“So when is the wedding?”….the first question you are asked after THE question. This is one of the very first things to consider when wedding planning – your wedding date and your wedding venue. But which choice actually comes first? There are several decisions to make when choosing your wedding venue (take our Wedding Style Quiz to help narrow your search on what type of wedding venue best fits your wedding style). But let’s assume you and your significant other have worked out the city and time of year for the wedding. You may even have a special date that you are wanting for your big day. It is a great idea to have a date in mind, but we highly encourage you to have multiple approved dates or consider being open to a time of year. The truth is, there are many venues to choose from but not all of them will have your date open. So you must ask yourself the question: what is more important – the date or the venue?
Are you willing to choose your fifth favorite venue to get your wedding date? Or your first favorite venue in the time of year that you favor? Look, we get it. 10/10/2020 is an awesome date! So is 4/3/21. Both of which fall on a Saturday (most popular wedding day of the week). And if you have thought of it, so have others. If your date is more important than your venue, then you should have more flexibility in your venue selection. Definitely contact the venues you are interested in to learn if your date is available before you schedule a tour. It is heartbreaking to fall in love with a venue, only to then learn they don’t have your date available.
But if you aren’t willing to sacrifice the perfect venue for the perfect date, start your venue search open minded. Ask the venue for dates available during certain months or seasons. Do your research before scheduling tours. Almost all venues have photos, reviews, pricing, capacity, and inclusions available online. If they don’t, they should be happy to provide that information. Most couples who are flexible on their wedding date, tour at most three venues before making a decision.
Want it all? Don’t delay! Venues, on average, book dates a year in advance. Popular dates and months book even further out. If you are a couple looking to have a short engagement, then perhaps the date needs to take a back seat. To get your ideal date at your ideal venue, start your search as soon as possible.
Photography Credit: Rachel Elaine Photography