Congratulations! You’ve said yes to the love-of-your-life’s proposal and are ready to begin your life together. All that’s left is a wedding!
Does wedding planning already have you completely overwhelmed? There are decisions to make, people to please and money to spend so you can pull off the perfect wedding day. Wait what?
Obviously we’re somewhat kidding. We know the reality is that weddings are expensive and you have a budget that you must stick to. (No use getting your soon-to-be-spouse upset and starting your marriage on the wrong foot!)
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to settle for a backyard BBQ to stay under budget. (Although, we think they’re a fun way to throw a relaxed wedding!) We created a list of beautiful, unique and creative venues that are often overlooked. You can still have the day of your dreams at a space you love!
1.Pick a day other than Saturday!
It’s no surprise that Saturdays are the most popular day to get married. If you’re trying to stay under budget, consider getting married at your dream venue on another day of the week. Sunday Brunch weddings are becoming increasingly popular. (Who doesn’t love brunch?)
Guests won’t expect elaborate table decorations and florals, expensive uplighting, and $100-per-person plated dinners when you can have delicious breakfast, fun lawn games, Mimosas, and Bloody Mary bars.
2. Choose a location that has special meaning.
Find a spot that you both hold dear to your story. Maybe it’s the same restaurant that you had your first date? Or that time you had a picnic at the park? Or renting out an old movie theater that you used to frequent?
Make a list of past dates nights, places you both traveled together, and special spots you both love. More than likely, one of them will be affordable and create a special experience on your wedding day.
3. Support a National Park
It doesn’t get any more romantic than saying your “I do’s” among some spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. Keep your wedding intimate and memorable by choosing a national park for your wedding venue.
Be sure to look into any necessary permits for holding an event with more than 10 guests. You’ll also want to look into regulations around food, decor and trash. Make the day extra special by including a donation link to the park’s environmental program on your registry.
Your guests will be awestruck as they journey through the landscapes, and we guarantee there won’t be a dry eye in the crowd when you say your vows overlooking the mountain ridges. Cue the fur pashminas and bohemian flower crowns.
4. Airplane Hangar
All our hearts melted when Danny flew Evelyn in his plane above the clouds in Pearl Harbor. Relive the timeless, classic love story on your wedding day in an old airplane hangar.
Your best bet with this kind of venue will be a private-owned hangar for smaller, bi-planes in a small town. You might even luck out with getting your own sunset exit above the clouds in one of the planes! Just be sure to get your DJ to cue up “Come Fly With Me” as you take off.
5. Industrial Warehouse
Minimalism is the craze this season. Show off your creativity by transforming an old, industrial warehouse into a dreamy, chic space for your wedding day.
Don’t worry about elaborate decor; let the space speak for itself. Take advantage of the brick, cement and metal elements with bold colors, or soften it with white and neutral tones.
6. Museum
7. A Good, Old Fashioned Church
8. Destination Wedding
Give you and your families an excuse to vacation with a destination getaway wedding. Find an all-inclusive resort to keep your costs down for you and your guests.
This is a great way to manage your guest list since flights, hotels and time-off-work are involved for any attendees. Just be sure to plan ahead so that family and bridal party have time to save up for your special day.
9. College or University
If you’re marrying your college sweetheart, why not get married on campus? Most college and universities rent space out for events, and give students or alumni a discount! You might even score with having campus catering available as well. Not to mention, guest parking will be easy to find!
Doesn’t sound totally glamorous getting married at a college? Then get creative with it! Utilize the open grassy areas or gardens for the ceremony, transform the special events center or dining hall for the reception, and all take advantage of those classic buildings and libraries for photos.
10. Under the Sea
11. Feed the Starving Artists
Support your local artist community by booking your wedding at an art gallery exhibit. These venues know how to make the most of a space, giving you a blank canvas to work with. Plus the cocktail hour is interesting for your guests who can browse the art pieces while sipping bubbly and snacking on hors d’ouevres. Added bonus: your wedding just got a whole lot classier.
Look up upcoming exhibits in your area and choose a date that displays art you and your groom will enjoy. OR take a walk 0n the wild side and let the artwork be a surprise to you!
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15. A Backyard Wedding
And of course, there’s always the classic backyard wedding. Don’t roll your eyes just yet. Before you dismiss this idea, think about the simplicity and intimacy that can be shared with your loved ones on the most important day of your life.
Benefits of a backyard wedding (besides smaller guest size) include having the beautiful, Pinterest-worthy tablescapes you desire, a more tailored menu, simpler decor, less stress and more relaxation on the day-of, and best of all: a party you’ll never forget!
Wherever it is that you decide to have your wedding, just remember that ten years from now it won’t matter what venue you chose. Don’t lose sight of the fact that this is your wedding day, the day you marry your love. The rest are just details.
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