Trying to find the perfect place to host your wedding reception can be exhausting and discouraging at times, leaving you feeling a bit like Goldilocks after weeks of fruitless searching. This place has just the right style but is too expensive. This one is in a fantastic location but will only seat half of your guest list.
How do you find just the right fit for your wedding and your budget? Here are a few tips to help you expand your search and come away with the ideal reception venue.
Wedding Venue Ideas: Thinking Outside the Box
1. Be an art enthusiast.
Whether you are getting married in a big city or a small town, there is sure to be an arts scene of some kind. Take a closer look at spaces that you might not have considered yet - these locations often make beautiful and unique wedding reception venues. Stop by museums and galleries and ask if they host private events and if some of the exhibits would be available to your guests during the reception. Call libraries, theaters, music venues and dance clubs to explore other options.
2. Think green.
Some of the most interesting locations are old buildings that have been repurposed and redesigned for a new life. Keep your eye out for converted warehouses, train stations, barns, fire stations, movie theaters, factories or other spaces that would be perfect for your wedding reception.
3. Commune with nature.
When looking for wedding venue ideas, sometimes you don't need to go farther than your own backyard (or someone else's). Natural beauty can be better than any other kind of wedding decoration. Explore off-the-beaten-path outdoor locations, such as residential backyards, botanical gardens, public parks, zoos, aquariums, beaches, lakefront campsites or vineyards.
4. Know your history.
Every place has a past, and digging into the history of where you are getting married can help you find its hidden gems. Visit the local historical society or ask a librarian about historical buildings or landmarks that could make unique wedding reception venues. Research buildings, such as private homes, hotels, or city offices, that have been restored and are available for special events.