5 Tips for Picking The Perfect  Wedding Venue.

Like most brides to be you’re increasingly excited and overjoyed with the idea of being a wife. Being tasked with finding the perfect location can be a bit of a hassle needless to say. There are so many things to consider when looking for that perfect place. Some folks look for something with a bit of nostalgia and even a little luck like our parents used to. Like most of us, we consider the prime location to have a little bit of everything or do we.

As a Makeup Artist (MUA) and stylist I often experience firsthand the worry most brides-to-be have from the beginning consultation. Once at the venue I have the pleasure of participating in the awesome experience as if I’m part of The Crew. I can tell you up close and personal there are many things that go overlooked until the very last minute.

 Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a Wedding Venue:

1.Climate of the location

Depending on your age, body composition, and challenges a climate controlled environment is ideal. Is it suitable enough for you as well as your guest? For most of us over 35 we definitely do not like to be hot, EVER! So it is super important when selecting a location the facility manager is aware of these challenges and they know to have the air on well ahead of the crowd. This is especially important if it is a larger building as this takes longer to cool. Also, as a MUA you get better results in a client controlled environment no matter the season. When it is hot, humid or damp this can be challenging to complete those fresh natural looks. If the location is damp or moist it can be challenging for those beautiful hair styles making hair frizzy and lifeless.

2. Facility Accommodations

Can the facility accommodate everyone in the family? By that I mean do you have aging adults that will have difficulty getting to the location or up the stairs or to a certain part of the building. Most times when booking a location couples are so smitten with their own ideas that they do not consider how others will get to the venue or enter for that matter. I know it isn’t always about other people but what about the vendors that will be bringing items to your event will they have challenges as well? It is always better to air on the side of caution.

3.Contractual Agreements not discussed

This may seem simple but does this location have any constraints regarding the parking, the lighting, timing in a specific part of the building, a part that can’t be used? Yes this seams minor but it is definitely major. I’ll give you an example. I had an experience when a couple booked a well-known location in Northwest Georgia and it wasn’t until a week before the initial scheduled date for the ceremony did they find out they were only allowed 8 parking spaces. Yes, only 8! Now, this may seem simple to some but this is definitely a challenge for anyone when planning an event like a wedding. No, this was not discussed in the contract nor was it mentioned up front. It’s situations like this that can throw a wrench in your plans really quick and there isn’t always a solution when you have quest coming from all over. My suggestion would be consider your guest list when booking and the layout of the location. Have a backup plan in the works ahead of time. Talk to other businesses in the area in the event you need to access additional parking in the area you can and you know what to expect. If you know what to expect you can fact this into your wedding budget.

4.Presentation

If doing an outside venue you want to consider will it still look the same when it’s time for your special day. For example, if you want to get married in a beautiful rose garden, will the roses still be in bloom when it’s your special day? Can they guarantee that? In most cases, they can’t and that may or may not be okay for you. To be honest, you have to consider the type of weather that particular area has been dealing with prior to your event. If there was a major freeze prior to your event, will those flowers still bloom or will they bring in flowers for you? If this were the case, what is the cost to you or the venue? This may not be important to some but I would be devastated if you were in a situation like this and didn’t have a plan of action. In my opinion, it is definitely okay to ask these questions up front. If they can’t deliver or you can’t afford it-then it’s okay to walk away. It doesn’t seem realistic to put yourself in a situation if you aren’t not prepared for the inevitable.

5.What’s Being Offered

We all have the idea that we can do things on our own and save money in most cases. However, there are times when we don’t have the opportunity to get it all done like the centerpieces, the chair covers, and the table seating. These little details can take a backseat to some of our most important things but they are equally important. The best thing a couple could do when selecting a venue is considering what all they have to offer. The Conservatory at Waterstone in Acworth Georgia is one of the most well planned venues I’ve experienced. This venue allows you to simply show up with party in tow get dressed, get hitched, eat, dance, party, and walk away. There is no clean up, no DJ to worry about, no tables to put up, and no caterer to wait for or anything. Now keep in mind, it will totally depend on the package you choose but it keeps the planning all in house and to a minimum. How easy can it get for you? Why make the job hard when they can help you plan down to the table setting and seating. I don’t want to ever take anything away from those creative that enjoy putting the pieces together but if you aren’t good with keeping up with everything make it easy of yourself. So ask questions when considering venues like what else can they offer you? Ask what else are you getting when you book? Is it worth the amount of money you are paying for what you are getting?