You’re newly engaged and need to start the wedding planning process. One of your first decisions will be what type of venue do you want to have – where do you want to host your wedding.

Traditional wedding venues such as churches and hotels offer a classic and elegant setting for couples who want a formal and traditional wedding. On the other hand, non-traditional venues such as farms and backyards provide a more relaxed and informal atmosphere for engaged couples who want a unique and personalized experience. Here are some pros and cons of both options:

Traditional Wedding Venues: Pros:

• Typically offer more amenities such as catering, tables, chairs, linens, etc.
• Have experienced staff who can handle all aspects of the wedding planning process.
• Often have large ballrooms or event spaces to accommodate larger guest lists.
• May have more flexibility with dates and times.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than non-traditional venues.
• May limit personalization options since they have a specific aesthetic and layout.
• May have strict rules and regulations that can restrict certain aspects of the wedding.

Non-Traditional Wedding Venues: Pros:

• Offer a unique and personalized experience for the couple and their guests.
• Often more affordable than traditional venues.
• May offer a more relaxed and casual atmosphere that is perfect for small weddings.
• Provide more flexibility for customization and personalization.

Cons:

• May require more work and planning since the couple is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the wedding.
• May have limited amenities and resources, such as restrooms, parking, and seating.
• May have restrictions due to weather or location limitations.

Small vs. Large Weddings: The size of the wedding can also impact the pros and cons of the venue. Here are some factors to consider:

Small Weddings: Pros:

• More intimate and personal experience with close family and friends.
• More flexibility with non-traditional venues since they can accommodate smaller guest lists.
• May be less expensive since there are fewer guests to feed and entertain.

Cons:

• Limited guest list, which can be difficult for some couples who want to invite more people.
• Fewer amenities and resources provided by the venue since it’s a smaller event.

Large Weddings: Pros:

• More grand and impressive event that can accommodate a larger guest list.
• More amenities and resources provided by the venue since it’s a larger event.
• More opportunities for grandiose decorations and design.

Cons:

• More expensive than smaller weddings due to the larger number of guests.
• More difficult to find non-traditional venues that can accommodate a larger guest list.
• May be less intimate and personal due to the larger number of guests.

In the end your venue, the size of the venue, and your guest list are big factors in how you will be planning the rest of your wedding. These are a few of the aspects you’ll want to discuss early on in you planning and have a clear idea of how your budget works with each factor.