Traditional Wedding Venue Do’s and Dont’s

One of the first things you think about when you are proposed to be married is the setting. Do you want a cozy barn wedding? Do you fancy a beach wedding? Do you want to say your vows at your local church or do you want to get married in the city hall on a Wednesday morning? The setting brings a lot to the table when it comes to the most important life events of our lives, whether it's getting proposed to or getting married. So when it comes to a wedding venue, no couple takes it lightly. It is after all where your dream wedding will play out, and it's by no way a decision to take in the passing. When it comes to conventional wedding venues, no matter where you want to get married, whether it's a church, banquet hall, hotel ballroom, or city hall, every venue comes with some dos and don'ts. In this blog, we will explore the different dos and don'ts of every section in detail. We suggest you read this blog before you book that venue for your special day!

Church Wedding

A church wedding is a beautiful choice that enables you to communicate the significance of your faith to your community while committing to your marriage. There are rules that must be obeyed that have been established by the venue, just as in any other place. While regulations differ from church to church, we've compiled a list in case you choose to hold your wedding in a beautiful religious setting.

Consult With The Priest: You might be required to meet with a particular priest, depending on the church. If this stage is optional, we nevertheless advise you to meet and interview potential churches because it will give you a chance to determine which one you feel the most connection to. You should also take this opportunity to learn about any and all guidelines that must be followed if you choose to get married there. Don't forget to take notes!

Check The Church's Calendar: If you want to get married on a particular holiday, you might need to think about choosing a location other than a church because it will probably be reserved for services. However, if you're willing to get married anytime in the future but not on a holiday, it can save you money on decorations because the church probably has unique decorations set up that you can use.

Consider Music Constraints: The type of music you can play in a conventional church, particularly a Catholic church, is constrained. Usually, only classical music and psalms are allowed. If the location is contemporary, you could be able to perform a string arrangement of your favorite pop song, but you should definitely inquire about this before locking down a location.

Photographer Guidelines: Make sure you and your photographer are aware of the regulations regarding photography before you sign a venue contract. Common prohibitions include not using flash, not moving once the ceremony begins, and even not taking pictures at all. When you ask about photography policies at your venue interview, you may avoid any potential problems.

Enquire About The Dress Code: The specific dress codes vary across churches and denominations. So be sure to inquire before making a reservation. In general, attendees should dress as they would for a typical church service. An elegant pair of pants, a collared shirt, a dress, and a modestly long skirt are all appropriate attire for a church wedding.

Compile The Required Papers: Be ready to obtain the relevant documentation because some churches need proof of baptism, confirmation, and/or communion. Additionally, some denominations only permit second weddings if the first has been duly canceled. Additionally, it may be required to convert because certain religions demand that the prospective spouse adheres to the same creed.

Pre-Marital Therapy May Be Necessary: This can occasionally be finished over the course of a weekend or in a series of weekly workshops. Some churches don't even ask for this. Ask about this crucial necessity as everything is truly unique.

Inquire about Costs: Costs are typically depending on donations, though not necessarily. For members of the church, using a church traditionally involves making a donation. Non-members often pay a charge, which can range from $200 to $2,000 with an average of roughly $400.

Personalize Your Church Wedding: Be sure to speak with management before beginning because there can be restrictions on how you can decorate the area due to the sensitive nature of a religious backdrop. Use the "less is more" philosophy in order to enhance the space's inherent attractiveness. Real or battery-operated candles, depending on what the venue allows, are one way to accomplish this. A carpeted aisle runner is another excellent option to add your personal flair to your church without drastically altering the design. Another excellent approach to enhance your church ceremony without detracting from any of the elaborate architecture of the location is using greenery. Making a floral arch or full circle at the start of the pews for people to enter through or encircling the altar where you will exchange vows is one method to do this. Adding personalized signage is a chic way to make the church more hospitable, inviting, and especially you, whether you like a bright neon sign, a more traditional rustic welcome sign, a monogrammed eucalyptus ring, or something else.

Country Club Weddings

Most people connect country clubs with elite memberships, immaculate lawns, and leisure activities. Although they can have a reputation for being stuffy, most country clubs are far from that and are frequently stunning settings for conventional weddings. However, there are certain things to keep in mind as you prepare for a celebration at your neighborhood club.

Pros 

Developed Connections: You may have spent a lot of time at the country club as a child if your parents or grandparents are members. Some couples find it to be a special location to tie the knot and return to their roots.

Parking Is No Problem: Country clubs are frequently constructed in areas with large lawns and stunning views. The other advantage of this? There is enough room for parking. Due to the reserved parking area, you won't need to worry about where all of your guests will park. Your guests might be able to use valet parking as well.

