Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding can be an exciting but challenging task. One of the most important decisions you will make is where to host your wedding. There are several factors to consider when choosing a wedding location, such as your budget, the distance and convenience for you and your guests, and the time of year. You should also decide whether you want an “on-site” wedding, such as at a hotel or restaurant, or an “off-site” wedding in a park or on a beach, which may require more planning. Ultimately, the location you choose should be meaningful to you and your partner and fit within your budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Current place of residence, a new location, or a destination abroad |
| Distance | Long-haul flights, short-haul flights, or local |
| Season | Peak or off-peak |
| Type of venue | On-site (e.g. hotel or restaurant) or off-site (e.g. park, beach, or field) |
| Special meaning | A favourite vacation spot, the city where the couple attended college, or where they first said "I love you" |
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What You'll Learn
Budget
The venue is typically the largest expense, so it's important to be mindful of costs when choosing a location. Rentals, including tables, chairs, dishes, and glassware, can add up quickly and are sometimes not included in the venue cost. Catering is another major expense, often accounting for around 24% of the total budget. Alcohol and cakes are usually included in catering packages, but some couples choose to source these separately.
The size of your guest list will also have a significant impact on costs, especially for catering, which is often charged on a per-head basis. It's important to consider the probability of guests attending, as there may be a 10% drop-off, depending on factors such as the time of year and location.
Other significant expenses to consider include photography and videography, which can account for around 12% of the budget, and entertainment, such as bands or DJs. It's important not to allocate too much of your budget to entertainment at the expense of more essential items.
To save money, consider choosing a less expensive venue or negotiating with vendors to find those that fit within your budget. Creating a priority list and mission statement can help guide your spending and ensure you allocate funds to the areas that are most important to you.
Additionally, be mindful of hidden costs, such as lighting, transportation, and pre-wedding events. These expenses can add up, so it's essential to plan and budget for them accordingly.
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Venue type
Deciding on a wedding venue is an important part of the wedding planning process. The venue you choose will set the tone for the entire celebration and influence other aspects of your wedding, such as the number of guests, decor, vendors, date, and budget.
There are several venue types to choose from, and the right one for you will depend on your personal preferences, wedding theme, and budget. Here are some popular venue types to consider:
Outdoor Venues
Outdoor venues are perfect for couples who want to incorporate natural elements into their wedding. Parks, gardens, farms, vineyards, backyards, beaches, and waterfront areas are all beautiful options for an outdoor wedding. Marquee venues are also a great choice for couples who want to be surrounded by nature while still having protection from the weather. If you opt for an outdoor venue, be sure to have a backup plan in case of unfavourable weather conditions.
Indoor Venues
If you prefer an indoor venue, there are numerous options to choose from. Hotels are a popular choice as they often include amenities such as food, drinks, tables, linens, and guest accommodations. They usually have licensed spaces for ceremonies and experienced staff who are well-versed in hosting events.
Other indoor venue options include elegant ballrooms, well-designed restaurants, art galleries, museums, and town halls. These venues offer a more formal and intimate setting for your wedding.
Unique Venues
For a truly unique wedding, you can explore venues such as barns, warehouses, or even woodlands. These venues offer a blank canvas for you to create a wedding that reflects your personality and style. Barns and warehouses, in particular, can be transformed into stunning wedding spaces with the right decor and lighting.
Other Considerations
When choosing a venue, it's important to consider the size of your guest list. The venue should be comfortable and spacious enough for your expected number of guests. Additionally, don't forget to ask about included rental items, setup and tear-down times, curfews, noise restrictions, and vendor restrictions.
Reading reviews and visiting the venue before booking are also crucial steps to ensure that your chosen venue meets your expectations and aligns with your vision for your special day.
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Guest list
Deciding on a guest list for your wedding can be a complicated process and will depend on your chosen venue and budget. It is important to first decide on a budget, as this will be the driving factor for many of your decisions. Once you have a budget, you can start thinking about your guest list and whether you will invite children, and who will be allotted a plus-one.
If you are considering a destination wedding, it is worth noting that 53% of couples who hosted a destination wedding in 2023 chose a location with special meaning to them. You may also want to consider whether your guests will be happy to pay for flights and accommodations. If you are happy with your answers to these questions, then you have probably found the perfect location.
