You’ve probably heard the saying, “location, location, location.” It applies to purchasing a home, meeting your friends for dinner, or choosing the perfect wedding venue.
Start by determining your guest list and budget and then contacting venues for availability. Ask for a breakdown of pricing, including all fees and services.
Location
Before visiting a venue, consider your guest list, budget, and wedding vision. This will help you narrow down venues that fit your day well. It also helps to ask your venue contact for a complete breakdown of all fees before making any decisions.
Lastly, consider the time and distance it will take for your guests to reach the wedding location. You want your friends and family to have a good experience, so make sure they don’t have to fly for 14 hours, change planes, or hop on a boat to get there!
A beachfront resort is a good fit for a laidback couple that wants to spend their day drinking margaritas and soaking up the sun. If your vision involves adventure, you might opt for a place known for epic waves and jaw-dropping sunsets. This is a great way to give your wedding an unforgettable feel! Your guests will be talking about it for years to come.
Budget
Your wedding budget will help you determine what venue you can afford. Use your vision and guest list to create a list of venues that meet your criteria. Ask Cayman Islands wedding venues for a cost breakdown and an itemized listing of all applicable fees. Some venue coordinators will only provide a top-level view of costs via email or phone, so feel free to ask for a more detailed explanation.
Flowers, decorations, and other wedding details can add up quickly and will likely take up to 10% of your budget. Adding other expenses, like postage and stationery, will also affect your bottom line.
If you are planning a destination wedding, remember to factor in the cost of travel for your guests. Consider having a smaller guest list and selecting a wedding date that coincides with school holidays or off-season to keep travel costs down. You should also be prepared for extra events, such as a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and brunch/gift-opening lunch, which can add up.
Requirements
When you set your heart on a venue, ensure it meets all your wedding requirements. You want to avoid getting too attached to a spot that isn’t within your budget or doesn’t provide the services you need for your big day.
It’s also a good idea to check whether or not the venue can accommodate your entire guest list. If it can’t, you’ll have to limit the number of people you invite or look for other accommodation options nearby.
You should also ask if the venue offers all the services needed for your wedding, like catering, decorations, and audio/visual equipment. If they do, that’s one less thing you must worry about on your wedding day. You’ll also need to find out if they have a backup plan in case of weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This is especially important if you’re planning a destination wedding in a place that experiences natural disasters or other unpredictable conditions. For example, the Caribbean is known for its balmy weather but is not immune to hurricanes or wildfires.
Accommodations
Once you have a rough idea of how many guests will attend your wedding, finding a venue that fits is important. You want to avoid inviting 200 people and then have them pack into a small space or, even worse, bump elbows on the dance floor.
It’s also important to consider whether the venue has enough room for your reception, cake table, and favor table. Some venues may require renting extra items like a tent or dance floor.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to visit the venue at the time of year you plan on getting married. This will give you a better sense of the weather and allow you to see what the scenery will look like then.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask any additional questions. For example, some venues may have strict music restrictions or a noise curfew. These things can make or break your big day, so ask beforehand.
Time of Year
Depending on where you are getting married, the time of year could affect venue options. If you want a summer wedding, venues may be limited as hotels and restaurants begin to shut down for the season.
If you’re planning a destination wedding with out-of-town guests, the venue’s accessibility should be a major factor. After all, most guests will want to avoid participating in a 14-hour flight and a hike up a mountain!
You’ll also need to consider whether or not your chosen venue has a backup plan in case of bad weather. Luckily, most venues will have a backup plan for unexpected situations like hurricanes and other natural disasters, but it’s always good to ask anyway! You should also find out if the venue has a preferred list of vendors and if there are additional fees for choosing outside vendors. Asking the right questions can help you narrow your choices to the perfect venue for your dream day!
