Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, with so many elements to consider. One of the most important aspects of your big day is choosing the right wedding venue. Whether you're dreaming of a rustic barn, a ballroom, a garden, or a vineyard, it's essential to stay organized and focused to find a wedding spot that captures the essence of your story. This guide will help you select a rural wedding venue that meets your expectations and sets the stage for a cherished celebration.
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What You'll Learn
Know your budget and guest count
Knowing your budget is an important first step in choosing the right rural wedding venue. Wedding venues can vary significantly in price, and some will be immediately out of your price range. Knowing your budget will help you narrow down your options and find a venue that fits your financial reality.
The guest count is another crucial factor that goes hand in hand with your budget. The square footage of a venue is fixed, so you need to ensure it can comfortably accommodate your expected guest list. Some venues can hold 200 or more people, while others cater to more intimate gatherings. It's important to plan for your maximum guest count to avoid choosing a venue that is too small.
When considering your budget and guest count, it's essential to understand what is included in the venue fee. Some venues provide tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and even decorative items like votive candles. Knowing what is included can help you stay within your budget and avoid additional expenses. It also ensures you won't be surprised by any missing essentials on your big day.
In addition to the venue fee, catering is another significant expense. Many venues offer in-house catering services or have a list of preferred caterers, while others allow you to choose your own. If you have specific culinary preferences or want to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensure the catering options align with your expectations. Taste-testing the food beforehand is highly recommended to ensure quality and suitability.
Finally, when considering your budget, remember that wedding venues typically get booked 6-18 months in advance. The lead time for booking may vary depending on the venue's popularity, the season, and the day of the week you want to reserve. Keeping these factors in mind will help you plan accordingly and secure your desired venue without delay.
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Decide on your wedding style and aesthetic
Deciding on your wedding style and aesthetic is an important step in selecting the right venue for your big day. The venue could be considered the foundation on which the rest of the look and feel of your wedding are built. It's easy to get swept up in the beauty of a venue, but it's important to think about what you actually want your wedding day to look and feel like.
To help decide on your wedding style and aesthetic, it can be useful to make a list of your favourite things, from works of art to songs, movies, and books. Think about what inspires you and what you love about those things. This can help your wedding style feel perfectly personal. You can also look to real-life examples for inspiration by scrolling online or picking up wedding magazines.
Another tip is to look to your own life and surroundings. What does your home décor look like? What kind of hotels do you like to stay in? What's your favourite restaurant like? Paying attention to your own interior design tastes can help you decide on an overall concept for your wedding.
You can also look to your favourite vacations for inspiration. If you loved a boutique hotel in Mexico, for example, you can draw inspiration from the textiles and hospitality. Or, if you got engaged at Lake Como, you can take inspiration from the architecture and cuisine.
Some common wedding aesthetics include modern, glamorous, or bohemian. Other aesthetics are more specific, like a colour-blocked summer wedding or a soirée inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Selecting a cohesive style will help you produce a thoughtfully designed event that encapsulates your union.
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Research and read reviews
Researching and reading reviews is a crucial step in booking the right rural wedding venue. It can be easy to get swept up in the beauty of a venue, but it's important to consider your wedding aesthetic and how the venue can be transformed with decor to align with your vision.
Begin by determining your guest count as this will significantly impact your venue options. Some venues can accommodate 200+ guests, while others cater to more intimate gatherings. It's also essential to plan for your maximum guest count to ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate everyone.
Next, consider your budget. Some venues may be immediately out of your price range, so it's important to be realistic and only consider venues that align with your financial plan. The cost of a venue is often specific to your guest count, the hours you require it, and any inclusions or packages.
When researching venues, look beyond the visuals and consider the level of support provided by the venue staff. Some venues offer more assistance than others, and it's crucial to understand what is included in the venue fee. Some venues provide tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and even votive candles, while others are blank canvases where you need to supply everything yourself.
In-house catering is another important consideration. Some venues provide their own food and beverages, while others allow you to choose from a preselected list of caterers or hire your own. Understanding these options beforehand will help you make an informed decision.
Finally, read reviews from past couples to gain honest insights into the venue's quality. Websites like WeddingWire offer a comprehensive directory of local wedding vendors in the U.S. and feature millions of vendor reviews. Don't be shy to reach out to couples on Instagram who got married at the venue and ask about their experience. Their firsthand accounts can provide valuable information about the venue's pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision about your special day.
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Consider venue amenities and catering
When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, the venue and catering can make up more than half of your wedding budget. It is important to consider the venue's location, size, parking availability, and transportation options. If you're going for a rural setting, you might want to avoid a luxury hotel.
Some venues provide in-house food and/or catering, while others allow you to choose from a preselected list of caterers or hire your own. If you have set your heart on a special caterer, it makes no sense to choose a venue that won't allow them. It is also important to consider whether the venue provides tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and other amenities. Getting a comprehensive list of what is included in the venue fee is essential, as it can save you money in other areas.
If you are dreaming of an outdoor wedding, ensure the venue has beautiful outdoor spaces and consider the scenery, privacy, and available amenities for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Ask about backup options in case of bad weather.
Guest count will impact your choice of venue, as some can comfortably hold 200+ people, while others are built for more intimate crowds. It is important to check the venue's capacity and plan for your maximum guest count.
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Book early to avoid disappointment
Wedding venues typically get booked 6-18 months in advance, but you can still book some venues at shorter notice if you're lucky. The popularity of the venue, the season, and the day of the week for which you want to book will all play a part.
If you have your heart set on a particular rural venue, it's best to book early to avoid disappointment. This is especially true if you are planning to get married during the peak wedding season, which is generally late spring through early fall.
Booking early will give you a better chance of securing your desired date and time, as well as ensuring that you have a wider range of venues to choose from. It will also give you more time to plan other aspects of your wedding, such as the catering, decorations, and entertainment.
When it comes to choosing the right rural wedding venue, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, decide on your wedding style and aesthetic. Do you want a small, intimate gathering or a large celebration? Do you want a minimal, vintage vibe or a rustic, elegant feel? Knowing what you want will help you choose a venue that fits your vision.
Other things to consider include the venue's capacity, amenities, catering options, and staff support. It's also a good idea to read reviews from past couples and pay attention to staff behavior during your visit.
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Frequently asked questions
First, decide on your ideal wedding style and aesthetic. If you want a rustic wedding, consider a barn, ranch, farm, or garden venue. If you're looking for a more elegant or luxurious feel, you might prefer a ballroom, estate, or vineyard.
Think about your guest count and budget, as these will impact the size and type of venue you can book. Be mindful of the venue's amenities and services, such as catering options, tables, chairs, and linens. Don't forget to read reviews and assess the staff's behaviour during your visit.
Wedding venues are typically booked 6-18 months in advance, but you may be able to book at shorter notice depending on the venue's popularity, the season, and the day of the week. It's best to book early to avoid disappointment.
Here are a few notable rural wedding venues:
- Whitetail Meadow in Manitoba, Canada, which offers 26 acres of natural prairie beauty and can accommodate 300-320 guests.
- The Madelyn Venue & Guesthouse in Texas, which features an elegant, rustic barn with pieces of wood from the family's historic farm.
- Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona, which offers a range of ceremony and reception options, from ballrooms to rustic wedding venues against a backdrop of red rock formations.
