How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Venue For Your Photography Style
Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. So, how to choose the perfect wedding venue for your photography style is an important question in the very early stages of the wedding planning process. Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding, and it’s essential to select one that aligns with your vision, theme, and photography style. After all, your wedding photos will be cherished memories for years to come.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of a city wedding or a casual affair on a beach in Greece, White Villa Photography are experts at aligning photography style with the backdrop of your special day. That’s why we’ve created our list of tips and tricks to help you choose the ideal location.
1. Choosing Your Photography Style
Tradtional And Classic
Traditional photography conjures a wide range of images, but its most prominent feature is its timeless quality. For this type of photography, you may wish to stand out more from your background which makes simple, stunning architecture and landscape the faultless choice.
Moody And Romantic
This style of photography lends itself perfectly to dramatic yet intimate imagery, with romance at its core. Although it may require dark editing, venues with shadowy nooks, classic architecture, plenty of layered textures, and contrasting light dynamics are perfect for creating a moody atmosphere.
Posed
The style of posed photographs can depend heavily on the background. When you visit potential venues, pay close attention to its features, and see if you can picture your wedding party posing amongst them.
Landscape
Scenic venues or destinations abroad offer breathtaking natural backdrops for your special day.
Choose The Right Photographer
Specific photography styles might lend themselves more naturally to certain venues, but the best photographers are able to create the feeling you want by ensuring every moment is captured authentically, regardless of the style and venue.
2. Consider The Venue Aesthetics
When evaluating potential venues, consider the following factors:
Lighting Conditions
Natural light can enhance your photos, so look for venues with ample windows or outdoor spaces.
Background And Scenery
Ensure that the venue’s surroundings align with your desired aesthetic, whether it’s urban modernism or rustic charm. You should feel drawn to your venue.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Options
Choose a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate different lighting and weather conditions.
Consult Past Couples
Reach out to couples who have held their wedding at the venue to gain insights into their experiences and see real examples of wedding photography at the location.
Check Hashtags And Portfolios
Social media platforms and photographers’ portfolios can provide inspiration and examples of weddings held at your chosen venue.
3. Your Vision
The aesthetic of your wedding day goes beyond the venue itself, with floral arrangements, your theme, and your personalities seeping into the decor. When choosing a venue, think about:
Decoration Ideas
The decoration is as important as the venue itself. For grandeur, you might settle on classic colours. If you’re seeking a nostalgic polaroid feeling for your imagery, then choosing a more off-beat venue like a theatre and decorating it with tall, meadow-fresh florals and sweeping fabrics will create the feeling you’re searching for.
Align With Your Theme
Make sure your venue aligns seamlessly with the theme of your wedding. Go for a marquee wedding to suit a casual theme, a castle to create regality or a town hall for modern and practical.
The Staff
Although it might not be your first thought, the team behind your wedding are just as important at creating the right atmosphere as your guests. Ensure the hospitality rating of your venue is second to none, and help them feel included in the festivities.
Accessibility
When looking at venues, make sure your photography locations are accessible for yourself and your guests, so no one feels excluded from being commemorated on your big day.
Pick Your Season
The season of your wedding can heavily impact the imagery you end up with. Bright and sunny days create a warm atmosphere whereas rainy autumnal weather has a more intimate feel. Whether winter, spring, summer or autumn, have a think about the mood you wish to set through the weather. Remember, it can be unpredictable so having a backup plan is key.
4. How To Find The Perfect Wedding Venue
Check The Capacity
Make sure your venue has the capacity to host your total guest count. If it is too large for your guests, you could downsize to a smaller venue to create a more personal atmosphere.
It’s All About Location
The location of your venue is vital. It should be accessible to your guests, and be set against a backdrop that you can picture yourself posing in front of.
Know Your Budget
Although your vision is vital to creating stunning wedding photographs, you must remain mindful of your budget. Incorporate venue costs, catering and decorations into the overall cost. If you fall in love with a venue that is slightly out of your price range, ask to see wedding packages as this might make it more affordable for you.
Review The Entertainment
Different venues will have different entertainment options available so double check that the venue you choose aligns with your vision before submitting a booking request. The joy that live entertainment creates is spot on for taking memorable candid imagery.
5. What To Ask Your Wedding Venue
To achieve the perfect wedding photos, ask the following questions of your prospective wedding venues:
Do I Have Freedom Over Wedding Suppliers?
Some wedding venues will only work with their suppliers, so if you want full creative freedom over the appearance of your wedding to capture your dream photos, make sure you can source your flowers, cake and decor from your choice of vendors.
Are There Areas For The Bridal Party And Groomsmen To Get Ready?
Some of the most treasured photos are those taken in the build up to the wedding ceremony when the wedding party is getting ready. If capturing these moments is important to you, make sure your venue has private suits available.
Can We Get Married Outside?
An external ceremony is not often asked for and therefore many venues will not offer this option. For those that do offer this, double check how late the decision can be made to have your ceremony indoors/outdoors if the weather turns on your wedding day.
Are There Any Decoration Restrictions?
If you have any out of the box ideas for wedding decorations, double check that your venue can accommodate them.
Are You Pet Friendly?
If you want to incorporate your furry friends into the ceremony and photography, make sure your venue will welcome them with open arms.
Do You Have Space For A Marquee?
Not all venues have space or allow for marquees so make sure this is something they can accommodate.
Does Your Venue Allow Fireworks And Other Late Night Entertainment?
Local restrictions may mean that there is a curfew on these elements so check beforehand that it fits in with what you want in the evening.
6. How Far In Advance Should I Book?
Generally, it is advised that you book your wedding venue around a year in advance. Not only will it fix your date and prevent you losing it, but it will also give you plenty of time to prepare the finer details of your wedding day, and get it booked in your guests’ diaries.
Looking For A Dynamic Wedding Photographer To Capture Any Venue?
If you’re wondering how to capture your special day, at White Villa Wedding Photography & Films we work as wedding photographers and wedding videographers across the whole of the UK and Europe.
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Check out our portfolio today to see if we align with your vision!
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