Picture: Poirier Wedding Photography 

Selecting the perfect wedding venue can be tough.  You want something unique, something that incorporates your style, sets the perfect tone and can even compliment your theme, color scheme or ideal decor.  Fortunately, South Florida has it all. From museums, ballrooms, private mansions, gardens and beach-front venues, South Florida has a pot full of pickings.  So what should you consider when securing the perfect wedding venue in South Florida?  Here are a few top suggestions:

Ceremony and Reception – You want to give some thought to both your ceremony and reception.  Will both be held at the same place?  This is the most convenient for the couple, families and guests.  Less travel is always good, especially for your guests that are out of town.  BUT, will you be sacrificing a traditional ceremony in your chosen house of worship.

Location – We are always about creating an experience with our events.  It is always important to think about what is near the wedding venue such as guest accommodations, other sites to see and things to do.  Just about every event we have planned, guests want to keep the party going.  Also consider location when it comes to your guest’s lodging accommodations, are they a walk up the road, or an elevator ride away?

Weather – Everyone knows South Florida Weather is unpredictable.  It can be raining in front of a building and sunny in the back of it.  Weather is always an important factor when considering your venue, especially if you have your heart set on beach, golf course, garden or a park setting.  Always have a solid back up that you are comfortable with if plans do not go the way you anticipated.  This will also factor in to the date that you select for your wedding.  In South Florida May thru October tend to be our rainy months, and June thru November are hurricane season.  Tip: While knowing such circumstances have the potential to occur, be sure to know the venue’s policy for inclement weather.

Other Events – Consider area events that could interfere with your wedding.  In South Florida, everything from street festivals to boat shows can occur near your venue of choice.  Always be mindful of holiday festivals, shows, tournaments, and performances that may be near or at your venue.

It should also be asked of the venue if other events and or wedding receptions or ceremonies will be held at the same time of your wedding and what restrictions if any will be available so that any two events do not interfere with one another.  Tip:  Your wedding should not have to compete with another. This would affect everything from parking to possibly quality service.

Parking – Consider parking accommodations for guests.  Is there enough parking? Is it near the venue or a part of the venue?  Are their costs associated with parking? Are valet services available, if so, how is this charged to your guests or to the event hosts?

Food – In House Caterers – If you are planning your wedding with a Hotel/Resort facility, generally you are using the in-house caterers and less flexibility is given, unless food requirements cannot be fulfilled by the catering department, such as special food selections (i.e. traditional Indian food or strict kosher guidelines).  In such circumstances, additional fees may be encountered.  Other venues that are less restrictive may provide you with preferred-required caterers that, for your protection, have been vetted and approved by the wedding venue. If you are required to use a caterer from an approved list be sure to meet with them in conjunction with selecting the wedding venue to ensure your needs will be met and you will be happy with their services.

Getting Ready – Consider your getting ready, holding and/or refresh areas of a wedding venue.  Specifically your ceremony, you want to inquire about an area where you will be out of guest view before you make your grand entrance.  You also want to inquire about a bridal suite, where, if you want to, you can get ready and have your hair and makeup done. Consider the accommodations to do so: mirror, electricity, space etc.

The Right Look – Of course it may be difficult to locate a wedding venue that has the perfect color, theme, décor, but you want to look at the overall event space and make sure it does not clash with your theme, color, style or event mood. Tip:  Always keep in the back of your mind, what you may have to do with a space to create the general look and feel you are hoping to accomplish.  Another Tip: Attempt to take a look at the space during the time you anticipate to have your event.  You would be surprised at what an event space looks like at Noon vs. 6:00 in the evening.

Size – You always want to ensure you have the appropriate space to guest ration.  You never want a cramped space where guests are squished in and uncomfortable.  You also would never want a space that would be too large of a space that would leave your space looking empty or have spaces that you would need to fill with unnecessary décor.

Facility Extras – You always want to have a good understanding as to what is included with your wedding venue such as chairs tables, linens, etc.

These are just a few key components to consider when looking for the perfect wedding ceremony and reception venue.

Need assistance in searching for the perfect venue? Consider our venue scouting services. We will find the perfect venue that is within your budget, the perfect location and size and one that will be s compliment to your wedding theme.