How to Find Your Perfect Wedding Venue

Selecting the perfect venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the wedding planning process. Your venue sets the tone for your celebration, influences nearly every logistical decision, and plays a major role in your guests’ overall experience. At Drake Social, we believe that scouting the right location is both an art and a science — and we’re here to help you navigate with confidence. Here are some considerations to guide you as you tour and evaluate prospective wedding venues.

Think First About Guest Experience

Before you fall in love with a beautiful setting, consider the guest journey. How is the drive to the venue? Is parking readily available, or will you need to arrange for valet transportation service? Will directional signage enhance the arrival experience, and where might a welcome sign feel most impactful? Prioritizing these details ensures a seamless and elevated first impression for your guests from the moment they arrive.

Walk Through the Day Chronologically

As you tour a venue, imagine the flow of your wedding day from beginning to end. Where would the ceremony be held? Where would guests gather for cocktail hour? How will they transition into the reception? Walking through the day chronologically allows you to spot opportunities for smooth transitions — and identify any potential bottlenecks early on.

Understand the Venue’s Infrastructure

Whether you’re envisioning an alfresco ceremony, a tented reception, or an elegant ballroom affair, it’s essential to consider the logistics behind the beauty.

• Outdoor Spaces: Does the venue have power routed to outdoor areas for the music and amplification needs? Is there a local noise ordinance the venue abides by
• Tented Events: Is the ground level suitable for tenting, or will a subfloor be needed? Is the grass well manicured? Are restroom facilities easily accessible, or will rentals be necessary? Consider lighting paths to and from the tent for guest safety and ambiance. View our blog post about tented weddings for more information.
• Ballrooms: Evaluate the placement of major landmarks like stages and bars. Are you happy with the in-house carpet, wall colors, and furniture? Are the lighting levels adjustable for different parts of the evening? If in a hotel, be mindful of potential curfews or noise restrictions.

Thoughtful planning around infrastructure ensures that the final design feels intentional — and that the experience is seamless behind the scenes.

Looking for venues in the Atlanta area? Check out our featured blog posts on the Atlanta History Center, the St. Regis Atlanta, and Summerour Studio.

Pay Attention to Existing Features

Hidden gems often lie in the details. As you explore cocktail hour and reception spaces, take note of built-in bars, existing furniture like consoles or buffets, and available glassware. Incorporating these elements into your design can elevate the aesthetic while maximizing efficiency, and may even help you trim rental costs without sacrificing style.

Always Inquire About the Rain Plan

Even in sunny destinations, weather can be unpredictable. It’s important to explore the venue’s rain plan options during your tour. Can the alternate spaces accommodate your full guest count comfortably? Are the backup locations equally beautiful and thoughtfully appointed? A strong rain plan should feel like a continuation of your original vision, not a compromise.

Scouting isn’t just a checklist exercise, but an exciting and strategic step toward creating an extraordinary celebration. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities, we’re here to guide you. Ready to start planning? Contact us to begin your journey.

Main Photo: Laura Watson