So, he proposed. On a beautiful setting, he made up his mind and proposed. And you said yes!
So, what’s now? Your head buzzing and can’t stop thinking about all the things you will have to organize in order to have the wedding of your dreams! But while each and every decisions related to the wedding can play a part in shaping your big day, there is a little number of choices that will make a bigger impact than other. One of the biggest is definitely choosing your wedding venue.
The wedding venue will set the wedding’s tone, that’s why choosing it wisely is an imperative.
There are some questions to ask when choosing you wedding venue, from selecting a location that suits your wedding style (classic, bohemian, or rustic event?) to setting your budget and respect it.
You should put together a checklist of the essential factors to consider when selecting a wedding venue.
But how in the world one can take such a decision, with very few possibilities of making it wrong? Where do you even start when it comes to deciding how to pick a wedding venue?
I am here to help you! With the help of a local wedding planner it will get easier to have everything under control.

I usually share with my brides some tips on how to choose a wedding venue, and here you are a small selection of them: I hope they will be useful!

 

#1 Time is everything

If you are searching for a particular wedding location in Italy, then the earlier the better. Great venues can get booked up to 12-18 months in advance, so the sooner you get started, the more likely you are to get your first choice.
Choosing your wedding venue in Umbria will be one of the first wedding planning moves you make. You don’t want to fall in love with your dream venue only to find out they’re fully booked for the next 12 months, do you?
If you truly want your first pick of venue or have a non-negotiable wedding date already set, start your venue search in advance and schedule those site visits as soon as you can.
If you have a more flexible date range, your wedding venue’s availability will be the deciding factor in setting your wedding date.

#2 Keep your budget under control

Budget is what you should always keep in mind. Not only how much the space will cost, but also décor and floral design will drive the cost up.
First of all you should create a wedding budget, so you can draft a wedding budget on the wedding location before you start your wedding venue hunt. Break down your overall budget by category, prioritizing more funds for vendors that are a higher priority.
There’s nothing more disappointing than finding what feels like your dream venue but then realizing later down the line that it doesn’t fit into your wedding budget!

Some venues might provide some important event services already in their price quote, while others might charge more for the same services.
Please note that some wedding venues in Umbria can offer wedding packages, including food, service, settings and more.
Your budget is usually the leading factor in how to choose a wedding venue in Italy, right for you. Always keep in mind to ask your wedding venue and find out exactly what is—and isn’t—included.

#3 Don’t’ forget your guests’ list

Capacity limits can make or break a venue: size definitely matters when it comes to your venue!
Depending on the number of guests, you should pick a wedding venue with a comfortable amount of space for all of them: you should ask the venue how many people the venue can fit comfortably, as well as what is allowed according to the fire code!
Having a venue that’s too large with a smaller guest list can make the place seem a bit empty. On the other hand, you also don’t want to pack 250 guests into a venue that has a max capacity of exactly 250 people.
There’s a world of difference in cost and planning effort between a tiny party and a great one, so pin down your numbers as soon as you can!
Are you having a destination wedding in Umbria? Then you should keep in mind that your location should better have accommodation on site. Or, at least, very near to a hotel.

#4 Make sure you have a plan B

My favorite affirmation when planning a wedding is: when it comes to weather, it’s a good idea to hope for the best but prepare for the worst!
Weather is still unpredictable and you cannot plan to have an outdoor venue without thinking of having a covered or indoor option in the case of bad weather such as rain. You’ll want to confirm a venue’s ability to successfully execute a rain plan!
If the venue has both indoor and outdoor options you will always have a plan B that is easy to put into effect. Please, just make sure you also love the indoor option!
Maybe it can help to look at some historic temperatures for your date and location to decide how to pick a wedding venue that makes the most sense.

#5 Curfew and limitations

No one will ever tell you when the party has to end, but they will definitely tell when it has to stop.
Some venues have strict rules about when you will need to be quiet or just how noisy you can be. Make sure to ask if there are any noise restrictions. You have to get to know them before signing the contract for your wedding venue.
If, for example, having a dog as a ring-bearer is fundamental for you and the groom, you’ll need to find a wedding venue that’s pet friendly.
Venues set rules for a reason, and they don’t often make exceptions just because you really want something, from using candles and sparklers to hanging décor from the rafters.

#6 Enlist the help of a local wedding planner

Local wedding planners know it all. They are like venues visionaries. A local wedding planner is able to have the whole view in her/his mind, and can recommend a wedding venue based on your style, budget, guest count, and much more.
Even if you do not have a precise idea on how your wedding party should like, a wedding planner will help you getting to know it.
Choosing a wedding venue in Umbria can be challenging sometimes, due to the logistics and the small number of venues that are world wide famous, but trust me, Umbria is filled with hidden gems and wedding venues to discover.

Hiring an Italian wedding planner: is it the right choice?

When travelling abroad, the first thing you may think about is finding a local guide to get the most of the place you are visiting, trying to live like a local. Why should it be different with your wedding in Umbria? If you are wondering if hiring an Italian wedding planner is the right choice, just think about what has just been said above.
Entrust yourself to an Italian wedding planner, she will suggest the perfect exclusive locations, lavish flower settings, sumptuous bridal ateliers and much more. She will let you and your loved ones live the Italian bella vita, making the most of it like only a real Italian can do.
I am Fatima Palomares and I really can’t wait to meet you and start planning with you: your exclusive Italian wedding is nearer than you think!