Elegance in Inbuilt: Country clubs are made for an upmarket experience and have elegance built right in. You may genuinely lean into an elegant wedding theme without having to do much more décor design thanks to spectacular architecture, well-appointed interiors, and gorgeous landscaping.

Cons

More Restrictions: Because country clubs cater to a wide range of members simultaneously, you might discover that there are restrictions or guidelines in place on the day of your wedding to maintain standards for everyone. Sometimes this may entail restrictions on what can be carpeted or tented and when, or that adjacent dining rooms are open to guest dining throughout your wedding.

Fewer Menu Alternatives: If you're compelled to employ on-site eating options, you may not have as much flexibility with your reception menu as you'd like. Always start with what the club does well when creating the menu. Take a look at what they serve at their huge member dinners, ask the chef for his or her advice on what might show best for your guest size, then lean into their responses!

Decor Limitations: You might discover that there isn't much room for freedom when it comes to the décor. In order to achieve a certain aesthetic, country clubs are typically required to usually leave things alone. In general, it is okay to decorate tables or free-standing arrangements, although it may not be possible to use installation-required products or hanging decorations.

Banquet Hall

Having support around you on your big day is always beneficial. You can relax knowing that your wedding is in good hands knowing that the staff at banquet halls are completely capable of managing large-scale events like weddings, including everything from the waiters to the bartenders to crowd control. Another perk is that some dining facilities even offer a wedding coordinator.

Cons
 

They Fill Up Rapidly: You may not have the luxury of time if you're debating which dinner hall to choose. Even during covid, many banquet halls are reserved at least a year in advance. Additionally, some banquet halls may host another sizable event on the day of your wedding, depending on how big they are. So a banquet hall might not be the best option for you if you were hoping to have a private event.

Not Unique: Hosting your special day at a banquet hall might not be the best option if you want to have an absolutely unique wedding experience. While you may absolutely personalize the day through the things you choose, if the goal is to make your wedding as distinctive as possible, you might want to consider using a different event space.

It Can Cost More: Although vendors, furniture, staff, and occasionally even décor and florals can all be found in one place at banquet halls, this convenience does not come without a price. Additionally, most events frequently have out-of-pocket costs, such as valet parking, additional staff hours worked, etc. Make sure you enquire about any potential additional fees when speaking with banquet venues about the possibilities of having your big day there.

Less Flexibility: The majority of banquet facilities are not as accommodating when it comes to setting up the dance floor, tables, and chairs. They may even have a particular method for presenting food and beverages. Therefore, a banquet hall might not be the greatest option if you wanted to add a little more of your own special personal touch to your wedding.

Pros

You Are Fully Equipped: This covers every aspect, including a dance floor, a bar, tables, and chairs as well as linens. This way, you can unwind knowing that all of your requirements are met by a single vendor rather than having to look for several ones.

Beautiful Atmosphere: Banquet halls can be decorated whatever much (or how little) you wish because they were designed specifically for special events. The good news is that most banquet venues are already tastefully furnished, ensuring you have an attractive evening even if you don't want to overdo the decorating.

Seasons Are Irrelevant: The fact that you don't have to worry about the time of year your event takes place is one of the nicest aspects of a banquet hall wedding. Since banquet halls are year-round venues, weddings in the winter, summer, and every season in between can be held there. No matter the weather outside, you won't have to worry about it ruining your special day because you'll be absolutely warm (or chilly) and cozy inside!

Hotel Ballrooms

If waltzing down the ballroom in your gorgeous ballroom wedding dress under the crystal chandeliers is more your style, hotel ballroom venues are something that you will love. When you can easily book one of the Grand hotels of your city court for a Hotel ballroom wedding experience, let us go through some factors of choosing hotel ballrooms for your wedding venue.

Ballroom & Hotel Wedding Packages: Considering ballroom wedding venues with package choices, such as a hotel or resort, is one method to lessen the all-too-common stress associated with wedding preparation. These locations often include food, lodging for you and your guests, furniture rentals, on-site coordinator or planner services, and may have a list of additional pre-selected suppliers from which you may choose when hiring a florist, pianist, etc. A ballroom rental package makes the planning process particularly simple if you're having a destination wedding since you may not be as acquainted with the local providers.

Built-In Infrastructure: Additionally, a ballroom wedding location already has all the bells and whistles needed to make your big day a success. There's no need to find a port-a-potty vendor, hunt down a caterer to reserve a mobile kitchen, or freak out about HVAC problems. Additionally, transportation will be easier if your ceremony and ballroom reception are held at the same location. If you've chosen a hotel wedding package, you may haggle over lodgings for visitors or your wedding party with the venue. This implies that after a night of dancing in their ballroom wedding gowns and heels, they won't be going farther than the elevator!

