Your engagement marks the start of an exciting journey towards a lifetime of love, happiness, and togetherness.
As you embark on this adventure, it’s time to envision and create the perfect space and place to exchange your vows, celebrate, and dance with your loved ones. Remember that your chosen venue will shape your special day’s atmosphere, experience, and memories. So, let your imagination run wild, and let your hearts guide you toward finding the perfect location that reflects your unique love story and personality.
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks based on our vast experience, frequently asked questions from past clients, and the incredible network of venues we partner with.
1. Budget Talk
It’s essential to discuss each financial contributor’s spending comfort levels. The venue and catering expenses are usually the most substantial costs when organizing a wedding. Knowing the spending limits of each contributor beforehand can be beneficial. This is also an excellent time to discuss the budget in connection with the venue’s chosen location, capacity, amenities, and other expenses.
2. Manifest Your Vision
When searching for the perfect wedding venue, attention to small details that match your overall vision is essential. It would help if you considered logistical factors such as the venue’s capacity for on-site ceremonies and receptions, space availability for other vendors such as a live band, transportation, and parking facilities, accessibility for guests, proximity, and location, and potential weather contingencies. Additionally, you should consider the venue’s style, architectural elements, and flexibility to accommodate various setups and decor choices that harmonize with your envisioned theme.
3. Dig Into the Details
There are some exclusive features that a venue might offer. For example, it’s important to find out about the availability of rental equipment that can be tailored to your needs. Also, ask about exclusive spaces available on the wedding day for you and your wedding party or unique venue areas that would be ideal for wedding photography. Additionally, learn about any technology integration that might be available, such as photo booths, interactive displays, or custom lighting schemes and projections that can be personalized to make your wedding day even more memorable.
4. Schedule Early
Starting your search early will ensure that you have enough time to explore and select the perfect venue for your wedding day. Most couples start looking for venues at least a year ahead, coinciding with the season of their planned wedding. By scheduling venue tours in advance and spreading them throughout the season, you’ll have the chance to explore different neighborhoods in Chicago. This also allows you to tour more venues and, thus, a wider range of spaces to base your final selection.
5. Imagination as a Tool
After completing your venue tours, choosing your final wedding destination can be difficult, especially when there are many great options. Our recommendation is to consider the atmosphere the venue provides. Imagine how you want your wedding day to feel and ensure the venue aligns with that vision. Factors such as lighting, acoustics, and nearby locations will all contribute to the overall vibe of your wedding day and enhance the experience for you and your guests.
Bonus tip: Connect with our team! We have partnerships with over 100 venues in Chicago and can offer tailored recommendations based on your preferences, needs, and vision.
Start finding the perfect place for this special milestone by browsing our comprehensive database of Chicago venues and our Pinterest board highlighting different spaces around town.
Need more direction? We’re always here to help! Drop us a line at info@paramounteventschicago.com