Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but with so many details to juggle, it can also feel a little overwhelming—especially when it comes to choosing the perfect venue.
Hey there! I’m Nicole, a wedding professional with over 14 years of experience across nearly every corner of the wedding industry. From my start in off-site catering in college to my time as Director of Sales & Marketing at one of Columbus’s most elite wedding venues and my hands-on work in planning, marketing, catering and managing weddings of all sizes and styles, I’ve developed a passion for helping couples navigate these big decisions with confidence and ease.
Through this blog series, I’m excited to be your guide, sharing insights and advice that answer your most pressing wedding planning questions.
We’ll dive into everything from finding the right venue to crafting the perfect timeline, so you’ll feel prepared every step of the way. And when it comes to venues—whether you’re envisioning a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, or a hidden gem you haven’t discovered yet—I’ve got you covered.
Let’s start with one of the most important decisions you’ll make: choosing the venue where your big day will unfold.
Selecting the right wedding venue is a pivotal decision that sets the tone for your entire celebration. The venue influences your wedding's style, accommodates your guest list, and aligns with your budget. In Columbus, options range from elegant ballrooms to rustic barns, each offering a unique ambiance. For instance, venues like Magnolia Hill, The Seventy Five or White Willow Meadows provide a sophisticated setting, while Four Seasons Barn and Alum Creek Farm offer a charming rustic backdrop.
Top Questions and Concerns for Newly Engaged Couples
When embarking on your venue search, it's essential to address common questions and concerns:
Most of these questions should be answered in your general venue web search or once you get information packets back from the venue, but it’s good to have a list to reference so you can catch any gaps to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples as best you can!
You should always know a backup plan in case of weather is necessary and every venue will have a backup plan. Even more so - be sure to know how many guests the venue can accommodate in their outdoor space as compared to their indoor space. If you love a venue that fits 300 guests outside but only 200 inside, your guest list should not exceed 200 guests. Trust me! You don’t want to stress about where you’re going to put 100 guests (crammed inside) if it rains on your wedding day!
Take advantage of the vendors and caterers a venue recommends. They do hundreds of weddings and have worked with several DJs, Florists, Caterers, Cake vendors etc. so referencing their list of preferred vendors gives you a great jumpstart knowing these other vendors have worked well are are familiar with the venue.
Also, perfect time for me to share our Hudson's Edge list of venues we partner with to help with your search :)
https://www.hudsons-edge.com/wedding-venues-columbus
Each venue is different, not only in what they offer but how they charge for the services they provide. It's tough to navigate. So don't be afraid to ask for a price estimate / price quote or sample wedding invoice to make sure you're accounting for everything. This will help immensely when you're comparing your top 2-3 venues and also trying to refine your budget around what's most important.
Steps to Research Wedding Venues in Columbus
Begin your search by outlining your must-haves, such as capacity, style, and budget. Utilize online resources, reviews, and social media to compile a list of potential venues. Columbus boasts a variety of options, from urban settings like Brickyard on Main to countryside venues like Ivory Meadows, each offering distinct features to suit different preferences.
What to Look For During Venue Tours
When visiting venues, pay attention to key details:
Lighting - dim lighting for dinner service and dancing vs. bright lighting for a possible indoor ceremony and photos.
Layout - how seamlessly guests will flow through the space.
Bathrooms - enough stalls that won’t cause a long wait line for a large group!
Parking - how about handicap accessibility? Is it a far hike for guests to walk in their nice shoes?
These may seem like you’re going the extra mile to accommodate your guests - which is always nice… but more so, any negative alternative to the examples above just makes for congestion or chances for things to seem uncomfy for your guests.
Questions to ask:
While you don’t want to fall for a venue that will launch you into newlywed life under a mountain of debt, considering spaces that seem to be outside your budget can benefit your overall search. “The reason I suggest it is so that you can determine what things you really find a priority for you: It may mean that you restructure your spending plan or guest list to make a higher priced venue an option for you,” says event planner and designer Kelly McWilliams (blog linked below).
Honestly, EVERYONE will tell you not to put on the wedding dress you can’t afford in case you fall in love with it… but when it comes to venue hunting, this advice can make a lot of sense.
In my experience, engaged couples should follow the Top 3 rule when starting their planning – meaning, what are your Top 3 Non-Negotiables i.e. Outdoor Venue, Upscale Food and a Good DJ (for a great dance party!) If you make your list of Top 3 Non-negotiables and one of them seems to cost more than you originally thought, you can adjust your spend on other wedding details to make up the difference.
But trust me – in order to do this effectively, you cannot have more than a Top 3, maybe 4 non-negotiables. Because at that point, you’ll be in the mindset of paying any price for what you want, which will always have you spending far more than your initial wedding budget.
I LOVED reading these 11 Rules for Choosing Your Venue, according to experts. It shares so many good things to think about!
Weigh the pros and cons of each venue by considering factors like flexibility, included services, and overall ambiance. Trust your instincts and book early to secure your preferred date, as popular venues in Columbus can fill up quickly.
For me personally and for so many wedding clients I’ve worked with, I try to be real with them that finding the right venue is by far one of the most daunting processes (sorry to say!). You’re number crunching, making a list of priorities, getting inundated with venue pricing packets and details, scheduling any free time to visit places – and trying to sort it all out. It’s stressful. Not to mention, it’s also helpful to share with you that venue costs generally take up 50% of your overall wedding budget, so seeing that dollar figure when you’re just getting started will make anyone's eyes go wide.
I haven’t found any magic trick to ease this stress, but I can say, nailing down your Top 3 priorities, having an honest discussion about your overall wedding budget (future blog topic to come) and maybe making a spreadsheet to compare the venues are all a helpful start!
Remember, your wedding venue is more than just a location; it's the canvas for your love story. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek venues that reflect your unique journey as a couple.
If you need personalized guidance or want to throw out some left-field questions and get honest answers… feel free to reach out—I truly love helping couples navigate wedding planning to ensure the best day ever. :)
- Nicole
Featuring the Beck Wedding
Photographer: Annie Trammel Photography
Venue: Magnolia Hill Farm
Caterer: Hudson’s Edge Catering & Events LLC
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In support of our local community, Hudson’s Edge proudly offers a unique and satisfying dining experience in the comfort of your home with a carry-out menu of take & bake and fresh items that we open up for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays.
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