5 Hudson Valley Elopement Venue Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re planning on a Hudson Valley elopement, location is key. While décor and catering are important, your venue sets the tone for your celebration, so finding the perfect event space is a vital piece of the wedding planning puzzle.
Whether you're dreaming of an open garden courtyard or a modern industrial loft, Hudson Valley offers a diverse selection of elopement venues. However, choosing a location is not a simple process. Instead, selecting the right option for your event requires careful contemplation and planning.
Here are five critical mistakes to avoid, so you can secure the Hudson Valley elopement venue of your dreams.
Not considering the reception hall capacity
Finalize your guest list before reserving a Hudson Valley venue for your big day. How many people will you invite, and how many do you expect to come? An estimated headcount will allow you to determine a suitable size for your event.
For instance, a small venue may not accommodate a party of 200, especially if you require additional space for dancing and other planned activities. On the flip side, if you envision an intimate gathering, a large reception hall may feel too spacious for a group of 20. Discuss your guest list with your partner before proceeding with any venue decisions.
Touring event spaces without a budget
Once you have an estimated head count, it's time to set your wedding budget. The last thing you want is to fall for a Hudson Valley venue outside your budget. Instead, establish a spending plan to avoid disappointment so you can set your sights on a realistic option to host your special day.
Wedding venues typically require 30% of the average budget. So, before scheduling any tours, determine how much to set aside for your Hudson Valley elopement venue. Then, you can use your unique percentage to select a gorgeous location.
Booking without touring the destination
With a budget and guest count in mind, start scheduling venue tours to explore each location in person. While online galleries can give you a taste of each Hudson Valley space, a walk-through will solidify your decision, allowing you to see if the atmosphere matches your wedding vision. Be sure to ask questions about each venue’s offerings, procedures, and packages as well.
As for destination elopements, an in-person tour may not be possible. Fortunately, many venues provide virtual tours and video calls for couples to view the space in real-time. Take advantage of this option to see if it's the right choice for your celebration.
Not inquiring about the details
Selecting the perfect Hudson Valley wedding venue means you need to cover all of your bases. When you inquire about factors like protocols and site fees, you can discover which option is ideal for your event needs.
Here are some questions to assist with your search:
How many guests can you accommodate?
Do you have additional amenities, such as a list of local vendors or on-site event management?
Are there booking fees or food and beverage minimums?
How long do we have access to the property?
Can we host a rehearsal dinner here?
Use these questions to guide your venue selection and inspire more questions unique to your event.
Putting venue reservations on the back burner
Many couples take their time sorting through reception halls. While making informed decisions is crucial, don't wait too late to reserve your dream venue. Event spaces can get booked a year (or more!) in advance, so you should select one while it's still available.
Not reserving a Hudson Valley reception hall in time can delay your wedding date and cause complications with current vendors. Instead, avoid the hassle by booking your elopement venue early, so you can secure your big day and ease into the rest of the planning process.
If you're eager to reserve a venue for your elopement, Hudson Valley Weddings at The Hill is the perfect historic estate for your big day! With a touch of rustic and charm, our property is ready to be the most magical backdrop for you to tie the knot.
Get in touch with us today to explore the grounds and find your Hudson Valley elopement venue!