San Antonio Wedding Photographers
To find the perfect wedding venue, you should start looking at least one year in advance of your special day according to this wedding planning timeline. Popular venues will book up quickly. If you have your heart set on a venue and you wait too long, you may have to compromise your wedding date. To further help you in your wedding day planning, I have put together this checklist to help you find the perfect wedding venue!
Rose Hall at the Sandy Oaks Ranch, Devine, TX
First things first! Before you ever step foot on a venue or even a venue’s website, you need to decide these four things:
- What is your budget?
- How many people are you inviting?
- Will the ceremony be held at the same venue?
- What style or theme are you going for?
After you’ve answered these four questions, you’ve narrowed down the list of possibilities to hold your wedding/reception and you’ve just reduced your mental anxiety by more than half. Now, you can use this checklist to make the final cut!
- Location
The first thing you want to ensure is that the location of the venue is acceptable. Problems with the airport next door or the proximity of ample hotel rooms could pose real problems on the night of your wedding. Look for a venue that is easily accessible with plenty of nearby lodging options. Make sure there are no other logistical obstacles to overcome (ie. road construction, large annual event nearby). - Guests
How many guests can the facility accommodate? If you’re planning on having 450 guests, make sure the venue can reasonably accommodate that many people. Ask to see a seating chart or pictures of other events with the same number of guests. It may be one thing for 450 people to stand comfortably in the facility but an entirely different ball of wax when they’re seated. Everyone enjoys elbow room. Second to elbow room: make sure there are more than enough bathroom facilities! - Decor/Colors/Style
Make sure the general appearance of the venue is somewhat pleasing to your colors, theme and vision. It is unlikely that the event decorator will be able to transform a rustic, country barn into the dreamy ballroom you are expecting. - Privacy
If you are considering a larger venue, one thing you must consider is whether or not they host multiple events on the same night. If this is a possibility, be sure to inquire how the scheduling is handled. Consider how easily guests may become confused if there are two weddings or cocktail hours which begin at the same time. It would be best if the events were staggered by an hour or so to prevent the mere chance strangers may attend. Another thing to consider is whether or not the venue still allows patrons to enter during the events. Imagine having your wedding on the grounds of a winery, yet patrons are still allowed to roam about the property during the event. If this is the case, you may want to inquire about a “buy-out” option. - Sufficient Parking
Ensure that there is enough free parking for all of your anticipated guests. If parking is not free, try to negotiate a bulk rate for your evening so that your guests do not have to pay for parking. - All-Inclusive
What all is included in the rental fee? Does that include access to the kitchen and appliances… how about servers? Is there a separate service fee? Does the rental fee include the tables, chairs and linens? How about clean up? If you’re venue is in a hotel or restaurant, this may be included. But, if the venue is a garden or a park, they may not be. - Hidden Fees
Are there hidden fees? For example, some venues charge a “cake cutting fee” if you do not order your cake from their preferred vendor. This seems like a totally unreasonable and “bullying” charge… on the surface. But I’ve realized that if you do order from within, you often receive upgrades that you originally would not have (ie. plates decorated with syrup, chocolate covered strawberries). Also be sure to ask about sales tax, gratuities, and an extra charge for the champagne toast. - Deposit/Cancellation
What does the venue require for a deposit? Since the venue will be one of your largest wedding expenses, (#7 on this list of wedding expenses) do they offer a payment plan? If the unexpected should happen, what is the policy about cancelling or changing the date?
There is certainly lots to think about! You may need to add more questions to your checklist based on your own situation—like, does the venue allow pets in the ceremony or how can they accommodate someone with limited mobility? With organization and proper planning, this will be a fun process and you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot for your wedding. Happy hunting!
Waterfall at the Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Woodlands, TX
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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.
In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.
I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!
The post, Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.
