Gone are the days where a couple would select the one wedding venue in their hometown as the number and variety of wedding venue options have increased greatly.

Garden weddings have been popular this year as has the trend for couples to design their own wedding to suit to reflect their lifestyle and what they are all about. With the rise of wedding blogs and pinterest more and more couples are taking the step and tailoring a space that is unique to them. Couples are also looking to make it a relaxed day for friends and family, and move some of the focus away from themselves.

Whatever is decided here are a few essential tips:

Logistics
Remembering to consider the logistics of any venue can save heartache later on. Consider how many guests the venue accommodates, the season, time of day, and any special needs your guests might have. If the venue holds weddings all year round, make sure you ask questions such as: Is there heat and air conditioning? Is there an adequate alternative space if it rains? Is the lighting sufficient for the evening?

Visit the venue at the time of day the wedding will be
Saturday is a popular day for couples to go out and visit and most couples still get married on a Saturday. Go back for a second visit at the time of day the wedding will be held.

Is the venue full service or not?
A full service venue offers everything from table and chair rentals, to linens and catering supplies, while a non-full service venue usually only offers the space and it’s up to you for the rest. That means booking all of the suppliers for the day. Some venues have preferred suppliers they want you to use, so something to consider. Working with venue recommended suppliers doesn’t provide the option of “shopping” around something to consider in budgeting.

Decide on your wedding style
A romantic vineyard, industrial loft, or elegant barn. All of these spaces sound appealing when planning. But just like it’s not easy to fit a square peg into a round hole, it is not easy to plan a style-specific wedding at all venues.

Make sure and ask and ask again Making a list and asking questions about any venue is important, but not as important as asking that same question to all the people associated with that venue. Depending on whom you deal with and what their role is you may receive different answers, so make sure you ask your questions to everyone — from the catering manager, to the business manager and wedding co-ordinator.

Important questions are, how many weddings are held here in a day? Who will be here helping on the actual day? Is there any construction planned that may affect the wedding? Do you anticipate any changes to the venue beforehand?”