Now What? Step Two: Finding Your Dream Venue

Congratulations on Your Engagement!

Now that you've shared the exciting news with your friends and family, it's time to focus on the next crucial step: selecting your wedding venue. Finding the perfect venue can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. To streamline the process, consider the following key factors:

  1. Guest Count

    Having an estimated guest count is essential. It helps you identify venues that can comfortably accommodate your party and assists vendors in providing accurate quotes for catering and other services.

  2. Venue Budget

    The venue typically accounts for about 30-40% of your total wedding budget. In 2024, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was approximately $33,000, according to Zola's 2024 Wedding Cost Report.

    zola.com

    This figure includes both the ceremony and reception. Keep in mind that costs can vary based on location, venue type, and the number of guests.

3. Type of Venue

Consider the setting that aligns with your vision:

  • Beach
  • Barn
  • Castle
  • Boat
  • Intimate backyard
  • Rooftop overlooking the city


As you reflect on your childhood dreams, think about where you envisioned getting married. Whether it was in a grand ballroom, on a beach, or even in a cozy garden, tapping into that vision can help guide you to a venue that feels truly personal and meaningful.

Additional Tips

  • Research Local Averages: Wedding costs can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. For example, in 2024, Rhode Island had the highest average wedding cost at $49,207, while Alaska had the lowest at $14,444 (zola.com).

  • Consult a Wedding Planner: If it fits within your budget, hiring a wedding planner can really help take some of the pressure off. Their expert guidance will keep things on track and make the whole process much easier to navigate.

And remember, it’s totally okay if you don’t have everything figured out right after getting engaged. Taking the time to think through these details will help you ensure that your wedding day feels just like you’ve always imagined. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll talk about budgeting strategies to help you plan effectively!

Stay Thriving,

Markeeta Marty


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