Wedding Photography

Do You Pick A Wedding Date Or Venue First?

Two of the first things you'll want to decide while arranging your wedding are the date and location. Some couples choose the wedding date first and then look for their dream venue, while others choose the date after seeing if it is available.

We were recently puzzling about the wedding planning equivalent of "chicken or the egg": which comes first, choosing the perfect date or the perfect location?

While we debated the merits of each option, it was clear to us that the brides had no trouble making this decision.

Based on responses from 120 brides who have used Country House Wedding Venues, we know that 82% of them will choose their ideal venue before committing to a certain date.

We have reached the pinnacle of wedding-related predicaments: When it comes to planning a wedding, is it better to pick a date or a location first? Once the bride and groom have decided on a specific day for the wedding, they must then choose a location that is available on that day. Others, who have more leeway in their schedules, start by looking for locations and then base their wedding date on when that venue is available.

We'll go over all three possibilities so you can make an informed decision on the best order in which to carry out your plans.

First, you can decide on a specific date.

Before looking for a wedding location, you may want to settle on a specific wedding date, especially if you and your future spouse (or your families) have extremely hectic work schedules or if you are bent on getting married on a certain, "lucky" date. The main problem with this strategy is that you will be restricted to a small number of possible locations unless you begin making preparations months or even years in advance. There may only be a handful of venues in your area that are available on your prefered date, so you'll need to be flexible with your venue type (and possibly your price, as well).

Seasonal context

Your mind immediately goes to this possibility. The first step in narrowing down your wedding venue selections is to determine the time of year you want to get married. Some folks have always envisioned their wedding taking place in the cooler months of the year. Even if you haven't decided on a certain month or season for your wedding, it's important to consider whether there are any months or seasons that you absolutely refuse to get married in. (Summer, as I live in Florida and it gets really warm then.) Seasonal factors also cause.

Weather

One of the most important factors to think about when choosing a wedding date is the expected weather. Remember that you can never, ever influence the weather! However, by studying past occurrences of a given season and time of year in your area, you may make educated weather predictions. (I often say that it should be illegal in Florida to hold weddings between the months of June and September. Every afternoon brings either torrential downpours or oppressive heat and humidity. Definitely not a good idea for nuptials!) It's true that the weather plays a significant role in planning an outdoor wedding, which we'll discuss shortly. The wedding cake, photos, and even guests' clothes are all susceptible to the elements (because certain types of cake icing can "melt" if too hot).

Wedding Photography

Choice 2: Do Your Research and Find Your Ideal Location or Service Provider

You might have your heart set on a particular church or reception hall, even a particular photographer or band. When planning a wedding, it's ideal to pick a date that coincides with the availability of the venue and any other important vendors. If the service provider or location of your choice is in high demand, you might be forced to settle for fewer available dates or a lengthier commitment time. Choosing your ideal venue or service provider may necessitate adjusting your budget and guest list accordingly. Nevertheless, if you have your heart set on a specific venue or wedding planner, you should make the necessary sacrifices.

You should start eliminating potential partners right now. Possess a range of dates that you're available for, say, a full month or perhaps two. In the absence of a confirmed wedding site, it is impossible to commit to a specific date. Determine a feasible date range based on the aforementioned factors (season, expected weather, wedding theme, and venue preference) and use that information when contacting potential wedding venues to find out whether they are available for your big day. Tell them if you have any flexibility with the date (for example, whether a Friday or Sunday would work better) and if you have your heart set on a particular vendor. During peak wedding seasons, venues, photographers, and coordinators can fill up quickly, so it's best to start the conversation early if you've already fallen in love with someone. In addition, it might assist you in reducing the number of potential dates. Availability is of utmost importance.

Consider Alternative 3: Select a Time Frame Initially.

The best course of action may be to follow our advice. It's best to sit down with a calendar and pick out a few dates that work for everyone involved, taking into account things like significant events, work schedules, holidays, and so on. Keep in mind that while Saturday is the most common wedding day, Friday and Sunday weddings can be less expensive if you can swing it. You can discover a venue that fits your style, price, and schedule without having to make too many other concessions by selecting a date range rather than a single date.

When deciding on the perfect location for your wedding, you should take into account the following details:

To enumerate

Make a shortlist of the possible wedding locations, including hotels, banquet halls, and even a lavish estate. Find out about potential venues to make sure they are easily accessible for your guests and have everything you need to throw a spectacular celebration.

