There are a lot of details to coordinate when it comes to planning your dreamy destination wedding, so we wanted to make your life a little easier with destination wedding tips. What is a destination wedding you may be asking? It’s when the bride and groom get married in a destination outside of their hometowns and require friends and family to travel for the ceremony.

How to Pick a Destination Wedding Venue

1. Budget

When it comes to venue booking for a destination wedding, the first thing you will want to consider is the budget. Weddings can add up quickly so not only will you want to set an overall budget, but you will want to break that budget down into smaller categories to make it more manageable and the venue should be one of them. Once you set a budget, it becomes easier to narrow down venues while touring based on whether it falls within your budget or not. It’s also important to note that you can negotiate pricing with venues as you go to see if they have any flexibility on their end.

2. Location

Next, you will want to consider the location of the event venue for wedding.With friends and family traveling from all over to come celebrate your special day, you want to make sure it’s in a convenient spot for guests. Is it near the airport? Will there be parking available for those who drive? You will also want to consider what is around the venue for destination wedding so friends and family can explore around. More often than not, guests will take a few days to enjoy the trip to its fullest, so planning a venue that has other things around could be beneficial.

3. Capacity

You will also want to consider the wedding reception venues capacity, to ensure that they can host the number of guests you would like to attend. If you are planning a large wedding, with hundreds of guests, that’s a crucial factor when choosing a venue that is big enough to host your attendees. Now if you are having a smaller wedding, with fewer guests, this can also be important too, so you don’t have extra empty space throughout the venue. It’s important to discuss this with the venues as you’re touring them.

4. Layout

Next, you will want to focus on layout. Are you looking for an indoor venue for wedding or an outdoor venue? Do you want a long banquet hall room to walk down the aisle, or do you want something smaller and more intimate? It’s important to compare the venues as you look at them and compare them to your needs and wants when it comes to your special day.

5. Amenities

Amenities are also crucial when considering the venue of your choosing. Does the venue have a stage for live entertainment? Do they have surround sound and built-in lighting? Are there an adequate number of restrooms for the guests that you want to invite? Do they have projectors and microphones available through the venue? These are things you will want to consider as you are choosing the event space that is right for you.

6. Staffing

Finally, you will want to consider staffing. Do they have an event planning team? Do they have a catering company that can assist with food? Do they have staff to help with technical issues throughout? Do you need a valet service or coat check? Checking with the venue to see the kind of additional staffing they have available will only benefit you when it comes to knowing all of your options.

At Ovation Square, we have an entire team of event planning experts behind us and would be more than happy to help you plan your destination wedding venue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a realistic budget when it comes to the venue?
A: That entirely depends on the destination you are looking at and the type of venue you want to get married in. A good place to start is by making a list and starting to give places a call or to look online.

Q: If we wanted to choose a place more secluded that isn’t the easiest to get to, what would you suggest?
A: We would suggest planning out transportation for your guests. Whether that is a ride service, a boat, or a private limousine, take the work away from guests who are already coming to celebrate you.

Q: Can venues be flexible on the number of guests?
A: Sometimes venues have different spaces within the venue to rent out and can be flexible when it comes to what area you rent. However, venues will have a maximum capacity, and that they cannot exceed.