January 8, 2024
What do you think of when you hear “dream wedding?”
Many of us picture two people beaming with smiles and walking down the aisle against a stunning backdrop. We see a day filled with love and memories that best represents the couple’s unique love story. As a newly engaged couple, finding the right wedding venue is one of the first steps in bringing your dream wedding to life.
Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which location is right for you.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the top tips for choosing your dream wedding venue, along with helpful questions to keep in mind.
1. Outline Your Priorities
Before you start scouting venues, sit down with your partner and decide on your priorities.
What’s most important to you and your spouse-to-be? For some couples, it could be an outdoor setting with breathtaking views. Others may prioritize an all-inclusive venue that takes care of matching you with vendors for everything from catering to decorations. Having a clear understanding of your top priorities before looking at venues will help you make informed decisions on what to consider.
Ancestral Barn
2. Set a Budget
One of the most important factors in choosing a wedding venue is how much you’re willing to spend. Be realistic about how much you can afford, and be sure to factor in other costs such as catering, decorations, entertainment, and more. Set a budget beforehand, so you can narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
The Hilltop Reception Room
3. Visit Venues in Person
While it’s important to do your research online, visiting wedding and reception venues in person can help you feel secure in making the right decision. Schedule site visits at potential venues, and take time to explore the space. Make note of what you envision for the look and feel of your wedding day in each location.
You’ll also want to bring a list of questions to ask in person during your visit. For example, consider the following:
- Is the venue available on our preferred date?
- What is the capacity of the venue? Can it comfortably accommodate our guest list?
- What is included in the venue rental fee?
- Does the venue provide in-house catering or can we bring our own caterer?
- Are there any restrictions on decor or noise levels?
- Does the venue offer on-site accommodations for guests? If not, are there nearby hotels?
- Is there ample parking available? Is it free or paid?
- Does the venue provide tables, chairs, linens, etc., or will we need to rent those separately?
- Is there a backup plan in place in case of bad weather (for outdoor venues)?
- How long will we have access to the venue on the day of the wedding?
- Are there any additional services offered, like a wedding coordinator?
- Are there any restrictions on photography or videography?
- Does the venue have a preferred or exclusive list of vendors we have to use?
- Are children allowed at this venue?
Remember, it’s your special day so don’t hesitate to ask any question that comes to mind. It’s better to clarify everything upfront to avoid any surprises later on. Add your own questions to this list concerning anything that is important to you. At Pointe D’Vine, we offer tours of both our indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can see the potential of your day and get to know our team.
Tasting Room
4. Think About Logistics
Now that you have the answers to the previous questions, consider how your guests will arrive at the venue and what parking arrangements the location has. Take note of how accessible the venue is for older guests or individuals with disabilities. Make sure the venue can accommodate the numbers of your guest list and provide enough space for different wedding activities (such as dancing, dinner, or cocktail hour).
Create a list or spreadsheet of each venue so you don’t forget which logistics are accommodated by each venue. Choose the venue that offers the logistics or help you need to ensure your wedding day is a success. Be sure to ask about any restrictions or guidelines the venue may have.
5. Don’t Forget the Details
Finally, consider the small details that can make a big difference in the overall feel of your wedding. Lighting, decor, and color scheme options can vary from place to place. Your wedding venue should reflect your style as a couple. Do you want a rustic, outdoor wedding or a more formal, indoor affair? Look for a wedding venue that fits your vision and has the amenities you need. Walk around the venue and imagine yourself there on your wedding day.
It will also help to look for photos of previous events at each venue to get a sense of how it can be decorated.
Pointe D’Vine Vineyard Wedding – Joselyn Rae Photography
Conclusion
Choosing your dream wedding venue is an exciting step in the wedding planning process. We hope our tips have been helpful for you. At Pointe D’Vine, we’re proud to offer both indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful scenery and professional staff on hand to ensure that your day is unforgettable. Our available spaces include:
- The Hilltop Reception Room
- Ancestral Barn
- The Vineyard
- The Tasting Room (for smaller, pre-wedding activities)
Each of our wedding packages also comes with a wedding coordinating team to make planning your event fun, innovative, and effortless! To learn more about our wedding venues and reception spaces or available dates, please call 217.656.3056 or get in touch with us online. Our team is excited to help you create the wedding of your dreams on the outskirts of Quincy, IL.
Cheers to your happily ever after!
*Blog featured photo taken by Kate Spencer Photography*
