Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be one of the most stressful parts of the wedding planning process. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know what to look for.

It’s important to create a shortlist of must-haves before you start looking. This will help you narrow down your choices and make sure you get everything you want on your big day. Whether you’re looking for a traditional or unique setting, southern Wisconsin wedding venues to make your special day perfect.

1. Location

The venue sets the tone for the entire event, so it’s essential to find one that aligns with your vision. Whether it’s an historic mansion or castle, rustic barn, or beach wedding venue, selecting the right location can make all the difference to your big day.

Guests travel from far and wide to attend your special day, so you’ll want to choose a venue that’s easily accessible. Depending on the location of your venue, you’ll need to consider how easy it will be for your guests to get there, and to get to and from their accommodations.

If your venue is outdoors, plan for possible weather issues. Ask about a covered area in case of rain, or even a backup indoor space. Be sure to talk about your guest list and their preferences for access, as well.

2. Budget

Choosing a wedding venue is one of the first and most important decisions you will make when planning your big day. It will be the location for your ceremony and reception, so it’s essential to choose a space that’s spacious enough to accommodate all your guests.

You should also create a budget before you start looking for venues. That way, you won’t be caught off guard by a price tag that isn’t within your budget.

It’s also a good idea to look for venues that have special pricing during off-season or weekday times of year. This can help you save money on your wedding costs, especially if you are looking to host a large event.

3. Theme

Once you have a general idea of the type of wedding that you want, you can start looking for the perfect venue. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a lot of choices out there and don’t know where to start!

Once your venue search begins, it’s important to choose one that complements your theme rather than clashes with it. Consider the overall aesthetic of your dream day, as well as the style that best reflects you and your partner.

For example, a traditional bride might look for a venue that evokes the history of the location, such as a church or golf course. Meanwhile, a bohemian bride may opt for an open space with string lights defining the room.

4. Entertainment

When choosing a wedding venue, entertainment is one of the most important factors. It should be something that matches your ideal wedding, fits the space you’ve chosen, and can give you and your guests some fun memories to share for years to come.

For example, if your venue is full of funky art and interesting architecture, hiring a stilt walker or contortionist would be on-theme and a great way to end the evening. On the other hand, if you’re planning an elegant, refined event, hiring a professional band will be the perfect fit.

Before you start your wedding venue research, make a draft budget that includes music and entertainment. This way, you can avoid signing a contract with a venue that eats up your budget but doesn’t leave any money for music and entertainment.

5. Privacy

A venue will be the setting for your wedding and deciding on which one will be best suited to your needs is vital. It needs to be somewhere that will work for your guest count and be a fit with your overall theme, style and budget.

A site visit is an essential part of the venue selection process. Without this it could be possible that you may book a venue but be disappointed to find it doesn’t match your expectations.

A site visit is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about the venue. This could include how easy it is for guests to get to the venue or if there are any accessibility issues.