Need help choosing a wedding venue? Finding a great venue is one of the most important parts of the wedding planning process. Your venue is the backdrop of your day, setting the overall tone and theme of the event.
Your choice also determines the kind of budget you’ll need, and once you’re ready to finalize your chosen venue, it locks in your wedding date. To help you find your dream value, it can help having a comprehensive checklist of all the key points you should consider.
At Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center, we’re one of the best indoor wedding venues in Plymouth, MI, and the surrounding area. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding venue.
10 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Dream Wedding Venue
1. Guest Capacity
If you’re looking for large wedding venues that can accommodate all your guests, vendors, and decor, it’s important to get an exact capacity number.
Even if the venue’s capacity is stated online, it’s a good idea to follow up with the event coordinator to see if the space can comfortably fit your plans. For example, enough space for a seated dinner as well as a large dance floor and photo booth.
While the room might fit hundreds of guests comfortably, it might be tight once you factor in the cake table, dining space, DJ table, and party area. Get an estimate for guest capacity before booking any venue. In general, it’s a good idea to budget an extra 10% to 15% of event space on top of the room’s capacity.
2. Availability
Of course, the availability of a wedding venue will determine whether or not you can select it for your event.
It’s a good idea to ask for available dates within your preferred window, ideally of 3 to 4 months. If you’re struggling to find available wedding venues, consider being flexible with your dates.
Many couples look to book wedding venues on Saturdays, choosing a Friday or Sunday can often expand your options. In addition, spring and summer are popular months, so booking during an off-season can help you find more availability.
3. Budget
When it comes to the budget, it’s important to have a clear breakdown of pricing. Request a detailed, itemized quote that includes taxes, service charges, and fees. In addition, find out if there’s a food and beverage minimum on top of the venue rental fee.
Depending on the wedding venue, the room rental may be separate or included from the food and beverage minimum.
4. Location & Accessibility
Accessibility to the wedding venue is important to make sure all your guests can arrive safely. Make sure there is adequate parking that is free and well-lit. Valet services can also be a great option, depending on the wedding venue.
If you have guests traveling from out of town, check that the wedding venue is near local hotels. It’s also possible that the venue offers discounted group rates for certain hotels.
5. Aesthetic
The overall aesthetic of the wedding venue is important for the tone you want to set for your wedding.
Consider the decor of the venue and make sure it aligns with your expectations. If the decor is to your liking, you can save money on additional decor and furniture rentals, and instead focus on accents like floral arrangements and lights.
6. Reception Space
Wedding and reception venues that are both on-site can simplify the entire experience for both the wedding party and guests. Make sure you know how long it will take to set up each room, and where guests should spend their time until the room is ready.
The best wedding venues provide a seamless transition from the wedding ceremony to the reception area.
7. Amenities
The amenities available at a wedding venue are also important to consider. For example, a bridal suite and groom suite that are large enough for the wedding party.
These rooms should have plenty of lighting, space, and private bathrooms.
8. Catering
Wedding venues with catering are great all-in-one options so you don’t have to worry about coordinating your own catering service. If you plan to use the wedding venue’s catering, be sure to ask about the menu and whether the food is restaurant quality.
Ask about the catering process, and how easy it is to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
9. Staff Support
The best wedding venues should have a coordinator on site to help you throughout the process, as well as the day of the event. They should handle all the logistics for the venue, including the catering, so you can stay focused on enjoying the day.
It’s important to keep in mind that the venue coordinator is separate from the wedding planner. If you also have your own wedding coordinator, be sure to discuss who handles what roles.
10. Vendor Options
Some wedding venues require you to use their preferred vendors. Be sure to check their policy before booking, especially if you’re already planning to choose your own vendors.
If the venue allows you to bring your own vendors, ensure the venue coordinator is comfortable communicating with the vendors and helping them get set up.
Contact Us to Book Your Dream Wedding Venue at Laurel Manor
If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Plymouth, MI, that has it all, consider the Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center. Our six combinable ballrooms give you plenty of space to host the wedding of your dreams. Each room comes with
- Wood, built-in dance floors
- Presentation balconies
- Eye-catching chandeliers
Our wedding and reception packages are designed to make it easy for you to plan your special day.
Want to learn more? Call (734) 462-0770 or contact us online to learn more about Laurel Manor.