Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most crucial aspects of wedding preparations. It’s critical to get the wedding venue finalized before moving on to other details because it sets the tone for the entire event and confirms the date for your big day. The earlier you can begin looking for a venue, the higher your chances of finding one that meets your requirements and is available on the date you desire. Early planning also allows you to see a variety of wedding venues, providing you with a better idea of what you’re looking for and what’s important to you.
There are several factors to consider when deciding how to choose a wedding venue in Roy, Washington, including the venue’s size, accessibility, parking facilities, bathroom access, and so much more! It’s a tough job finding your ideal venue, so we’ve put together some tips on things to look for when choosing the perfect location for your big day.
Things To Consider When Looking For A Wedding Venue In Washington
Budget
Nothing is more disheartening than finding your dream venue only to discover that it does not fit within your wedding budget. Consider how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding overall, and how much of it goes to the venue. Don’t forget to factor in the overall cost of the venue. Some venues may include some important event services in their overall price quote, whereas others may charge an additional fee for the same services.
When it comes to selecting a wedding venue that is appropriate for you, your budget is probably the most important consideration. If you need to rent tables, chairs, a dancefloor, lighting, and other important elements for the big day, it can add up to the costs. Weddings held during the off-season or on Sundays may be less expensive.
Availability
If you have your heart set on a specific date for your wedding, start looking at venues as soon as possible to enhance your chances of finding one that is still available. If you have a more flexible date, you should still plan ahead of time, but you’ll likely have more options because you’ll be able to choose your day based on the venue’s availability rather than being bound by a specific date.
Your Wedding Theme
The wedding venue sets the tone for the event, so you should have a general theme in mind when selecting a location. For example, if you want a rustic theme, you probably don’t want your wedding to be held at a luxury hotel. If you’re planning a black-tie event, a barn probably isn’t the best option. To achieve a cohesive aesthetic and feel, you should consider how all of the elements of your wedding will work well together, from your venue to décor, and even your menu.
Capacity
You should already have a rough idea of how many guests will be attending your wedding when you choose your venue. This helps guarantee that you select a venue that can accommodate your number of guests. With a limited guest list and an overly large space, the venue can appear empty. On the other hand, you don’t want to cram 250 people into a facility that can only accommodate 250 people. Your guests may end up brushing elbows while eating or dancing.
Knowing how many guests are expected to attend your party is also important for determining how tables will be set up and how to best utilize your available space.
Indoor and Outdoor Options
When it comes to weather, you’d want to hope for the best but still be prepared for the worst. Because you can’t be certain about the weather, you should ask the venue whether there are covered or indoor options in case of inclement weather, such as rain. If the venue has offers both indoor and outdoor options, create a simple plan B that you also like, just in case you end up using it.
If you’re considering a wedding in the winter or early spring, keep this indoor vs. outdoor factor in mind. You might also want to look at some historical temperatures in Washington for your date to see how to choose the best wedding site.
Accommodations in the Surrounding Area
In addition to ensuring that the venue meets your needs and desires, consider the venue’s overall location. Consider how close it is to the airport, nearby accommodations (or whether the venue itself has accommodations), and whether the area feels safe. For example, if you choose a remote castle or barn in the countryside, guests may struggle to find nearby lodging. If you’re getting married in a city, such as a museum, consider the safety of the surrounding neighborhood, which guests may have to walk through to get to the venue.
Privacy
When looking for a wedding venue in Washington, look for a location that is both personal and private. If the venue is hosting multiple events at the same time, find out how much private space you’ll have or how far apart the events will be. If you want to have your wedding outdoors, think about privacy. Is it possible that strangers will peer in or observe from a distance? This may cause your visitors to become distracted.
Overall Vibe
Try to get a sense of the venue’s overall vibe while you’re there. Make a list of questions to ask and observe whether the venue is accommodating. Consider whether they have a lot of regulations or if they charge for every extra feature like chair set up, etc. Also, keep track of your interactions with the venue coordinator. You want to feel at ease with them and be able to communicate easily with them throughout the wedding preps.
Accessibility
When looking for a venue, keep all of your guests’ needs in mind. Inquire about the accessibility of the facilities, such as the entrances/exits, elevators, bathrooms, parking, and seats. If there are any elderly present, make it easy for them to enjoy themselves.
Parking Options
If your wedding destination is a little remote or in a crowded downtown area, it’s especially crucial to examine if there are excellent parking options or how convenient it is to obtain a cab or rideshare. Inquire about the number of parking spaces available and whether or not guests will be required to pay a parking fee. If there aren’t many parking choices, consider hiring a shuttle to transport attendees to and from the event.
Bathrooms
The bathroom situation should be taken into account when selecting your venue, especially if you’re planning a barn or seaside wedding. If there aren’t any restrooms on-site, inquire about the possible alternatives.
Vendor Options
Some venues may require you to hire their florist, caterer, wedding coordinator, band, and other services. Opt for a venue that lets you choose your own vendors.
Curfew or Noise Policies
Noise restrictions may apply at some wedding venues, so make sure to inquire about them. Outdoor venues may enforce quiet hours after a certain time in courtesy of their neighbors.
Dance Floor
After dinner is finished and toasts have been made, it’s time to get down on the dance floor and have some real fun! Check to see if a dance floor is available or still needs to be made, which can add to your expenses.
Set-Up and Breakdown
Another thing to think about is the setup and breakdown process, as well as how much time you have. If there is another event on the same day as your wedding, it may add unnecessary stress to your wedding planning. How much time do you have to set up tables, decorate, and set the scene? Do you need to remove all items early the next day? It’s a good idea to have a rough idea of your wedding time frame so you can ensure that the venue can accommodate the time you need.
Best Wedding Venue in Washington
Looking for a wedding or event venue in Washington? Old General Store Wedding and Event Center is the perfect venue choice for your big day! We have a beautiful historic building with lovely tall pillars and a unique ambiance that’s perfect for your intimate ceremony. Contact us today at 253-459-212 or diana.generalstore@gmail.com for your inquiries!