Choosing the Right Wedding Venue for Your Special Day

Choosing a venue is a key component when planning a wedding. Wedding venues typically command a big bulk of the budget and influences a lot of the other components in the plan. Once you’ve set a venue, it often becomes easier to picture and design your wedding moving forward.

Although New England has multiple venue options, there are various preceding factors to take into account when choosing one. The budget; how much are you allocating for the space. The location; what type of setting is it located at, and how accessible is it. The space; how many people can it accommodate and would the structure allow for decorations and entertainment. The date; is it available for your choice of special dates, how many months prior is required to make a booking.

Just like choosing a wedding dress, it is important to choose a venue that would best fit your theme. The venue should add to the experience you hope to create for you and your guests. We’ve come up with a comparison of different types of wedding venues:

1. Backyard Wedding

For couples who prefer a small intimate wedding, backyard weddings are the way to go. Backyard weddings are a great choice for those who wish to include a personal touch in their wedding. Having the reception at your childhood or family home can add sentimental value and meaning to your special occasion. In this type of micro-wedding, you have more control on deciding through each wedding component. Additionally, the smaller setting would limit the number of attendees but would create a more exclusive event. The money that would have been spent on an external venue can be allocated to further beautify your special day. However, with more opportunity for personalization you might have more on your plate to manage.

Pros: Cut in cost, private & intimate atmosphere, more opportunity for personalization
Cons: Less guests, higher need of immediate responsibility

2. Outdoor Tented Weddings

May it be at a barn, along the coast, or an open grass field, tented weddings presents an aesthetic feel. It’s unique setting often situated around natural sceneries, helps create a one of a kind wedding experience. The opportunity for personalization is great as you would be able to fill-in a space with your ideal wedding concepts. Certainly, these spaces are not usually located in traditional locations, and therefore accessibility and the weather are elements to consider. Further, you may need the extra help of vendors for logistics and decor – which may incur additional costs. PEAK Event Services is a great resource that specializes in outdoor tent events, including decor, set-up, and rental services. Their gorgeous sailcloth tents can transform any space to your dream wedding venue. 

Pros: Beautiful outdoor surrounding, a unique and intimate experience
Cons: Requires various external support, accessibility and weather conditions

3. Resort & Hotel Ballroom

Resorts and hotel ballrooms is the traditional choice of venue for weddings. The complete in-house services and accommodations that hotels offer makes it such a popular option among prospective couples. Hotels and resorts often accommodate large ballroom spaces, equipped with great catering and entertainment. Moreover, some of these venues offers an outdoor and indoor option, and feature a beautiful scenic surrounding. Hotel professionals are very well-prepared and experienced when it comes to organizing events, especially weddings. Couples are able to be less hands-on and stress free to enjoy their special occasion. Unlike the other previously mentioned venue options, hotels and resorts may incur a higher budget. You may want to consider the Salem Waterfront Hotel, located on the historic Pickering Wharf and close to downtown Salem. It’s modern luxurious service, and located in a beautiful scenic Salem port, making it a perfect venue for your special day.

Pros: Experience wedding professionals, complete in-house service, convenience, extra perks
Cons: Higher cost