Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue: Practical Tips and Hidden Gems
Your wedding venue sets the stage for your big day, but with so many options available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. As exciting as it is to imagine your dream setting, it’s important to stay grounded and make decisions that fit your vision, budget, and practical needs.
From grand ballrooms to charming village halls, here’s everything you need to consider when choosing the perfect venue.
Have a Rough Idea of Your Guest List
Before you fall in love with a venue, it’s helpful to know roughly how many guests you’re planning to invite. There’s no point booking a venue that holds 150 people if your guest list is closer to 75—or vice versa. Most venues have a flat hire cost, but catering is typically charged per head, so having an estimated number will help you plan and budget effectively.
Consider Timing: Midweek Weddings and Flexibility
Many venues offer lower prices for midweek or off-season weddings, which could significantly reduce your costs. However, it’s important to think about how this might impact your plans:
Will a midweek date affect how many guests can attend, especially those travelling from further afield?
Does the potential saving align with your budget, or would it create new challenges?
Is a midweek wedding feasible for you and your partner in terms of time off work or other commitments?
Finding the right balance between budget and practicality can open up exciting possibilities.
Take Your Time and Stay Pragmatic
When you visit a venue, it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of it all—especially when you’re faced with a persuasive sales pitch. However, one of the best pieces of advice is simple: don’t rush.
Avoid booking or paying a deposit on the spot.
Take a day or two to sleep on it and discuss your options with your partner.
This breathing room can help you make a decision you won’t regret.
Compare Quotes and Understand the Details
Not all wedding packages are created equal. Ask for quotes from several venues and take the time to understand what’s included:
Is catering provided, or will you need to organise it separately?
Does the venue offer a DJ or live music, and is this optional?
Are their preferred vendors flexible, or are you tied to their recommendations?
Knowing these details up front can prevent surprises later.
Full-Service, DIY, or Something In Between?
When considering venues, think about the level of involvement you want to have in planning:
Full-Service Venues: These locations handle almost everything, from décor to catering, so all you need to do is show up. While convenient, this often comes at a premium price.
DIY Venues: Places like local village halls or blank-canvas spaces allow you to personalise every detail. While this requires more effort, it can result in a truly unique wedding—and it’s a wonderful excuse to gather friends and family for setup days filled with takeaway and wine.
Flexible Venues: Many venues fall somewhere in between, where they provide the space and some services (such as the bar or tables and chairs), but you can choose your own caterers, décor, and entertainment. This is a fantastic option for couples wanting a personal touch without the logistics of a full DIY setup.
For a truly unique experience, don’t overlook the charm of hosting a wedding in a marquee, perhaps in a beautiful garden or even on a friend’s farm. While it requires some organisation, the result can be absolutely magical, giving you the freedom to create a day that’s truly one of a kind.
Practical Considerations for You and Your Guests
Keep logistics in mind when choosing your venue:
If many guests are travelling, is there nearby accommodation?
Will the venue itself host overnight stays?
Is it accessible for guests who might have mobility challenges?
If you’re planning to have the ceremony and reception in different locations, what’s the travel time between venues?
Thinking through these details ensures your day runs smoothly and guests feel comfortable.
Think Outside the Box
Not all wedding venues need to be traditional. As a photographer who has worked with couples across Glasgow and the surrounding areas, I’ve captured stunning celebrations in unique locations like village halls, a hunting lodge, and even private gardens with a ruined castle. These less conventional spaces often allow for a more personalised touch, giving you full creative control.
There’s something magical about crafting your day from the ground up—choosing your own décor, vendors, and even setting up the venue with friends and family. It’s a labour of love, but the result is truly one of a kind.
Final Thoughts
Finding your perfect wedding venue is as much about practicality as it is about personal preference. Take your time, weigh your options, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Whether you opt for a grand all-inclusive venue, a marquee on a farm, or a DIY celebration in a local hall, what matters most is that it feels like you.
Ready to explore the next step? Our upcoming post will guide you through choosing the perfect vendors to make your wedding vision come to life.
Want to talk photography, then let’s connect over a coffee.
