One of the first thoughts to go through many couples' minds post engagement is “but where do we tie the knot.” If you’re a PNW or Seattle bride, you know that the options are endless for wedding venues. And, the options can be overwhelming at first. Your venue selection is one of the first decisions you’ll make as you embark on the wedding planning process. The venue you select sets the foundation for your planning. Not only is it where your celebration of love will be held, but it will drive your design theme, host your wedding guests, and is the center of what you vision for you wedding day. It is easy to be fearful throughout the selection process, but we’ve been down this road with our couples – let’s be honest – about 100+ times. So, we’ve compiled our best and honest advice to consider as you enter the wedding planning journey- let’s find you your perfect venue! 

#01 But First – the Budget! 

If you know anything about us at Elegant Affairs, you know that we preach and preach starting at your budget. Your budget is the key factor in any decision that you make throughout the wedding planning process, so why should your venue selection start differently? A large portion of your budget will go towards the venue. As you create your budget and search for venus, you need to determine if your budget line includes rentals or just the brick and mortar building. Your venue needs to fit your financial needs and shouldn’t blow your entire wedding budget. (Although there are special cases where the venue is all inclusive, and we mean florals, venue, rentals, and food). 

#02: Check the Date! 

It’s best to visit venues with a date or two in mind. This will help narrow down the long list of venues to a few that have availability during your desired time frame. If you don’t have a date in mind, then you have a wider range of venues to look at. Keep in mind that seasons and days of the week can drive prices up or down. If you’re looking for something more budget friendly, look at the “off” season in your area, or think about hosting your wedding on a Thursday evening, or Sunday. Give yourself plenty of time to search for a venue if you have a specific date in mind. 

#03: Align with your Vision!

This is where the fun begins! Break out your pinterest boards, and go through your favorite social media posts – it’s time to talk about your vision for your wedding day! You’ll want to brainstorm some of your must haves to select venues. We suggest your look at overall themes, such as luxury, rustic, farmhouse, modern, classic, fairytale etc. This will help you narrow down elements of venus that align to your desired theme. As you plan, your venue will set the tone for your wedding theme. You definitely don’t want to book a luxury modern hotel, if you’re planning on a rustic affair. Explore the internet and venues in your area that will support and create a cohesive theme. 

#04: Be our Guest!

This next item on our list will either eliminate a few venues or maximize your search. It’s your guest count. You don’t need to have the official number as you begin your venue search, but you do need a solid estimation. Whether you allot 50 to your partner and 50 to you, or have a max estimate of 500 (we’ve had a guest count of 500 before!) you’ll need an estimation that is reasonable that you can stick to. Venues have a maximum capacity. You want to choose a venue that will be suitable for your guest count. You don’t want your guests to be packed in tighter than a can of sardines, or be too empty. You want to use your space wisely and ensure you have ample space, but not too much. 

#05: Location, Location!

Location is an important key to consider. If you’re considering a destination wedding, or a wedding that most have to travel to, you’ll want to consider the accommodations. How far is the nearest airport? Will they have to rent a rental car? What is the travel time for most of your guests? Traveling and ensuring safe travel and easy travel is key to keeping your guests feeling safe and happy. 

#06: Plan A and B

As you visit venues and prepare to sign on the dotted line, you’ll want to determine if the venue has options for a plan a and b. If you want your wedding outdoors, you’ll need to discuss if there are options for rainy weather, or peak heat in the summer seasons. Your venue must flex with your needs to accommodate for any emergency weather plans. 

#07: What the Venue has to Offer!

As you tour your venues, imagine yourself as a guest to your event. Your guests are going to be attending your wedding, so you want to ensure that there are adequate amenities for them to be comfortable. A few things to consider are: parking, travel time, is it ADA friendly, bathrooms, changing tables etc. You’ll also  need to ask and check your budget to see what the venue offers. Does the venue offer tables, chairs, linens, and more? Or will you need to hire an additional vendor to do so? You want to make sure you ask all the questions before signing, because you don’t want you or your budget to be surprised after signing the contract. 

#08: Read the Reviews 

We always suggest reading reviews. Now, reviews can be hit or miss. Sometimes, people only write reviews when they’ve had a terrible experience. You can ask your wedding planner or coordinator if they’ve planned weddings at this venue before, or check various reputable review websites such as Wedding Wire or the Knot. Customer reviews and prior couples will give you the best advice and hopefully you’ll get a well rounded view of the good and bad to make a decision. 

At the end of the day, you and your partner will have to make the decision based on what is best for you. You will need to find a venue that fits your budget, features the amenities and accommodations that you need, while fitting in your theme. If you work your way down our list, you will be able to find your dream venue! Remember to start at your budget, determine your dates, align your theme, think of your guests and read the reviews! If you’re still feeling stuck, or need a little extra help, we’d love to help you! Reach out to Lori or Tiphany today! 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.