Choosing your wedding venue is the first and biggest decision you will make in planning after accepting the proposal. It will influence a number of other factors related to your big day such as budget, décor and even your wedding date. The first question your other vendors will ask will also be “Where?” and “When?” Here are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect place to say “I Do” that I have found to be important for our couples.

Am I the only wedding? Being the only wedding taking place at the time is a big thing! No bride wants to run into another bride on their wedding day. They want to feel special, as if this day is devoted just to them. It can also be confusing for your guests if they are not directed properly by the venue.

I want to have indoor and outdoor space! Having the use of indoor and outdoor space for the duration of your wedding is great. Having these options situated in a way that keeps your guests together whether they are inside or out is key. You want everyone to feel like they are at the same event! Make sure that you have direct access to the outdoor area and that the spaces are connected somehow, otherwise your guests will be separated and may even miss out on some of the festivities. Here at Hillside we try to invite guests to the different spaces throughout the night for instance having a s’mores or cigar station at our fire pit areas. Check to see if the bar is in the room as well since guest tend to congregate in this area too.

Personalized planning. No one wants the same wedding as the bride before them or feel like they are in a wedding factory. Being able to customize your day from the timeline and menu to the décor and setup helps your day to be as unique as you are. Little touches go a long way. Great examples that we offer would be a signature cocktail named after the couple or a late night snack of your favorite foods like cheeseburger sliders or pizza. Another important thing would be to make sure your planner is as excited about your day as you are. They should match and share in your excitement to include these details that make your day a reflection of you as a couple.

Trust the professionals. Have confidence that your venue is much more familiar with the capabilities of a space, the layout, and the time and items you'll need to really make your vision come to life. Don’t be afraid to ask what the most comfortable layout for the room is to help determine if it will work for your guest count. We often offer sample floor plans to our couples based on their guest count so they can visualize how the room will be setup on their day.

Consider your guest’s overall experience! What do you want them to remember about your day. Is food, flowers or music your priority or are you looking for that unique “wow factor” such as a fireworks display or helicopter entrance to make your day stand out? I think it is really important to have something special at each part of your day: ceremony, cocktail hour, & reception. This helps give your guests memories for the duration of your event!