Planning a wedding can often feel like walking a tightrope with your budget. You want to give your special day the perfect look, but you don’t want to break the bank in the process. It requires careful balance and stringent planning. Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make—and how much it costs can influence how you craft your dream day.
So how much do wedding venues cost? And how do you find your perfect venue without blowing your budget? The key is understanding how factors affect the cost of wedding venues, how to identify various types of wedding venues and their associated costs, and how to budget for your big day.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but with the proper knowledge and preparation, you’ll be able to pick the perfect wedding venue and manage your budget well.
Factors That Affect Wedding Venue Costs
When it comes to how much wedding venues cost, several factors come into play.
Location
The location of your chosen venue can play a significant role in how much you’ll pay. A more scenic or desirable location will likely come with a higher price tag. However, if you play your cards right and delve into deep research, you may be able to find a hidden gem with an unbeatable price.
Size And Capacity
The size of the venue and how many people it can accommodate will also directly affect how much your wedding venue costs. If you’re expecting a large group, you’ll need to ensure the venue is big enough for everyone and that it can accommodate your desired decorations. Bigger venues may come with higher prices, but smaller ones don’t always mean a better deal. We encourage you to find the most cost-effective wedding venue that can meet your needs.
Amenities And Services
When you are factoring in how much wedding venues cost, you must consider how many amenities and services are included. Overall, you should understand the concept of cost versus value, where you weigh your tangibles and intangibles. Your tangibles can include how much space you need, how many chairs and tables are provided, if a sound system will be provided, and so on, all the way to the hidden service charges that may be included in the final bill.
Your intangibles can include how welcoming your chosen venue is, how much help and guidance they offer to make your day special, how much flexibility they show during the planning process, and how often they go above and beyond what is required.
As a couple, it is important to weigh the cost of the venue and how much value it truly has for you and your guests.
Time Of Year And Day Of The Week
The final factor that can affect how much wedding venues cost is the time of year and day of the week you choose. Depending on how in-demand your desired venue is, how busy the season is and how close to the weekend you plan your ceremony, you may pay more or less.
For example, summer weddings may be more expensive due to the demand. The same goes for Saturday weddings versus weekday ones. Aim to reserve your special day about 10-12 months in advance to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute fees.
Types Of Wedding Venues And Their Average Cost
Now that you understand how certain factors impact how much wedding venues cost, you must identify the types of venues that best fit your needs and how much they typically cost.
1. Hotel Ballroom
Hotel ballrooms tend to be the most sought-after wedding venues, and they come with a hefty price tag. Depending on how decked-out you want your ceremony to be, how much food and how many guests you’ll have, and how long your event will last, a hotel ballroom can be one of the most expensive wedding venues.
2. Country Club
For a more traditional and upscale venue, a country club may be the perfect option. The right country club offers an impressive garden atmosphere and exclusive amenities that will leave a lasting impression.
3. Purpose-Built Venue
A purpose-built venue like The Sixpence checks all the boxes for everything you need to craft your special day minus the pricey cost. As the name suggests, a purpose-built venue is specifically designed and tailored to host events, so it is the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and aesthetically-pleasing environments. From indoor-outdoor spaces to interior design elements, the amenities and services they offer are also geared towards bringing your dream wedding to life.
4. Beach Or Waterfront Venue
The salty air and calming sound of the waves can make for a serene wedding backdrop. While beach or waterfront venues are some of the most beautiful places to get married, you must be mindful of the cost of these settings. Beach or waterfront venues tend to have unique challenges such as scheduling times according to the tide and weather conditions, which may hinder your plans if you don’t plan accordingly.
5. Historical Or Unique Venue
For couples looking for a more memorable setting, historical or unique wedding venues present an opportunity to craft a wedding that stands out. From old churches and mansions to tree houses and barns, you will pay top dollar to make these venues yours for the special day.
How To Budget For Your Wedding Venue
Wedding venues can be a major expense and require attention to detail when budgeting. Here are a few tips on how to manage the cost of venues:
1. Set A Budget And Stick To It
Before you begin your search for the perfect venue, set a budget and try to stick to it. Consider how much you have saved up or how much money is available to be spent on the wedding. You can then allocate a certain portion of that budget just for venues, while the rest will be divided up for the other aspects of your big day.
2. Consider Hidden Costs
When assessing how much wedding venues cost, you must consider the hidden costs such as catering, decorations, parking, and other amenities that come along with it. Some venues have packages that include extra services like catering or valet parking—these may be worth investing in to save some money. However, aim to work with a venue coordinator who is transparent about all the fees included in their services, so there are no unfortunate surprises.
The Sixpence-The Premier Event & Wedding Venue In Indiana
No matter how much wedding venues cost, getting married should be a memorable event that you can look back on with joy. That’s why The Sixpence, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the perfect place to celebrate your special day. As the premier event & wedding venue in Indiana, we offer a variety of all-inclusive packages to accommodate every budget. From rustic and cozy barns to sophisticated indoor-outdoor spaces, The Sixpence has an array of amenities to take advantage of.
Ready to bring your dream day to life?
[…] For instance, a venue may charge significantly less for hosting a wedding on a Tuesday instead of a Sunday wedding. Saturdays are usually in high demand for weddings, and venues can charge more for booking their services. By having a weekday wedding, you can save quite a bit of money on your wedding venue and vendors. Overall you should know how much wedding venues cost. […]
[…] with event management, it is important to assess the event budget and resources available. You should take into account all costs associated with your next event, such as venue fees, […]