The wedding venue is a very important part of the wedding day planning process. It will set the tone of the ceremony. People choose the traditional church setting for various reasons. Others opt for a different venue for many of the same reasons. Cost, tradition, religious belief, setting, and theme are all factors that go into wedding venue choice.

Cost is a factor in most weddings. Very few weddings are planned with no consideration for cost. A wedding at the church of the bride or groom, or both, can often reduce the cost, because the church may offer a reduced price for church members. A wedding at home, or the home of a family member, can be inexpensive, as well. However, sometimes the costs can quickly add up in this setting. Decorations, preparations, and landscaping may need to be done to get the property ready for an outdoor wedding. Renovations may need to be done to the interior for indoor weddings. A major wedding house or rental hall may cost more money but the decoration and set-up is usually taken care of by the company.

Tradition leads many people to choose the church where their parents were married. They may also choose the church that they were baptized in or where they met. Some people would not consider getting married anywhere but a church, simply because it has been the tradition of their families. Other people may choose a traditional family location. A home or property that has been in one family for a long time, or where many family events are held, may be a choice wedding venue. Some people like to buck tradition and therefore choose a new venue that has not been used by anyone else in there family. In essence, they start their own tradition.

One of the most common reasons for choosing a church for the wedding is the belief that it is the proper thing to do. Many people hold religious beliefs that require weddings to be held in the church. Others simply feel that a ceremony with a religious connotation should take place in the church. Many people with a strong faith would not consider having a marriage anywhere else. For this same reason, some people choose not to have the wedding in the church. Their belief system may require that they be married in another location. Some people choose not to have a second, or later, marriage in a church.

The theme for a wedding may require a particular setting to make it work. A wedding with a religious theme would fit best in a church, especially one that is special to the couple. A wedding with a tropical theme might be set at a beachside resort. A Victorian theme might fit well in an old plantation house, while a “Green” wedding might be outside under the sun in a natural setting. Some people choose the setting with no theme in mind. Some people may choose a more laid back approach and choose a setting such as the backyard or a small rural church.

Another factor to consider when selecting the venue is the number of guests and their travel considerations. A large wedding may not fit in that small rural church or the small family house. A large Catholic church may swallow up a small group of guests. A big hall may be unnecessary for the small, intimate wedding. A resort banquet hall might be just right for the moderate sized wedding with family and friends who will be traveling a large distance and need a place to stay before and during the wedding.

The best wedding venue is a matter of choice. The perfect setting for one couple might not work at all for another. Consider all the factors and make a list of possible choices that fit those factors. Then visit those on the list to see what feels right. The wedding venue should be one that fit’s the needs of the couple and will provide a setting for memories that will last a lifetime.