On the Hunt: Visiting Venues

My fiancé and I just spent the last three days looking at different sites -- our first real "wedding planning" stuff together! We had a lot of fun. There are so many different options out there, and it's especially interesting to look at places that embody both "where" you are and "who" you are as a couple. You want to ensure that the ceremony and reception are both of these -- or at least the latter. Since many in both our families are from different parts of the US, we want to reflect what's unique about our city and region.

So far we've looked at three very different kinds of places. There are several other types we're considering as well, but since we've only visited four sites (two of them the same "kind" of thing) I'm not sure yet what we'll pick. But it's really wonderful to see all these sites... it's definitely one of the most exciting parts of this whole thing so far.

The first was a little surprising to me; by the time we went to the appointment I had forgotten completely what the venue actually looks like. In some places, like ours, there are a number of "banquet halls" to rent; since where I live there aren't a lot of Elk Lodges and the like, these fill in the gaps. Most of the time, they are relatively inexpensive to rent, and many of them offer in-house catering/waitstaff with options to include other services like decorations, music, different linens, etc. The downside is that they usually have no windows and are in places like malls or strip malls with bland exteriors like "big box" stores. I have no problem with people who decide to go this route; our quote was around $4500 for the rental and catering (low end of the entrée pricing) and fits well into a budget that can't be stretched far. The decorations inside are very nice (small chandeliers and strands of Christmas-tree lights along the ceiling) and there's a dance floor and stage... everything you might want in a basic room for several different purposes. Although it's not for us, it's definitely something we would consider if we had a tighter budget. If you decide to go with this kind of hall, check out several if you can and pay attention to the state of the venue itself: is it stained or otherwise dirty? Does it smell fresh or stale? Do the decorations act as a good "base" for the kind of décor you envision? If there are options for you, make sure you carefully check everything out and pick the things and people you're most comfortable with. I should emphasize the latter; if the staff makes you feel uncomfortable, choose someplace else! It won't hurt them, and in the end everyone

The second type of place we've seen is an old historic home re-made into a "special event venue" -- these places tend to have a number of in-house services, and both of the places we looked at had suggested vendors as well. One of the best parts of these places, other than some of the discounts you may get with an "all-inclusive" package, is a wedding coordinator and/or a wedding director. Rather than having to do everything yourself you get someone who has years of experience to help you during the day of -- yeah, I know the title of the site is "DIY" but who really wants to be pulled every which way during their wedding day? The downside with these places is that some of them don't allow you to get outside vendors to come in -- the last site we visited requires all the centerpieces, linens, decorating flowers, etc. to be through them. Dang, I've already purchased candleholders for centerpieces! I haven't talked to them about this little snag (there may be a way to work with them -- I don't know) but it makes me feel a little restricted even when they have an abundance of options. This same place has a minimum centerpiece/florist fee of $325, which is fine... but I was planning on spending no more than $150 total on that stuff. Still, it might be worth it because of reduced costs in other aspects. It just bothers me a little. The first site like this we visited, however, has a different policy; while they have "regular" linens, table settings, and centerpieces, they allow you to get outside vendors and will work with them to produce your "vision" (I hate that term, but... what can you do?). I'd definitely ask about this when you have initial meetings with this type of venue; you don't want to be surprised after you already have your heart set on something!

The third type of place was something in-between. It seems like it had been built specifically for events -- like the first type -- but with the surroundings in mind, as though they'd been built like a house. This particular one has huge windows and a tall ceiling with a little balcony overseeing the main floor; the exterior has a small garden (with gorgeous spring-blooming plants, a gazebo, and an old-style water fountain!) that can be used for small- to medium-sized ceremonies. It is really stunning and contemporary, although the pictures on the website really don't do it justice. My groom likes this one the best so far. We're both very impressed. But we'll definitely be looking at other sites before we decide anything final.

It works really well to find a number of sites somehow -- suggestions of friends, websites, local wedding planner magazines, etc. -- then set up appointments to visit each one before making any decisions. Often they can give you an estimate of sorts and tell you how they run things; the more professional types will have materials they'll give to you for your files. This can give you a great idea of how much you'd be spending on the services they provide (to whatever extent they are) and you'll have something to remind you of the visit and what you liked or didn't. Take a note of your thoughts about each one right after you've visited them (don't forget to ask your other half how they feel!) so you can compare them all more easily. Like your dress, you want to give yourself enough time and options so you can pick the one that works best for you.


P.S. I'm headed to Maine for 3 or so weeks for a family reunion, sans laptop and Internet access, so I won't be updating for awhile :( However, I'm taking some stuff along with me, so I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories and such when I get back! Good luck while I'm gone :)