Budget

The wedding locations that are ideal for you and your spouse will be those that are within your financial means. Avoid unnecessary disappointment while searching for a wedding location by determining your budget range first.

Space

Check the capacity of any potential wedding locations to ensure there is adequate room for everyone attending. If you want everyone to be comfortable, the space you choose can't be too little, but it also can't be too huge or it'll feel impersonal.

Go to the locations

Most people today discover their wedding locations on the internet, where they can quickly and easily get all the information they need, along with images. However, nothing can replace actually going to a venue for a demo round in person. There, you can get to know the proprietors and employees and plan out your day.

Research it thoroughly.

The location of your wedding may make or break the big day, so it's important to do your research before making a final choice. If you have any worries about the venue, don't hesitate to ask questions and return as much as necessary to make sure it's right.

When choosing a date, keep in mind these helpful hints:

Season

In or out? That is the question! Where: in a large barn or a cosy castle? Think about the type of wedding you want and when it would be best to have it.

Budget

To cut costs, it's recommended that couples tie the knot in the winter or spring (October to March). On the other hand, renting a venue throughout the week can save you money. It may be difficult to persuade guests to take time out of their busy schedules to attend a wedding during the week, but if the ceremony is modest and guests are given plenty of advance notice, they should be able to make it.

Schedule

A lot of newlyweds like to jet out on their honeymoon as soon as they can following the ceremony, so plan ahead to ensure you have adequate time off from work.

weddin_photographer_melbourne priceless moments

Access to suitable venues

If there is a specific location you have your eye on, it's best to start the booking process early to ensure its availability. Some reception halls are already booked up to 18 months in advance.

Plans of visitors

Even if it means having the wedding during the summer or the winter holidays, you should strive to find a date on which all or most of your closest friends and family can attend.

Tips for Picking Your Wedding Date 

Check-in with VIPs.

Every couple has those people they simply must have at the wedding. Make sure the parents, close friends, and anybody else you consider essential can make it to the wedding before deciding on a date.

Talk to your vendors.

Perhaps you have a favourite photographer from way back when, or the band that played at your cousin's wedding was the greatest you've ever heard. Be sure to confirm the availability of any vital service providers for your wedding day before setting a firm date.

In other words, you should stay away from major conventions and sporting events.

If many of your guests are travelling from out of town, they may have trouble securing hotel rooms if your wedding falls on the same weekend as a large-scale event in the city. In the post-pandemic era, it is important to note the dates and times of major events such as marathons, concerts, festivals, and even football games at some universities. While reserving a block of rooms for out-of-town guests in advance will help alleviate some of these concerns, you should still be prepared for potential disruptions to your wedding weekend's schedule due to street closures and traffic.

Conclusion

Some couples choose the wedding date first and then look for their dream venue. Others choose the date after seeing if it is available. Country House Wedding Venues surveyed 120 brides and found that 82% choose their ideal venue before committing to a certain date. It's important to be flexible with your venue type and price. Some folks have always envisioned their wedding taking place in the cooler months of the year.

It's ideal to pick a date that coincides with the availability of the venue and vendors. Choosing your ideal venue or service provider may necessitate adjusting your budget and guest list. You should start eliminating potential partners right now. Possess a range of dates that you're available for, say, a full month or perhaps two. Determine a feasible date range based on the aforementioned factors (season, expected weather, wedding theme, and venue preference).

The location of your wedding may make or break the big day, so do your research thoroughly. To cut costs, it's recommended that couples tie the knot in the winter or spring (October to March). Renting a venue throughout the week can save you money. Some reception halls are already booked up to 18 months in advance. Major events such as marathons, concerts, festivals, and even football games can cause problems for out-of-town guests if their wedding falls on the same weekend as a large-scale event.

