The question was popped, now the planning begins! Wedding planning can be overwhelming with the amount of different vendors, budget, and a deadline looming. One of biggest decisions that’s first on the list is the wedding venue. With hundreds of wedding venues in the Chicagoland area, here are a few tips to narrow in on the venue of your dreams.
1. Preparation is Key
Before scheduling tours at the wedding venues that you have your eye on, there are a few aspects that you should considered to help you focus in on the venue ideal for you. The first is creating your guest list. Many buildings have limits on their space, so it is important to have an idea of the number of guests you will be inviting. Next is putting together a budget to ensure your dream venue is a realistic option for your budget. The last is having an idea of a date or time of year. Wedding venues fill up quickly during peak months, by having an idea of the time of year you’d like to get married can help to know how far in advance you need to schedule.
2. Location, Location, Location
Will you be having your ceremony and reception at the same location, or is the ceremony going to be at a different place? Location is important for you as well as guests for ease of travel between the ceremony and reception. Whether you are looking for a wedding venue that is central for your guests or are open to any venue in the Chicagoland area, location is an important deciding factor.
3. All-Inclusive Venues or A La Carte
After your budget, guest list, time frame, and location is set, another way to narrow your list is to decide whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive venue or an a la carte option. There are benefits to both types of venues, but an all-inclusive venue is sure to minimize your to-do list. All-inclusive venues are a package deal and reduce the amount of wedding planning that needs to take place. These venues partner with trusted and professional vendors to handle a lot of the details for you at a more affordable rate. These details differ per venue, but could include catering, rentals, and coordination. If you’d prefer to handle all of the little details, an a la carte venue allows you to truly customize each detail. Although this is more time, this guarantees you are able to hire and bring in the vendors you want and tailor the details.
Now that you’ve narrowed your list, the next thing to do is schedule a tour with each venue. A beautiful website, photos, and social presence can be a great way to decide on which venues to visit, but when deciding where your wedding and reception will take place, it’s all in the details. Seeing the wedding venue first hand and having the opportunity to ask questions is essential to making the best decision. Consider scheduling a tour with The Haley Mansion if you’re looking for an all-inclusive venue in the Chicago suburbs for your wedding venue!