It's time for WEDDING WEDNESDAY!!!!
Time to set the record straight: You can't pick a date without picking a venue! Often times, it is best to choose a season and work with the dates that the venue has available during that time-frame. For instance, if you want a Spring wedding, you are going to be looking at dates anywhere between April through early June. If you are lucky and you have a family friend that has an amazing property willing to host your family and friends for your wedding on a date that you picked off the calendar, then you have every reason to be on Cloud-9. But not every venue is like that.
Second Shot with Jennifer Simmons Photography Many venues book a year or more in advance - especially the popular ones in the area. I know Chesapeake Bay Beach Club on Maryland's Eastern Shore books out over a year in advance. If you want to have a wedding at a popular (and GORGEOUS to boot) venue, you have to be willing to wait along with everyone else. Also, read the fine print when signing the booking contract. In the event that you need to cancel or postpone your wedding due to an unforeseen event the last thing I want for you to do is lose several thousand dollars and your sanity on top of it. Granted, you are likely to lose money over it, but pay close attention when read how much will still be owed to the venue in those circumstances.
Second Shot with Jennifer Simmons Photography
Now, the look of the venue - do you want something traditional or rustic? On the water or perhaps a golf course? Maybe an intimate ceremony at a B&B or on a family property? Either way, the sky is the limit. I know when planning a wedding everything comes down to the word we never like to hear when it comes to a wedding: BUDGET. It's the source of all things stress and limitations. Find a venue that goes not only with the budget, but also with the tone you want to set. Obviously family property's are the way to go because they are generally less expensive (or better yet FREE!!!). I know so many brides that take to Pinterest to create their dream wedding but adding in all the little details brings more $$$ into the picture, especially if you are working on a limited budget. But that's why you hire a great photographer who will make your budget conscious wedding appear high-end. But that's a different post for a later date.
Second Shot with Jennifer Simmons Photography
Be sure when researching venues how many guests you are hoping to invite because most venues do have a capacity limit. It’s best to err on the side of caution and expect more guests to attend especially if you have a large circle of friends and/or family. That way, if the amount of guests that you invite RSVP "Not Able to Attend," you have more space to work with in the venue. But if you book a venue that has a max of 75 attending and you have a large amount of people that you want to invite, then you have some tough decisions to make. You'll have to be forced to have a more intimate wedding and I want you to have the wedding of your dreams.
I think that's it, folks. If you have anything to add, feel free to shoot me a message! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this weeks Wedding Wednesday!!!!