Your wedding is supposed to be the best day of your life. After months of planning and preparation, everything has to be absolutely perfect. One of the most important decisions that a couple will need to make is choosing the right location for their Toronto wedding. When comparing all of the options, there are several things you will need to consider.
Make a spreadsheet
Start by drawing up a spreadsheet so that you can keep track of all the various venues in the area. No matter how great your memory may be, it always helps to have all of your options in front of you so that you can compare all the pros and cons of each possible location. The spreadsheet should contain the following:
- The name of the venue
- The address
- The number of people the venue can hold
- Notes regarding availability
- Location design and layout details
- Their rates and if the rates vary depending on the season
- Website link so that you can refresh your memory if needed
- Notes on limitations like if there is no kitchen on site or if the use of their in-house catering services is part of the agreement.
- Parking capacity
- Notes on any extras that are included such as tables, chairs, and basic décor like table cloths.
Budget
Once you have all of your options set out in front of you, it’s time to consider your other wedding expenses. Draw up a complete wedding budget and determine how much you will be able to spend on your venue. Once you know your venue budget, you can start to cross anything too expensive off your list. When considering your budget, make sure that you take into account anything that’s included or not included. For instance, if your venue includes basic décor, tables, and chairs, then you can add part of your decorating budget to your venue budget.
Number of guests
Making a guest list is all part of the wedding planning process. If you want to have a big wedding with all of your extended family members and friends, then you will need a venue with the appropriate capacity. If you would like a dance floor, you also need to allow plenty of space for the guests to dance and for your DJ or band.
Weather
The weather also plays a significant part in wedding planning. For example, sunny weather is great for outdoor weddings whereas colder weather makes an indoor venue the better choice. In some cases, you might even be able to get the best of both worlds. There are venues that offer the option of having your reception outside along with the backup plan in the event of rain or poor weather.
Theme
The theme of your wedding will also affect your reception shortlist. While many locations are fairly flexible, and the theme can be created simply by using the correct décor and accessories, others have specific design elements that make them perfect for specific themes. For example, an older building would work really well for a wedding with a rustic theme. Other aspects like lighting will also influence the theme and ambiance so take this into account as well.
At BeWed, we have a comprehensive list of essential wedding services. Take a look through our Banquet Halls and Venues section for beautiful Toronto locations to tie the knot!
