Types of wedding venues

I’ve been on the hunt for venues for a client, and I’ve compiled some thoughts on venues to help you on your search too. Keep in mind this is a general guide, and there will be venues that don’t fall cleanly in one category. Whatever venue you end up choosing, make sure to do your research and ask lots of questions.

Bang for your buck
“Bang for your buck” venues offer all-inclusive packages. This will be in the ballpark of $40-100 per person, and usually includes everything from food, security, bar service, A/V and tables/chairs. Typically the per person fee is all you have to pay. These tend to be golf clubs, banquet halls, hotels and restaurants, and are popular in the wedding circle. Because they are popular and are easy to book, many other couples you know may have already used the space for their wedding. If this doesn’t bother you and if you are looking for a one-stop shop, this is a great route for what you pay.

Build it yourself
On the more higher end, there are venues that charge a rental fee and you build your wedding from there. You choose the caterer from their preferred list (usually part of an elite group of the city’s finest), bring in your A/V, pay for staffing, sometimes you will have to rent linen/tables/chairs/utensils, and more. Once you choose the caterer, the catering manager will assist you in choosing everything and they put together the package for you. Going this route, you have more freedom in choosing what your wedding will be like, because you can select even the linen and the kind of chair you would like (all at a cost of course). Food will typically be tastier and more customizable than at a banquet hall with an in-house chef. If customization is what you want, going this route will start at $100 per person. These venues are usually more unique, since you build your event from scratch.

Outdoor wedding spaces
Another great option for weddings is to hold it outdoors. A tent is always recommended going this route, because you never know how the weather will be. Tented events are similar to build-it-yourself weddings because you have to do just that – build it from scratch. Even more, you may need to consider bringing in your own portable toilets and kitchen if the space does not already have. This allows for a unique event also, because it is customizable. Some venues have tents to use for their outdoor space, so you get the bonus of a venue with staffing and support for the event as well as the outdoor feel at an all inclusive price. Prices vary greatly depending on size of tent and location.