Your wedding may be the biggest party you ever throw, so you want to get it right. The venue is one of the key choices you will make. There are thousands of options out there, so it’s good to know what you want before you start looking. It can be a difficult, but very exciting choice! At Navarra, we have many stunning wedding venues in Sydney for your special day. In this article, we take a look at some things to consider before choosing your wedding venue.
Know What You Want
Your special day is all about you and the person you’re marrying. Make it a reflection of you both. Decide what kind of ceremony and reception you want. Whether that be casual, traditional, outdoor etc. Once you know this you can start looking at venues. It’s a great way to narrow down the selection process.
Some venues get booked out years in advance. If you have your heart set on a particular place it may be a good idea to enquire before setting a wedding date. There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect place only for it to be booked out. If this happens you either have to change your wedding date (which is difficult if save the dates have already gone out) or find a new location.
If the idea of planning your entire wedding is giving you anxiety, then don’t. Find a venue that is all-inclusive. These types of weddings are becoming increasingly popular in Sydney. If you love planning and organising plus have the time, then go for it on your own. There is no right or wrong way to plan your special day.
Determine Your Budget
It may sound obvious but figuring out your budget first is very important. Determine what percentage of your wedding budget you want to allocate to the venue. Then figure out how much that is per head. This will make enquiring about venues a much easier process and save a lot of time.
Figure Out the Guest List
Guest lists can be a contentious thing. There are always those people you “must” invite but perhaps don’t really want to. There’s family, extended family, friends, plus ones, the list goes on. Before you let It overwhelm you, write a master list. Once that is done you can narrow it down and make those tough decisions. Once you have an estimated number of guests you can start looking at venues.
You also need to figure out how much seating you want. If you are planning a full course meal you probably want all your guests seated. So you’ll need to make sure there is enough space for all the tables and chairs. If you are planning a buffet/canape situation then you may only require casual seating and tables. These are things to consider before you start looking at venues and when making your guest list.
Is There Accommodation Nearby?
If you are planning a location wedding, then this is essential. You need to make sure there are adequate accommodation options for all your guests. Weddings are big parties, people like to drink and let their hair down. This means taxis and rideshares are essential. If your location doesn’t have that option, then all accommodation needs to be within walking distance. Ensuring your guests are safe and comfortable is essential.
Schedule a Visit
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding venues in Sydney, schedule a visit. Remember to listen to your gut instinct. Does it feel right when you walk in? Can you imagine your wedding there? Remember it’s about you and your partner.
It is a good idea to make a list of questions before you go. These could be about inclusions, decorations, food, drink, accommodation, accessibility etc. Check out all the spaces. Make sure there is enough room for everything you need (e.g. a separate room for the bridal party to get ready in). If it will be an outdoor wedding, then ask about wet weather options. Figure out transportation options (can you order an Uber easily from the venue?).
Wrapping Up
Planning a wedding can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Take your time to really think about what it is you want. Make it about you and your partner, no one else. Start your venue research after you’ve done this. Write a comprehensive list of questions to ask potential venues. Have the information they’ll need on hand. Now you’re ready to go! If you’d like to enquire about one of our beautiful wedding venues in Sydney or have any questions give us a call.
