If your Facebook Newsfeed was filled with engagement announcements this holiday season, you're not alone. You might even fall into the category of someone who got engaged over the holidays. A third of all engagements take place between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. This is the case for a number of reasons: love and happiness are generally in the air more during the holidays, there is usually extra income from Christmas bonuses to buy that special ring, and it's just another way to celebrate with friends and family during this season of celebration.
However, once the ball drops and the Christmas tree is put away, it's time to get down to business, and one of the first tasks that you'll want to check off is the all too important wedding reception venue. Ask any wedding expert or bride and they will tell you that choosing a venue early is crucial as it will set the tone for the rest of the wedding planning. This is especially the case if you're looking for a unique wedding that matches your unique personality. So what questions should you be asking yourself and your planner?
Here are four that you should certainly consider asking:
Where do you want to get married and what time of year? These obviously are the first two questions that you should have an answer for right away. Destination weddings are becoming more popular as couples opt for more unique backdrops for the big day, but these are usually smaller and will require a greater monetary commitment on guests. The time of year matters too. Summer weddings are the most popular, so a venue will need to be booked early. Speaking of venues…
Are there any restrictions or extra charges on music, décor, food, etc.? Some venues are very strict with moving around furniture, playing certain music or vendors. If you're planning a unique wedding, you probably have a very specific vision in mind of the décor, food and drink and entertainment. You'll need to find a venue that can help you make your vision a reality.
What was the most unique wedding you have ever planned? This is a question you'll certainly want to ask your wedding planner to see if he or she is up for the challenge. Ask about prior experiences, whether or not he or she has experience working with the venue you have chosen, and his or her ideas about the type of wedding you want.
Will I want this wedding a year from now? People's minds change, but unfortunately, some wedding changes could be expensive or even impossible. That's why it's important to dig deep in the earliest planning stages to make sure the wedding you want now is the wedding you'll want to tell your kids about one day.
We wish you luck on your wedding announcement and would love to hear from all our readers about their wedding experience.