How To Choose A Wedding Venue

Forlino, Dining on the Bay, Singapore

This is a crucial part of wedding planning because once you have decided on the wedding venue, all the other details – colour, décor, etc. – should fall into place.

The most common mistake people make when choosing a wedding venue is falling in love with the aesthetic of the place and signing a contract before considering the practical aspects of it. Never make a down payment under pressure from the management. Do consider the opinions of your folks.

Keep in mind that choosing a venue is more than just finding a spot you like, it’s also about meeting all your needs as a bride. So here are three important criteria to consider when choosing your wedding venue:

#01 Style

Sit down with your fiancé and discuss what kind of theme you want for your wedding day. Do you want something modern or vintage? Elegant or rustic? Whatever your choice, deciding on a wedding style prior to visiting potential venues prevents you from being swept away by some place just because it looks nice. Set out to find a venue that suits your theme right from the beginning so you won’t waste a fortune transforming it into the look you desire.

TIP: Start a moodboard in Pinterest titled ‘venues’ to give yourself a rough idea of the types of venues and décor that you are aiming for.

Consider whether you are looking for one venue to host both the ceremony and reception, or whether you want two distinct venues. If it’s the latter, choosing venues that are close by to each other is a good idea. Another thing to consider about having separate venues? Décor and styling for each venue may be different, thus adding to the budget.

TIP: Should you decide to have an outdoor or beach wedding, do consider the weather and season during your wedding date.

Lone Pine Hotel, Penang

#02 Size

Is your dream wedding a Hollywood-style red carpet event with everybody in town or a small and intimate affair? That decision may determine the location. If you decide on a small, cosy restaurant for your reception, it won’t be able to accommodate your long guest list.

TIP: Call the venue to check what their maximum capacity is. You may also want to drop by for a peek when the venue is hosting an event with the same guest list size. Always check out venues you have shortlisted in person.

#03 Budget

The topic that every couple dreads. Discuss with your fiancé how much you are willing to spend on the venue. If you have fallen in love with a particular venue but you have a tight budget, there are ways to get around it. One option is to slash the budget for other things. For example, if having this venue will help you save on décor, then by all means. Be realistic. Another option is to pick an off-peak-season wedding date. Alternatively, think out of the box, and find a location that can create the same ambience. Have your wedding in unusual spaces and bring in the caterer. Commonly used spaces are often overpriced.

TIP: The amount allocated for venue and caterer should not be more than half of your wedding budget.

We understand that choosing a wedding venue can seem a daunting task. Fortunately, the choices are incredibly diverse. Couples can now have their weddings at banquet halls, small restaurants, country clubs, cafés, parks, and literally anywhere under the sun. Just remember, “Location, location, location”. Like buying a property, location is of utmost importance when it comes to your wedding day.