Planning a wedding can be an incredibly exciting and daunting experience, especially as you try to make sure everything is perfect. But what’s the best way to ensure that your dream wedding venue will still be available when the big day arrives? Booking too far in advance may mean that you miss out on offers or settle for someone else’s dreams, but booking too late could lead to disappointment if someone else takes the venue you want. Here are some tips for deciding how far ahead of time you need to book your dream wedding venue!

Venue Characteristics

Booking the perfect venue for your wedding can be both exciting and challenging, so it’s important to do some research before you start your search. Before looking at any venues online or in person, ask yourself questions about the size of the venue, what’s included with the rental, outdoor and indoor options, and the physical characteristics of the space. 

If the thought of a hayfield makes your skin crawl, you may be better suited for a venue downtown, in the heart of the city. Or you could want a secluded estate where you and your family have exclusive access. Which one lights you up? Knowing these details will save you time and ensure you start your venue search in the right place. In the open-air amphitheater at Cypress Grove Park, you can party the night away in dazzling moonlight, or you can go for a more boutique experience at Luxmore Grand Estate in Winter Springs. Know what you want, not what others say you should do. 

Decide Your Budget

When it comes to venue hunting and event planning, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of all the shiny objects around you. But you need to establish a realistic budget. A realistic budget means you are able to pay for the venue in addition to everything else you want without having to struggle. This will be a deciding factor for venue availability. Be honest with yourself. If you start this process unrealistically, you’ll only set yourself up for heartache down the line. 

We love the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona for its ocean views and grand ballroom windows. The venue rental price may vary depending on the season you book. Your budget shouldn’t suffer because you choose a popular beach month for your wedding. But you shouldn’t be hit with a surprise bill if you have properly planned and done your research beforehand. 

Choosing a venue within your preferred budget doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality either; rather it means that you’ll have more resources available for other aspects of your event- such as food or decor or entertainment. By selecting a budget that fits your needs, you won’t be left venue-rich and event poor; instead, you can create the wedding of your dreams without overspending.

Find Your Venue With A Wedding Planner

Working with a wedding planner can be a blessing when it comes to selecting your venue. Yes, you can choose your wedding planner BEFORE your venue. As a planner, we bring our expertise & experience to help you find the perfect venue for your wedding that fits both your budget and style requirements. This cuts your research time down significantly so you aren’t having to search downtown venues, boutique ballrooms, and beachside locations. We can use our list of preferred venues to select a location that fits you. 

We recommend venues that you want to see. It may seem strange to book your planner before the venue, but what happens when you book the wrong venue because you didn’t understand the contract or time restraints? Having a wedding planner beside you from the beginning guarantees your wishes are fulfilled and the entire design has a cohesive feeling from day one.

Flow Of The Event

Making sure the flow of the event can go off seamlessly is just as important as making sure the space is aesthetically perfect for you. Simply put – logistics are as important as the design.  Consider how far your ceremony and reception sites are apart; is it easy for your guests to walk or will they need to drive? Some of our couples choose to have their ceremony in a house of worship and then the reception in a different location. Logistically, it would be tough on the guest to have a ceremony in Orlando at a Catholic church to then drive to The Don Cesar in Tampa for your reception. This alters the experience your guests will have. 

Your wedding planner can help you properly plan how to use each part of the venue so you get what you want with as little impact on the guests as possible. We will show you the full flow of the experience from your warm welcome table to where they will gather and await your arrival. We will even have a backup plan to discuss if the flow needs to be adjusted. 

Planning your wedding should be a joyful experience that you savor with the help of friends, family, and professionals. It can be tempting to try and follow all the advice you read online or hear from well-meaning relatives, but not every rule is meant to be followed blindly. When it comes to booking your wedding venue, understand that there is an art and a science to it – but mostly it comes down to what works for you as a couple. If you need more time than the average 12 months recommended by most sites, take it. You can always get in touch with us here, and we’ll discuss a timeline that works for you and helps make your dream day a reality.