3 Tips to Booking the Best Wedding Venue

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so you want it to be as perfect as it possibly can be. This is why weddings can take six months to a year to plan, what with everything you have to do and all of the other brides-to-be you’re competing with for resources.

Of all the things you have to do, finding the perfect venue can be one of the most difficult tasks. Here are just a few tips to help make it a bit easier.

Planning!
About 30% of brides spend between seven and 12 months planning their weddings. If you have a venue in mind, it is best to look as soon as you can after the engagement, otherwise you may find that it’s already been booked. The ideal time to book a venue is about a year to nine months before the wedding. After all, wedding plans take a lot of time, and while there may be a lot on your plate, this is definitely one of the first things you need to tackle.

Consider Off Seasons
Most weddings occur in the spring, early summer, or late summer. Considering something off the beaten path — like a fall wedding or even a winter wedding — could leave you with far more options, especially if you’re looking for a venue just a few months in advance. Not only will you save money on things like banquet hall rentals, but you’ll also save on nearly every other aspect of the ceremony and reception. Plus, there’s the added bonus of having a unique wedding.

Research
Last but not least, research is a key part of picking the best venue. Research shows that about 48% of couples do online research on reception venues. Many do so before ever stepping into a venue, in fact. This research can help cut down a lot on the time you spend running around town looking at venues. Instead, you’ll have a short list of favorites to visit, allowing you to really spend time at each one in order to make a final decision.

Are you in the midst of planning a wedding? What tips and tricks have you discovered for hashing out the details?