No Rain Plan Necessary: Even on the wettest of days, visitors will take pleasure in a large, amenity-rich environment that protects them from the weather. Ask your friends who had outdoor weddings, and they'll tell you how they eagerly checked the weather forecast and paid a non-refundable deposit on rain plan supplies even if they didn't need them. But nothing can spoil your big day if you are married in a ballroom.

Great for Big Weddings: Since many ballrooms can host hundreds of guests, couples with a big guest list may decide on one. And if playing music throughout the celebration is essential to you, renting a ballroom provides great acoustics for live bands to play romantic music all night long. The possibilities for hotel wedding décor at many wedding locations with ballrooms are almost endless. In addition, your ballroom wedding dress will fit in well.

Cons
 

• The majority of hotels offer basic packages, which may limit your options or force you to pay more money to customize everything exactly how you want it.
• For the event, you might have to use the hotel's suppliers and entertainment. Your selections may be limited as a result, and you might not be able to bring in outside food or alcohol.
• Hotels are relatively pricey because you must choose from their package deals.
• Since most of them only host one wedding per day, you might need to make your decision very early because good hotels fill up rapidly.

City Hall Weddings

Already dreamt of a no-fuss and quick city hall wedding? Even though city hall weddings are one of the easiest ways to tie the knot, preparation is still necessary. Listed below are some of the things to keep in mind. 

Decide On A City Hall: Choose a location that holds special meaning for your relationships, such as the home you presently share or the spot where you first met and fell in love. Don't limit yourself to the local government complex. You can take a trip somewhere else and make it the starting point of a romantic honeymoon retreat or a memorable family holiday. 

Check For The Prerequisites For Marriage Licenses: Prior planning is essential because you can't get married unless you have your license. The formal and official process to make sure your marriage is lawful will vary from city to city/county within each state. Therefore, you'll need to research the regulations in your particular city. You will probably need to obtain the license from the relevant city/county office in advance.

Get The Marriage License: It's time to submit an application for a marriage license when you've done your study and are aware of all the conditions set forth by your city. A state-issued ID or driver's license, certified copies of both birth certificates, your social security number, and divorce documents(if applicable) are required in order to do this.

Choose a Day: You might be able to schedule your ceremony in advance, depending on the city or county. If you can, call ahead to be sure there won't be a long wait to get an appointment. You'll need to choose a day to arrive and wait for your turn for your ceremony if you can't schedule an appointment with the city hall. Finding a courthouse with the desired appointment may be difficult if you're hoping for a weekend wedding date. Most courthouses will offer services Monday through Friday, but you should always double-check with your local courthouse.

Make A Wedding Checklist: When you go to the courthouse, make sure to bring all the required documentation. At your appointment, you will need to make sure you have your marriage license and any necessary documentation, your ID documents, and witnesses. Additionally, confirm that you will be able to include any components that may be significant to you. For instance, decide whether you want to say your own vows, invite friends and whether you want to capture the event on camera or in photos.

Document the Event on Camera: Investing in a skilled photographer to capture your wedding day is the one thing you should do. There isn't a better method to acquire keepsakes that you may appreciate and look back on in the years to come. Ideally, you want someone who is familiar with the area and has previously photographed that city hall to find the best photo opportunities.

Include Your Loved Ones: One major advantage of a simple ceremony is that you can narrow down your guest list to the people who truly mean the world to you without having to follow the formalities and politics involved in a traditional wedding guest list. There could be some variations in the rules and regulations at each city hall. Consider inviting your closest family members and friends as there will likely be a modest number of attendees.

Wear Something You Feel Good In: Just because you're having a small wedding doesn't mean you can't have a stunning courthouse wedding outfit. You can dress it up or down as much as you desire. Feel free to don conventional wedding apparel as well as anything you and your partner like. A timeless white dress is always stylish, or choose a quirky pantsuit or tuxedo. 

Include Unique Touches: Even if you are unable to say your own vows, you can still include several wedding customs that heighten the significance of the occasion. You can carry a bouquet, make a toast at the after-ceremony gatherings, reserve a luxurious hotel room and spend lavishly on spa treatments, and organize a local newspaper ad announcing your marriage.

The wedding venue is one of those special locations which you will forever think fondly of even decades down the lane. It is a place where you will make your forever vows, and where your gorgeous wedding photographs will be shot. It will be where you will plant memories that will bear fragrant flowers decades down the lane. So, of course, you want to do that right. While every wedding location has its own set of unique dos and don'ts, adhering to them will ensure you have a flawless memory to represent your special day.