Content Summary

  1.  While The Knot reports that the average cost of a wedding dress is roughly $1,600, an increasing number of brides are choosing to wear more reasonably priced gowns.
  2. According to The Knot's 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was a staggering $33,391 in 2017, with many brides spending just over $3,000 on a wedding dress.
  3. Although wedding dress prices vary widely depending on location, the national average is little over $1,200.
  4. While New York City brides spend an average of $3,027 on their dresses, Alaskan brides spend only $804.
  5. If you're on a tight budget for your wedding dress, it pays to think beyond the boutique and explore some of your best options.
  6. Online-only bridal destinations like Fame & Partners and Floravere, as well as cheap capsule collections from some of your favourite labels (hi, Sézane and H&M), have promised brides a less painful, less stressful way to shop for the dress in recent years.
  7. You can save yourself half or more of the original cost of a dress by purchasing it used.
  8. However, the best selection is available on the web.
  9. However, in order to make place for the newest trends, bridal boutiques and stores regularly sell off samples of their wedding dresses at steep prices.
  10. You should know that if you buy a sample dress, you will walk out of the store with that exact dress.
  11. In addition to not having to wait for the designer's gown to be ordered, another perk is that you can take home a sample dress the same day you choose it from the store.
  12. Think about trying out a bridal gown rental.
  13. We all know that buying things online is convenient and quick, but is it strange and unsafe to purchase a wedding dress online?
  14. Popular retailers like Nordstrom and Matchesfashion have set up online Wedding Shops to help brides find all they need on their special day.
  15. Check out our extensive list of Wedding Dress Shops in MelbourneThe convenience of online shops like David's Wedding and BHLDN is sure to be appreciated by brides (and bridesmaids!)
  16. Find the perfect wedding gown for the ceremony, the perfect dress for the reception, the perfect dress for eloping, and everything in between with this comprehensive online wedding buying guide.
  17. Here is a list of the twenty best places to buy a wedding dress online, organised by price range and style preferences.
  18. Reformation is a company that creates trendy women's clothing that is also ethically and sustainably produced.
  19. The label also offers a wide variety of wedding and celebration gowns for the environmentally aware bride, starting at just $268.
  20. Though not all of the company's clothes has yet been made available in inclusive sizing, the recent announcement of an extended-size collaboration with Ali Tate Cutler is a positive development.
  21. The H&M bridal collection, like that very first dress, features timeless styles with a modern twist.
  22. Etsy features a wide variety of items that are unique, brightly coloured, whimsical, vintage, and adorned with plenty of adornments.
  23. Plus, you can discover beautiful dresses in any budget (we're head over heels for Mywony Bridal's dresses) both in store and online.
  24. RevolveYou probably already know that Revolve is the place to go for lust-worthy clothing and cosmetics, but did you know they also have a bridal department?
  25. The Mademoiselle Bridal Midi Dress is an absolute knockout in our books; it's a blushing dream of a gown that's adorned all over with pearls, sequins, and beads, and it'll have you positively gleaming all the way through your "I dos."
  26. Need a new designer dress or a unique piece of clothing?
  27. These items, in classic Revolve style, have plunging necklines and low backs; they are perfect for the bold bride.
  28. No other city can compare to New York when it comes to the fashion industry.
  29. Dallas, TXAlthough Dallas, Texas, might not be the first spot you think of when you're on the hunt for the dress of your dreams, it more than lives up to its reputation.
  30. More than one hundred of the best bridal salons in the country may be found in Dallas.
  31. The Magnificent Mile, eight blocks long and home to more than four hundred and sixty speciality shops, is located in the North Side and is a shopper's paradise.
  32. Los Angeles, CAWhen it comes to shopping, Los Angeles is to the West what New York City is to the East.
  33. Besides those things, what else should you check out while in Los Angeles?
  34. Visit nearby Venice or Malibu for a day at the beach and a night out on the town, and make the most of being so close to the ocean.

FAQs About Wedding Venue

The most important aspect of choosing a venue is the cost-efficiency. Make sure the venue offers price flexibility such as pricing tiers or packages. You can also check whether a venue offers an all-inclusive hire rate or if they offer more price-friendly, digestible options.

The venue location, facilities, and atmosphere are critical to ensuring your event's success. Your event venue should be a draw and help move the potential attendee dial from interested to registered.

Although it's important for you to enjoy the best day of your life, it's easier if all your guests feel comfortable with the surroundings, meal, drinks and entertainment. Your wedding venue is not only for your personal liking, but it also sets the tone for your entire wedding.

When planning an unforgettable wedding, you will need to think about the reception hall, your dress, the music, photography, etc., but what might surprise you is that the most important element that contributes to the success of a wedding reception is actually the food!

Venue checklists are a simple way to make sure all your event requirements are met before the big day. Before searching for a venue, outline your criteria and make it incredibly detailed. Include room layouts, audio and video, and all your meeting needs to make submitting RFPs quick and easy.

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