Evaluating Venues, Part II

You might remember the struggle we once had to find the perfect Charleston, SC venue. (If not, here's a refresher: Evaluating Venues...) Oh how I wish this wasn't such a task for brides. I've known a few that have an exact venue in mind for their wedding, or who can host a reception in a family members giant (and gorgeously manicured) backyard, but for the most part, finding a venue is the most stressful part of planning a wedding. This is good and bad for brides. The bad part being that you cant book other vendors, or mail save the dates, or even set a date until this task is complete. Literally all aspects of planning can be frozen until you know where everything will take place. This is stressful for the creative brides that want to get on with the fun parts of wedding planning. The good news, however, is that this is one of the first items on your to-do list. Get it done and over with and its pretty smooth sailing after that. So, this post goes out to those of you who are stuck on this little step.

I am a firm believer that you should love your venue. I'm not saying that it is going to be the exact picture you have in your mind, but if you cant shake the lingering feeling of 'Im not really sure about this', do yourself a favor and cross it off your list. Notice I said 'if you cant shake it'. That feeling is pretty much instantaneous when you see a venue for the first time because it isnt exactly like the picture you've worked up in your mind. So what do you do?

1.) Don't stress.
I'll say it a million times if I have to. You are getting married, you will find a venue, and everything will be fine. At the end of the day, you've married the man of your dreams and the fact that you didn't like the wall paper in the dining hall will not matter a single bit. So, why stress? Keep things in perspective like this and you'll enjoy planning your wedding so much more. 

2.) Be open minded. 

That little made up image is going to transform as the planning process goes on. Sometimes the changes will be subtle. The changing fall leaves in your imaginary background may not look too bad when they're still bright green and full. Sometimes the changes will be big. You might have your mind made up for an outdoor ceremony -- until you lay eyes on the most beautiful little chapel you've ever seen. Whatever the case may be, you have to be willing to let that idea transform into something more realistic. Try to imagine your wedding at that venue and see what you come up with.

3.) Flexibility is key.

You are going to have to bend a little when it comes to finding a venue. Much like letting go of that mental image, you will have to be flexible for other reasons. If you find a venue that you really love, you might have to change your date. They may only have a morning ceremony time available. The grand exit with sparklers that you really wanted, might be out of the question for some venues. It can definitely be a give and take process, so be prepared to bend a little. 

4.) Consider your budget.

The budget rule for your wedding dress also applies to the venue. If you know it's out of your budget - don't put yourself through the inevitable heartache (or debt!) by trying to make it work. If you have a budget in place, stick to it. Now, I will say that most venues offer discounted rates during the off season or for Thursday, Friday, or Sunday weddings. (Please see number 3).

5.) Be creative.

Sometimes the places you would never think to look make the greatest wedding venues. They don't necessarily have to be wedding venues. If you like the space, it doesn't hurt to ask. Most people/businesses would be flattered by the idea of hosting a wedding. With a good coordinator by your side, you can work up a contract that is comfortable for you and the owner. 

Do you have any tips for finding a great venue or dealing with the stress that goes with it? Leave us a comment below - we'd love to know your thoughts!