000.
In retrospect, choosing the right wedding venue may seem like a simple matter of picking between aesthetics and styles, but don’t forget that with each step you’re going to have to think more about logistics, such as the number of guests, your budget, accommodations for your guests and yourself, transportation, etc. plan thoroughly.
Last but not least, be sure to book your venue, photographer, videographer, and makeup artist at the same time. You don’t want any last-minute surprises.
