You’ve finally found a location you love, and let’s be real, you were ready to sign on the dotted line like yesterday. In all the hoopla and excitement of booking your big day though, don’t forget to use your head over your heart. Otherwise, you may find yourself out of both luck and money. Here are 3 questions every bride should always ask before committing to a wedding venue.

Photo: Septemberoaks

1. Will the backup plan still work with your guest count?

If you’re hoping to get hitched and hold your reception outside, it’s important to find out if your venue actually has enough space to move the party inside in case of inclement weather. If a venue can only hold a maximum of 60 people, and the exterior doesn’t work for tents (it’s not flat, it’s on a cliff, etc.), it won’t work for a larger wedding group. You’re just asking to be weathered out of your own wedding.

Photo: Shefinds

2. Is there a noise curfew?

Can’t stop, won’t stop! Unfortunately, not every wedding venue will let you party until the break of dawn (shocking, we know) or even past 10pm. Many private properties have earlier hours because of nearby neighbors and local noise ordinances. Ask how late your wedding reception can go, and while you’re at it, ask how soon it can begin, prior to signing a contract. Some venues will be happy to accommodate and provide a late night buffet, whereas others will tell you that your festivities must be shut down by a certain hour. This isn’t uncommon at hotels (luxury ones included), where your wedding may irritate other guests staying on the property that would rather turn down for the night.

Photo: Donna Morgan

3. Can you hang things?

We bet this question never crossed your mind! Some brides have a very specific décor plan in mind. If yours includes nonnegotiable details like floral chandeliers, paper lanterns and anything else that physically has to be hung from something, you’ll have to get permission first and the venue’s policy could be a deal breaker. For example, some places with concrete or stucco columns and other structures don’t have anything to anchor off of and you’re not allowed to damage the walls or ceilings. Thus, you can’t hang anything.

Article Courtesy Of: Brides

If you’re looking to outfit your ‘maids in something besides matching chiffon gowns, a sparkly gown is a fun and glam alternative. From sequins to beading, what better way to make your best girlfriends stand out from the crowd than a shimmering dress?

We’re in love with the cowl back on these attention-grabbing gowns!

If you don’t want to dress your bridesmaids in a floor-length gown, don’t worry, they can still sparkle in a short fitted dress!

Shimmering gold on top paired with blush tulle skirts? Talk about an ultra-feminine bridal party!

Give your girls one guideline—their dress has to sparkle, and see what gorgeous gowns they find on their own. It’s a great way to create some variety among the bridal party while still keeping them glam.

Neutral and blush hues let the sparkles and sequins take center stage.

We’re loving pick and choose option by this bridal party!

If you don’t want your full bridal party decked out in sparkle, have your maid of honor stand out instead!

Elegant beading is another easy way to add eye-catching detail to their ensembles.

We love the formality of the gowns featuring a bateau neckline paired with the fun shimmery feel.

No matter whether your ‘maids dresses are short or long, sparkles are always appropriate.

These blue sequin dresses are feminine, flirty, and fun!

This bridal party did not hold back showing off their glam side!

These mix-and-match shimmering gowns look fabulous the most romantic of hues.

If you’re hesitant in going all out with sparkle, take a note from this bridal party, and opt for shimmer on the top.

We’ve found the perfect color palette for a winter wedding—emerald green or black with lots of sparkle!

Courtesy of: Wedding Wire’s Sarah Title

Cover Photo: Alowcountrywed

1.

An arch of flowers isn’t the only way to dress up a ceremony location. For any brides who was aren’t huge fan of blooms, try creating an intimate ceremony space by arranging dried Pampas grass, anchored in wooden boxes in a small circle at the end of the aisle.

Photo Credit: Hunter Ryan Photo

2.

Why let a little thing like a swimming pool get in the way of your vision? Go for a dramatic entrance and install a stage and an aisle over the pool; seat your guests on the deck.

Photo Credit: Dreamtime Images

3.

Use lush greenery to transform a birch structure into a magical, organic altar perfect for a Midsummer Night’s Dream-inspired wedding. 

Photo Credit: Jill Devries Photography

4.

If you can’t decide between an indoor or an outdoor ceremony, why not have the best of both worlds? Lay grass down on top of the concrete. It can make the wedding feel more informal and personal, like it was in your backyard.

5.

Simplicity is making a comeback in a world full of complex designs, and these bouquets are the perfect example. Olive branches are a symbol of peace, and it can lent a feeling of serenity to the day.

Photo Credit: Braedon Photography

6.

Bar design is often an afterthought, why not try making it a statement piece? This bar was was designed to bring the outdoors in by creating a living wall.

Photo Credit: Jess + Nate Studios

7.

Create over sized decals of the bar menu and installed them on the glass doors. It creates a fun focal point, as well as a backdrop.

Photo Credit: Chelsea Brown Photography

8.

Six-packs aren’t just for beer. Use local craft brew carriers to serve savory snacks like chips and popcorn during cocktail hour and the after party. 

Photo Credit: Megan Saul Photography

9.

Are you a beer lover? Share your passion with your wedding guests by offering a menu of local craft beers instead of a signature cocktail. Your favorites could be from a lesser-known brewery, so a series of tasting notes helped guests find their perfect brews.

Photo Credit: Jess + Nate Studios

10.

At a summer wedding, there’s nothing quite like a cool drink to take the edge off. Serve up snow cones flavored with boozy syrups like piña colada and spicy watermelon margarita. 

Photo Credit: Adam and Sam Photography

11.

Sparkler exits are nothing new, but what about a sparkler entrance? To make it even sweeter by holding up champagne buckets full of cotton candy, with sparklers glowing, as you make your entrance into the reception. 

12.

A creative lighting plan will really elevate a design scheme. Use strands of twinkle lights to create a glowing canopy over an outdoor reception, it can bring your reception to a whole new level.

Photo Credit: Jerry Hayes Photography

13.

Using color is a no-brainer, so take it to the next level by adding color in unexpected places. Rather than using flowers or linens to brighten up a table, move the bright hues to the place settings instead.

Photo Credit: Jerry Hayes Photography

14.

Looking for a creative way to make sure your guests remember where they’re supposed to sit? Guests lose escort cards all the time, so use something guests wouldn’t be able to misplace: Slap bracelets!

Photo Credit: Margot Landen Photography

15.

Got a sense of humor? Then you’ll love this escort card display. If you love Cards Against Humanity, personalize the cards with guests’ names and table numbers. Your guests can take the cards home to use the next time they played the game!

Photo Credit: Josh Gruetzmacher

16.

Make sure the morning after is just as sweet as the wedding itself by sending guests home with breakfast to go, like these sticky buns and cinnamon rolls.

Photo Credit: Hyer Images

Article courtesy of: HuffWeddings