How Much Does My Wedding Venue Matter?

When it comes to planning a wedding, there are a lot of things to consider: the dress, the date, the photographer, the flowers, the officiant, the guest list…it can all get a bit overwhelming.

But there’s one factor that makes a big difference in all the other decisions: your venue. According to a 2018 survey of real weddings, conducted by wedding website The Knot, wedding venues account for roughly half of the average couple’s overall wedding investment. But cost isn’t the only reason your choice of wedding venue is a big deal.

The wedding venue dictates several critical elements of your big day. For example:

The Date

You could pick your date and then find a venue and hope that a great option is available, or you could find out the availability of a fantastic venue and let that help you narrow down your date. Either way, dates and venues are inextricably linked.

The Guest List

Intimate party for 12, or grand event for 400? Your venue’s capacity and the guest list have to get along (even if your great-aunt and your cousin, who both want to be invited, don’t get along).

The Theme

If you want a minimalist, modern wedding, you probably shouldn’t host it in a vintage castle. And your ornate, Victorian-themed masterpiece probably shouldn’t be held in a barn. A great venue evokes a sense of place and will go a long way toward bringing your theme to life. (Pro tip: If you have to spend a massive portion of your budget on decorations to hide the way your venue really looks, you’re probably choosing the wrong venue.)

Another reason to prioritize your venue: Once you have your venue locked down, you can take a deep breath – many of the other things on your checklist can usually wait a little while longer. Sit back and enjoy this special time in your relationship. Cheers!