Should The Wedding Date Or Venue Come First? 5 Steps To Decide

Posted on: 2 April 2021

The right wedding date and the right wedding venue can both make or break some couples' plans. But trying to satisfy them both can be frustrating, or even impossible for some. Which should you focus on? Here are a few steps to make a decision on your personal order of importance.

1. Discuss Special Dates

Do you have a particular wedding date that you've been dreaming of? If so, why? How would it affect your plans if that day weren't available? If the date truly is non-negotiable, you will need to approach venue choices with more flexibility, so it's important to be clear on this as a couple before you go shopping for locations. 

2. Visit Local Venues

What if you've dreamed of getting married in a specific venue? While it may seem like it's outside your plans, visit some other local options anyway. You might find that there are more good choices than you realized. Or, it may solidify that you are making the right choice to focus on the perfect venue. Either way, you will make a more informed decision. 

3. Create a Date Range

After visiting some local venues, discuss their availability trends at different times. If you want only your special date, you may need to visit a number of locations to find out whether this is even feasible. While doing so, consider creating a range of alternate dates based on what you learn. Even if your preferred date is available, you never know what might change as you move forward. 

4. Talk With VIPs

Whom do you want at your wedding, no matter what? Their own needs may impact your choices, so talk with them early on. They may not be available on certain dates, for instance, or they may have accessibility issues that need to be addressed in whatever venue you choose. While you shouldn't try to please every guest, do give priority to making sure your true VIPs can attend. 

5. Write Down Your Priorities

Sit down with your research and agree as a couple on a plan of attack. Prioritize your date and venue needs in order of importance, writing down what you want to accomplish with both choices and where you're willing to compromise. Outlining this in black and white keeps you on track and ensures that both parties are on the same page as you head out to book venues. 

Where to Start

The choice between focusing on the right date or the right venue is personal to each couple. But one of the best ways to get started is to visit quality wedding venues in your location. No matter where you are in the process of planning your big day, you can learn what you need to know in order to make the best decision and have the best day. Make an appointment today to find a wedding venue that you'll love.

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