Wedding planning can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about and plan for, so we are understanding when couples tell us they feel frustrated during the planning process. We’re not wedding planners, but, as photographers, we’re there throughout the wedding day so we see the frustrations that arise.  Plus, we know what makes a good photo. ;)  And, let’s be honest…photos are important because they’re the only thing that will last after the wedding day other than the “married” status.

To help out those embarking on the wedding planning adventure, we’ve decided to write a few posts giving tips and advice.  Since your wedding venue is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day, we’ve decided to start there.  Sure, you want a place that is gorgeous and fits your style.  I mean, who doesn’t want to get married in a beautiful venue?

But you also have to consider a few other things that can make or break the ultimate wedding day experience…

1. Make sure you have enough space for your guests.

This is one of the most important things to consider…venue size. If you try to cram 150 people into a venue that should really only fit 75, everyone will be miserable. Venues will typically tell couples how many their venue can hold, but keep in mind that number is usually the max.  You don’t want to be at a venue’s maximum number if you can help it.  Your photographer will also have a hard time keeping up with the action if they’re constantly having to shoulder their way through the crowd.

Ultimately, you want to make sure there’s enough space for the party you’re envisioning.

2. Consider the weather possibilities.

With the weather in Louisiana, you can’t always be sure what to expect, but you can pretty much count on extreme heat in the June/July/August. If having an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception is important, then your guests will appreciate it if you select a month other than June/July/August. The same for the colder months of December/January/February. Sure, we’ve had 80 degree weather in January, but you can’t guarantee a warm winter. So, if you want a winter wedding, be considerate of your guests and select a venue that has a heated option.

You also have to consider the chances of rain. Having a back-up plan in case of rain is very important. If there isn’t a back-up spot, you may end up with the added expense of renting tents, and it may be so last minute that you can’t find a tent to rent. If your venue of choice has a back-up space in case of rain, you still need to consider whether or not it will hold everyone you’ve invited. Refer back to tip #1.

3. Be aware of rules for wedding ceremonies in a church!

If having your ceremony photographed is important, then be aware that some churches have VERY strict rules. There are at least two churches we know in the Shreveport-Bossier City area that do not allow photographers to shoot within the sanctuary. In those churches, your photographer will have to either stand in the foyer (staying off the sanctuary carpet even) to photograph every aspect of the ceremony or will have to remain in the balcony for all ceremony photos.

While some churches allow you to fake the photos after, what’s the point? You can’t get back the smile as you walk down the aisle or the giggle you guys shared when your dad hands you off to your groom. If your heart is set on a church ceremony, be sure to ask what the rules are beforehand and make your peace with it.

Some churches also do not allow more than 15 minutes of photography following the ceremony.  That means you’ll need to have all of your family formals completed within that 15 minute time frame or you will need to photograph them before the ceremony.  If you’re only including your close family (think parents, siblings, and grandparents), then this 15 minute limitation won’t likely be an issue. But, if you want to include aunts, uncles, and other extended family, then you’ll need more than 15 minutes.

In case you’re wondering, typical church rules include: 1) photographer may stand at the front to photograph the processional before moving to the back for the remainder of the ceremony and 2) use of flash only during processional and recessional. Those are common rules that are easily worked around by professional wedding photographers, so, if those are your church’s only rules, you’re good to go!

4. There are benefits to having your ceremony and reception at the same place.

If you have your ceremony and reception at the same place, then you cut down on time needed to get from one place to another. Talk about a huge help to the wedding day timeline! Not having to drive between locations will help you to get to your party even faster.  You’ll also save money by not having two venue fees.

5. Think about the background.

When you’re looking at potential venues, take a moment to get a 360 degree view of the place.  Don’t just consider what the guests will see as they watch your ceremony.  You’ll want to also think about what’s in the background as you’re walking down the aisle.  For example, we’ve had ceremonies where there were parked cars behind the guests.  That meant, there were parked cars in the back of the processional photos.  If that sort of thing will bother you after the fact, then you might want to reconsider that venue or that ceremony spot at that venue.

6. Don’t forget about the groom!

Most venues have a space for the bride to get ready, but not all venues have a space for the guys to get ready.  I know, I know.  The guys only take a few minutes to get ready, right?  But it’s the groom’s day, too.  So it’s just as important to photograph the groom hanging out with his friends before the ceremony as it is to photograph the bride with her friends.  And a closet doesn’t count.

We hope these tips will help you when selecting your wedding venue.  We have a couple more blogs planned to help with the wedding planning processing, but we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on the subject!  Just shoot us an email at info@wearethebergs.com and we’ll either write a post specifically answer the question. Or we’ll do a Frequently Asked Questions post if the response is short and doesn’t needs its own blog post.