How to Choose Your Wedding Venue: A Guide to Finding the Right Space for You

How to Choose Your Wedding Venue: A Guide to Finding the Right Space for You

Your venue sets the tone for everything. But the truth is, the best venue isn’t always the grandest one. It’s the one that feels like you. For most couples, choosing the venue is the first big decision and often the hardest. There are expectations, budgets, opinions, and endless Pinterest boards. So, take a breath. Here’s how, we as wedding planners, would assist you in finding a space that fits your story, not someone else’s checklist.

1. Forget “Perfect.” Look for Personal

The right venue isn’t the most impressive one, it’s the one that feels like you. If you light up at the thought of clinking glasses in your favourite restaurant, or saying your vows under trees and fairy lights, or having your first dance at the place where you had your first date, that’s your sign. Big doesn’t always mean better.

2. Banquets Aren’t the Benchmark

Hotel ballrooms will always have their place but they’re not the only measure of “real” weddings. What matters is how you feel on and enjoy the day, not the square footage of the space. When you choose a venue that suits your story and the kind of day you want to have, the decision making process starts feeling easier.

3. Tradition Can Travel

If your family expects a traditional ceremony but you’re drawn to something more modern, you can honour both. We’ve seen couples hold blessings in galleries, tea ceremonies in courtyards, and temple rituals reimagined in light-filled studios. It’s not about changing the ritual, it’s about giving it new light and context.

4. Budget Isn’t Just Numbers, it’s strategy.

It’s tempting to pick the most affordable venue until you realise you’ll spend thousands more trying to make it beautiful. A slightly higher-priced space that’s already stunning may require minimal décor, saving you money and stress in the long run. Ask yourself: Does this venue need to be transformed, or does it already inspire you? Am I paying for a blank canvas or an atmosphere? How much will décor, lighting, rentals, and styling cost to make up the difference?

5. Consider Flow and Feeling, Not Just Logistics.

When you walk into a space, notice what you feel. Can you picture your walk down the aisle? The laughter during dinner? The quiet moment before you enter? If the space already feels alive with possibility, that’s your cue.

Just like trying on an outfit: if it doesn’t feel right in the fitting room, it won’t feel right when you finally wear it out. The same goes for your venue. Trust that first impression.

6. Visit at the Right Time of Day.

A venue can look completely different at noon versus sunset. If you’re planning an evening ceremony, visit in the evening and if you are planning for a morning one, visit in the morning. Notice the light, the sounds (can you hear heavy traffic, or noise from surrounding buildings), temperature (is it too hot), and any other issues (are there mosquitoes), not just how it looks in photos.

7. Does the Venue Work for You?

A beautiful space means little if it can’t comfortably hold the experience you envision. Ask yourself:

• Do you plan to have a dance floor, is there room for it and how many people will actually get on it?
• Is there room for a reception or welcome table that doesn’t block entryways?
• Where will the photobooth or backdrop go so guests can flow naturally around it?
• Are there areas for entertainment, live music, or a bar setup?
• Does the space allow for separate zones for conversation, dining, dancing, or quiet moments?

At Muse & Maker, we visualise the movement of your guests, not just the placement of furniture.

8. Understand the Venue’s Restrictions

Every venue has its own rulebook and sometimes the fine print matters more than the view. Before you sign, ask about:

• Noise restrictions: Is there a cut-off time for live bands or outdoor music?
• Access times: What time can vendors start setting up and packing down?
• Decor limits: Can you hang installations, use candles, or bring external rentals?
• Catering policies: Are you required to use the venue’s caterer or can you bring your own?
• Parking and loading: Will vendors have easy access for large equipment or florals?

These details can affect your budget, your design, and even your stress levels. A venue that looks perfect but limits your creativity might not be perfect after all.

9. Ask About What’s Included (and What Isn’t).

Some venues come with furniture, lighting, and AV equipment. Others don’t and hiring everything can add up. Then there are the extras – a particular colour of table clothe is included but a different colour is priced at extra, having the venue cut your wedding cake and serve it up for you might come with a fee, they might only provide 50 chairs for your ceremony and charge extra for additional chairs, etc. Understanding what’s included will help you compare options fairly.

10. Consider Accessibility and Guest Experience.

A stunning clifftop or hidden garden might not feel as magical if guests spend 45 minutes lost trying to find it. Think about parking, signage, elevators, and how easily older guests can move between ceremony and dinner.

There’s no rulebook for where love should be celebrated. At Muse & Maker, we believe in crafting weddings that look like the couple, not the catalogue. Whether it’s a restaurant, a courtyard, a ballroom, or a garden, if it feels like you, it’s perfect.

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