When planning your wedding, selecting the venue is one of the most important steps. You’ll need to figure this aspect out early on in the planning process, as many of your other plans will depend on the venue you choose. Here’s how to figure it out. 

Choosing the Best Venue for Your Wedding

Know Your Style and Preferences 

The best venue in Houston for a wedding won’t be the same for you as it is for someone else. Every bride has unique preferences, so you’ll need to figure out the factors that are most important to you so that you can compare your options.

For example, if you are planning a traditional, formal wedding, you might want to look at beautiful estates and other specialty venues. If, on the other hand, your style is more casual, you may prefer a ranch or a banquet room in a bar. You may want to check out this blog for some inspiration for wedding venues.

Take the time to identify the most important things you are looking for in a venue. This will help you save time and stress, as you’ll be able to narrow down the possibilities based on your personal criteria. You’ll also have guidelines in place to help you start your search on the right foot. 

Consider the Size of Your Guest List 

The size of venue you need will be largely determined by the size of your guest list. If you plan on inviting everyone you’ve ever met, you’ll need a venue that can accommodate large groups without feeling cramped. For smaller weddings, you’ll likely prefer a more intimate venue where you won’t feel overwhelmed by excess space.

Keep in mind that not everyone you invite will be able to attend, so feel free to invite a few more guests than your venue of choice can accommodate. If you choose to allow guests to bring plus-ones, be sure to incorporate that into your final numbers as well. Even if you don’t explicitly allow this, some of your guests might still ask, so be prepared for this to happen, and don’t be shy about saying no if your venue of choice can’t accommodate the additional people. 

Evaluate Additional Services 

There is more to planning a wedding than just picking a venue, so take a look at the various additional amenities and services offered by each venue. For example, some venues may provide their own catering and bartending services, while others will require you to hire an external provider. 

Other possible amenities include live entertainment capabilities, dance floors, celebrants and even full wedding planning services. A venue offering a comprehensive collection of services is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to have too many aspects to plan, but a venue that doesn’t offer these additional services will give you greater choice in terms of the providers you work with. 

Go with Your Gut 

At the end of the day, the perfect venue is the one that truly speaks to your sentiments. You may find that you know you’ve found the right place as soon as you walk in. Even if no venue checks off all your boxes, the one that your mind keeps jumping back to is probably the right one for you. Trust your instincts, and you are bound to end up with the wedding of your dreams. 

Planning a wedding can be challenging, but you’ll reap the rewards on your big day. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a step back for a few days and let all of your options mull around in your brain. After a short break, you’ll likely find that you have greater clarity as to what you are looking for in a wedding venue.