Whether you’re searching for a country house, glasshouse, barn, or something more unconventional, knowing how to pick the right wedding venues means a lot of effort. You might already have a few ideas for your ideal wedding venue, or you may have none at all. Similarly, if you live in Australia or have moved recently, you might be unaware of the best venues available in Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley has become a highly sought-after location for weddings in Australia, owing to its celebrated vineyards, picturesque landscapes, and convenient access to major cities such as Newcastle and Sydney. Hunter Valley weddings promise unforgettable occasions, regardless of the time of year.
Today, we will discuss some important things you should consider before choosing a wedding venue. These tips will help you find the perfect location for the wedding of your dreams. With that said, let’s explore:
- Decide the Location of Your Wedding
When deciding where to tie the knot, there are multiple aspects to consider. One of the important aspects to consider is the season. While spring and summer remain the favored wedding seasons, there is a growing trend of couples opting for autumn or winter ceremonies. The autumn season in Hunter Valley is particularly captivating as the vine leaves transform into vibrant hues of orange and red, creating a stunning backdrop for weddings. So, you need to plan your wedding location accordingly, especially if you are planning for an outdoor wedding setup, and ensure that in the peak season, you have access to all the supplies and availability of the Hunter Valley wedding venues on your decided dates. The quaint chapels, rustic wineries, and iridescent plains in Hunter Valley will surely enliven your big day.
Other things that you need to consider include:
- How close are the airports to the venue?
- Are there any nearby hotels or other places to stay for the night?
- Is the location relatively easy to find or completely off the beaten path?
- Is the site accessible for individuals who have disabilities?
- What are the parking options?
Moreover, choosing a venue that fits your aesthetic is a must-check off the board! Besides, book visits to exquisite art galleries, restaurants, 5-star hotels, or warehouse spaces for a modern tweak to your indoor wedding.
Your wedding will have a stronger sense of place and connection to the venue if you select a location that enhances and complements your theme.
- Set an Approximate Budget
It may seem evident, but break down your budget before visiting a venue. It’s certainly not the most romantic advice, but it’s crucial. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a venue only to discover it is completely out of your price range! Therefore, sit down with your partner and decide how much you want to spend so that you know what you’re up against regarding venue hunting.
Venue managers often don’t reveal full costs of decor, floral design, in-house catering, etc. Therefore, it is essential to have a list of questions to ask your wedding venue managers or owners to avoid paying a lot more than you anticipated. Having your wedding on a Monday through Thursday will significantly impact the amount you spend on your venue, which is why midweek weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Moreover, DIYing your decor, accessories, and more is economical and a great way to spend valuable time with the people you cherish.
- Keep the Guest List in Mind
A venue’s capacity can make or break it—you can’t fit 300 people into a space designed for 150!
Before looking at venues, have that conversation with your families because couples frequently need to pay more attention to the number of people they will invite or the number of people their guardians will want to invite. Therefore, be proactive and make your guest list at the start of your wedding preps. It will also help break down your overall budget, as some costs for the venue are heavily influenced by how many people will grace the destination by their attendance.
- Get to Know What is Included
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential venues, ask each venue managers or owner what’s included in the package to ensure you’re not overlooking hidden costs. It is critical to compare like-for-like prices before making a final decision.
For example, a wedding setting with tables, seats, furniture, florals, food, ceramics, and linens could cost more than a scene where you want just to rent or bring your own. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing, though. It allows you to hire as many outside wedding vendors as you want, which is a plus.
- Backup Plans In Case of Unpredictable Weather
Is there a backup plan if you’re getting married in a location prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, or blizzards? Of course, it’s much less severe, but you should still confirm a venue’s willingness to execute a rain plan effectively. Also, if you are not working with a planner on this issue, you should ensure the venue’s cancellation policy in case something happens before the big day.
While most venues have indoor setups or enclosed spaces that can be used in inclement weather, you may need to organize your marquee or another backup option in some cases.
- Make Several Visits to your Wedding Venue
After days of rigorous venue hunting, once you think you have found “the one,” go back and visit it multiple times. Check that it is as flawless as you remember!
When you go to a wedding venue, you can imagine your big day and make plans accordingly. Stroll down the aisle, look around the grounds, and practice taking selfies. You will better understand your theme, the number of guests, the dress you want to twirl in, and the flowers you’ve always dreamed of as the backdrop to your first dance. It’s critical to ensure that your vision aligns with your venue even as your big day becomes more cohesive. Because the venues are typically quite spectacular, it is easy to become swept up in a whirlwind of emotions on your first visit. Therefore, try to be more objective than emotional at the subsequent visit.
Conclusion
The venue you choose for your big day should reflect you and your partner. Make a list of the important things, and decide the destination that touches your heartstrings. Go with your gut. The right budget plans, assistance from your loved ones, and a striking theme that pops up in the vision of your special day will help you choose the right wedding venue.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
