I know it feels odd to be thinking of selecting a wedding venue during a pandemic. However, there are still brides getting engaged and looking to plan their wedding in the future! Selecting a wedding venue is one of the top 5 things that brides do after they’re engaged, if not in the top 3. Couple’s select a wedding date, create a budget and select the very place(s) that will host their wedding day!
It’s by no means an easy task when it feels like every other week there is an announcement of a new venue! (Which is totally exciting, don’t get me wrong!). As a newly engaged bride, how do you know which venue is the right one for you? I’ve broken this post down into a few helpful questions/tips to help you navigate which venue you should choose!
Venue: Linwood Estate, Carlisle
– What is the backup rain plan?
This is SO important! Although you don’t want to *plan* on having rain on your wedding day, it’s important to be prepared for it, just in case! (It’s better to be safe than sorry!). Do they have options for hosting an indoor ceremony? What about hors d’oeuvres? Make sure to ask the Venue owner or Coordinator that you’re working with to know what you can expect!
– Are there any restrictions for photographers?
This is mainly common in churches with photographers being allowed to photograph during the ceremony. I know it can often be overlooked, but you wouldn’t want to find out weeks prior that your photographer cannot be in the sanctuary at the time of your ceremony!
– Do they have limitations on arrival times for getting ready?
If so, be aware of what your game plan is to get ready off-site (renting a beautifully lit AirBnB, reserving the bridal room at a local hotel, getting ready at a nearby friend/family’s house, etc.).
Venue: Riverdale Manor, Lancaster
– What type of experience do you want to give your guests?
Keep in mind the rough estimate of guests you’re looking to have. Can the venue comfortably host that amount of people with plenty of room to move? I’ve worked with some pretty tight spaces which can make people feel overwhelmed and crowded in! Not to mention it can feel like you’re “stepping on people’s toes” which is never a comfortable feeling! Just be aware if they can only hold 200 and your guests list is 185, maybe consider something that has a little extra wiggle room!
– Does the venue fit your wedding vision?
Are you planning a black tie wedding with floor-length dresses, but looking at barn venues? Maybe you’re planning a more casual, intimate wedding but only touring ball grooms and country clubs. Make sure that the details and vision of your wedding lines up with the wedding venue! Stay true to what represents your style and makes the most sense to you!
Venue: Historic Hotel Bethlehem
– What’s included for the price?
Will you need to provide tables, chairs and linens? Or is that included with renting out your venue? The less that is involved with the venue, the more details that you’ll need to plan for! However on the positive side of that, you’ll have more flexibility to bring in the exact styles/items that you want!
– Bonus tip: As always, a huge bonus to choosing your venue is the amount of natural light it provides! The more natural light, the better!
Other beautiful wedding venues to check out: (and receive a discount for booking Kelsey Renee Photography!)
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also love: