The Perfect Venue on a Budget
Finding the perfect venue for your wedding always seems like an overwhelming and taxing task, especially when you are on a strict budget. If you are a planner and perfectionist like me, the list of possible places seems never-ending. You'd want a picturesque setting, for a perfect day of unforgettable moments. The first thing you should do is talk to your partner about what that looks like for both of you.
Weddings are held anywhere now; churches, beaches, gardens, hotels, great houses or plantations- to name a few. The venues that could host your wedding are timeless; this is why the best decision is so integral to the happy couple.
There are several factors you should consider to acquire the ultimate venue while sticking to your budget.
Cost
Venue cost is one of the most important components when making your selection. This is at the top of every couple's list, especially for a wedding on a budget. If money isn't a problem for you, then perhaps it may be found a little further down on your list. There are so many other costs to consider like the bride's gown, groom's suit, cake, invitations... and the list goes on and on. Therefore, if you can cut costs, even slightly with your venue, you've done yourself a huge favour.
Think about the cost of the venue carefully. Find out whether there are pre-arranged wedding packages and what the venue cost is inclusive of. This could save you a lot of money on chairs, tables, cutlery- even food and beverages for your guests if the venue also comes with caterers and a bar. The more your venue can offer you, the fewer worries you have in obtaining the things remaining on your list.
Availability
Decide on your date early. If you can’t agree on a date, at least have 2-3 potential dates in mind. When you begin your venue shopping, you'll be able to ask whether the date or potential dates are available. Ask whether there would be any other events the day before your wedding to see whether set up could start early. Similarly, if you are having your ceremony and reception at the same location and would require a rehearsal for your wedding party, inquire about an available rehearsal date close to the wedding day and whether this would be an additional cost.
Size
Ultimately, you need a venue that is big enough to accommodate your wedding party and your guests. You should at least have an idea of how big or small you want your wedding to be when choosing your venue. This would help greatly with your decision, especially with COVID-19 restrictions. You would want your guests to feel comfortable at your wedding. An oversized venue with a few guests could cause discomfort just as much as a small venue with too many guests.
Photo & Decor Potential
You should consider your theme and any ideas you might have regarding your wedding album while choosing your venue. Think about how the venue complements your photo and decor ideas. For example, if you love flowers and your venue has a garden with flowers, this would lower your cost at the florist. Similarly, if you have a rustic theme for decor or the wedding album, a plantation, ranch, or barn venue might be exactly what you need.
Changing Room for Wedding Party
This is sometimes overlooked or forgotten and is optional. However, it can help you cut the cost of transportation to the venue. It also creates the opportunity for your wedding party to be there with you early, so that everyone is hopefully, on time. If you live close to the venue or have a room that you could use nearby, by all means, use it. It would save you the hassle of paying for alternative accommodation and a limousine or another luxury vehicle, to transport the wedding party to the venue.
Security
In the rush of securing your venue, make sure that the surroundings are also safe for you and your guests. Inquire about security and think about the times at which your guests will be arriving and leaving your wedding. If it is a late, evening wedding, inquire about the area and whether it is well lit and busy or secluded and dark. You wouldn't want any incidents or accidents to dampen your special day.
Professionalism
Regardless of what they are paying for, customers ultimately expect to be greeted with professionalism. Pay attention to your emails, phone calls, and site visits with the owner or staff at the venue. Remember how they treat you is probably how they will treat your guests as well. You also wouldn't want to be working with people who do not know what they are doing or make unprofessional decisions for your wedding. With that said, choosing the venue that has professional owners and staff makes everything flow smoothly. They can even offer professional expertise on things that you, as the wedding couple, may have overlooked or forgotten. Their ultimate goal should be to ensure that their clients have the most magical day at the venue.
I am sure there is a lot more to consider when choosing your venue. Think about what you and your partner want. If it is important to you both, inquire about it. The day should be perfect for the two of you. If you are reading this and you are planning your wedding, congratulations! I am so happy for you. Make sure that you subscribe to get updates on future wedding blogs.
I have included below, a list of places you might want to consider to host your wedding in Barbados. Please note that I am not affiliated with any of these venues.
The Odeum at Mangrove
Bellevue Plantation
Halton Great House
Lancaster Great House
St. Nicholas Abbey
Sunbury Great House
Bagatelle Great House
Bentley Mansion
Graeme Hall Nature Reserve
Clifton Hall Great House
Sweetfield Manor
Elegant Hotels
Petrea Gardens
Sugarland Gardens
Hilton Hotel
Sandalwoods Estates
Codrington College
Crane Hotel
Harrisons Cave
Lion Castle Polo Estate
Cherry Tree Hill
The Beach House
Pollard’s Mill
Crystal View Estates
Holder’s House
Sandpiper & Coral Reef
Accra Beach Hotel
Savannah Hotel
Sugar Bay Hotel
Little Arches Hotel
Mango Bay Hotel
Mayfield Guest House
Gun Hill Signal Station
Sea Breeze Hotel
Mahogany Ridge
Cobblers Cove
Sandy Lane
Colleton Great House
Guinea Plantation
Wakefield Plantation
Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Fustic House
Foursquare Rum Distillery/ Heritage Park
Golden Grove House
Port St. Charles