If you would prefer to avoid the additional planning required for a destination wedding, you could consider getting married in your current place of residence. This option can make your wedding more affordable and easier to plan, as you won't have to travel to meet vendors or see venues. It is also more convenient for your friends who live nearby.
If you are set on a destination wedding but are worried about the planning, you could consider a "domestication wedding", which is an event located within the US or near your current residence. This option gives you the best of both worlds, as your wedding will feel like it is in a new location, but most guests won't have to take long-haul flights.
Once you have decided on a location, you can start thinking about your guest list in more detail. It is a good idea to sit down with your partner and key family members to put together a wish list of wedding guests. You can then send out save-the-date cards to give your guests plenty of notice.
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Invitations
When it comes to invitations, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the timing of your wedding can impact the availability of your chosen venue and vendors, as well as the convenience for your guests. Peak season weddings may offer better weather, but expect pricier flights and accommodations, and more traffic. Off-peak seasons can be more affordable, but be mindful of any special events that could coincide with your chosen date.
Next, decide on the location. Will it be in your current city, a new destination, or somewhere in between? Choosing a location that is convenient for most guests is thoughtful, but if you have your heart set on a destination wedding, remember that it will require more planning. Consider the travel distance, the potential impact on guest attendance, and the additional costs for guests.
If you opt for a destination wedding, choosing a location that holds special meaning for you and your partner can make the day even more magical. It could be your favourite vacation spot, a city with fond memories, or somewhere you've always wanted to visit.
Once you've decided on the timing and location, it's time to create your guest list. This can be a complex process, depending on your venue's capacity and your budget. Work together with your partner and family to create a wish list of guests, considering whether children will be invited and who will receive a plus-one.
Finally, when designing your invitations, ensure they reflect the style and theme of your wedding. Include all the essential details, such as the date, time, venue, and any other relevant information your guests may need, such as accommodation options or dress code.
Remember, your invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding, so make them special and set the tone for the celebration to come!
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Flowers
Personal Flowers
Personal flowers include the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages. The bridal bouquet is perhaps the most important flower arrangement in the wedding, as it symbolizes the bride's personality, style, and emotions. When choosing flowers for the bouquet, consider the dress, theme, and season. For example, for a whimsical garden wedding, choose bright sunflowers and wildflowers, while a classic ballroom affair might call for elegant roses and lilies in soft pastels. Grooms can opt for a boutonniere that matches the flowers in the bridal bouquet for a cohesive touch. While not required, you may also consider boutonnieres, corsages, or nosegays for other members of the wedding party and important guests, such as the ring bearer, parents and grandparents of the bride and groom, the officiant, or the ushers.
Ceremony Flowers
Ceremony flowers are any arrangements that will be used during the ceremony. This includes decorations for the aisle or backdrop and flowers for a post-nuptial petal toss. A flower arch is a popular choice for the ceremony, as it creates a beautiful and romantic atmosphere and is often one of the most photographed areas of the wedding. Popular flowers for ceremony arches include roses and peonies, which can be used in a variety of colours to fit your theme.
Reception Flowers
Reception flowers include centrepieces, flowers decorating a seating chart or escort table, arrangements on top of the bar, and flowers used on the wedding cake. Centrepieces can be high or low, or you can alternate between the two throughout your tables for added visual interest. Cocktail table arrangements should be kept small and simple, such as a bottle bud vase arrangement. Flowers used on the wedding cake should be coordinated with the cake baker in advance, and the florist will need to order extra flowers that match the rest of the arrangements.
When choosing a florist, read reviews and browse their portfolio to get a sense of their style and expertise. Schedule a consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and any specific requests. It is recommended to start the process at least six months in advance and to hire your florist a year before the wedding if possible, as the best florists book up fast.
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Frequently asked questions
The ceremony will be held in an outdoor garden and the reception will be held indoors at the same venue. We recommend flat-soled shoes or wedges to avoid sinking into the grass.
We have reserved room blocks at Hotel X, Hotel Y, and Hotel Z for our wedding guests. Here is a brief description of each, along with price ranges and booking information:
- Hotel X: [description], [price range], [booking link/phone number]
- Hotel Y: [description], [price range], [booking link/phone number]
- Hotel Z: [description], [price range], [booking link/phone number]
For alternative accommodation options in the area, you can try the following: [list of options].
There is free parking available in the resort parking lot, which can be accessed via [directions]. For those not driving, the venue is also accessible by Uber, taxi, or public transport.
