How to choose your wedding venue | Advice from a professional | The Meadows Venue with Nichole
I want to start off letting you know that this post is a series of posts called ‘Advice from a Professional - The Wedding Series’. If you want to learn more, or see other posts within this series check out Top Wedding Questions Answered - Advice from a Professional
“Ok Ladies! This is a big one! Your wedding venue! ”
Your wedding venue, in my opinion, is one of the biggest decisions that you are going to make. Where are you going to get married?! It is exciting, and fun, but can also be stressful and hard. How do you know where to go? How do you know if you are picking the right place and that everything is going to go smooth?
Don’t fret! That is why we ask the pros! Today I am interviewing Nichole. This girl is an amazing boss babe who is not only an amazing photographer herself, but also owns and operates one of the most gorgeous wedding venues in Tuolumne County, The Meadows!
All I have to say is that this girl is amazing. She is gorgeous, talented, and the sweetest person ever! Make sure to check out both her Instagram pages (listed below) for some awesome images and wedding inspiration.
Alright alright, lets get into the interview :)
How to choose your wedding venue
Advice from a professional | The Meadows Venue with Nichole
Q1. What should be considered when choosing a wedding venue?
There is so much to consider!! Can the space accommodate the amount of guests you plan on having? Does is match the look and theme you are going for? Does it have a space to get ready? Does the ceremony area make you feel anything special? I'd say the best thing to do is walk the same path that you intend your guests to walk and really try to envision what you want them to see. Where the welcome table will be, where they will be invited to sit and watch you promise forever and where they will enjoy dancing and a meal.
“Can you imagine it? Does it fit the vision you have? ”
Also knowing logistics is very important. Some venues provide a lot more that others. This will help when it comes to budget! If a venue is all inclusive, you know what you will pay up front. If not, you'll have to be prepared for the extra cost of bringing in vendors.
Q2. When should you book the venue?
I recommend trying to book your venue 12 to 18 months in advance. This ensures you can get your desired date and that you already have your date and location when you talk to other vendors. Some vendors give deals based on location and time of year that your wedding is, you might be able to get some savings!
Q3. How does the whole payment thing work?
Payment options vary from venue to venue. We've spent the last 5 years in the wedding industry as wedding photographers and know the kind of investment our couples are making for the wedding. We offer a payment plan for every couple. Breaking the cost into 4 payments throughout the year help our couples while planning and we love being able to offer this. Other venues might require 50% down and maybe even having you pay in full.
Q4. Do different venues offer different packages?
Absolutely! We offer several different packages, from including a full service wedding planner to also supplying rentals for your event. Many times a venue might have on-site catering, florals, and a baker. In which case I recommend doing some research and ensuring that the services they provide is harmonious with your vision.
Q5. What is your biggest tip for choosing a Wedding Venue?
Biggest tip for choosing your venue is really trying to imagine your day there! Think about the ceremony space and where you will dance the night away. If you are an outdoorsy person, and indoor reception area might not be the right fit for you. Maybe you sunburn easily (like me) and don't want to stand in sun and heat, a chapel or indoor ceremony might be best.
Another tip from the photographer side (and I'm sure Bessie will agree) is lighting! We have amazing photographers in Northern California, but make sure that the lighting of the space complements your event.
Q6. Will the Venue owner be at the venue on my wedding day?
This varies depending on venue. We always have staff on-site during events to help make sure that everything runs smooth and we are able to ensure a good experience :)
Q7. Where can people find you?
People can find me here:
Instagram: @themeadowsbyfortyeleven
Photography Instagram: @byfortyeleven
Website: https://www.byfortyeleven.com/themeadowsbyfortyeleven
————————————————————————
Alright ladies! There you have it. Advice from the sweetest girl around! Nichole is awesome and the Meadows Venue is so gosh darn pretty!
Do you have any other questions? If you do, please comment below! We will be answering all of your additional questions in the comments below. Please don’t hesitate to ask as it will also help all the other brides out there :)
Wishing you nothing but the most amazing wedding ever!
Bessie
p.s. If you are looking for a wedding photographer and you think we might be a good fit hit me up via this contact form. Lets Chat!
Make sure to check out the other articles in this series - Advice from a Pro the Wedding Series:
