Recently engaged? Making a list of must-haves for your wedding day? Venues are a huge investment -usually one of the most significant costs for your wedding day. If you’re looking for a Sioux Falls wedding venue, read on! As you probably know, weather in the Sioux Falls area is always unpredictable. But that’s not the only thing you should consider when choosing a wedding venue. Here are 5 things your venue needs when planning a wedding during any season in South Dakota:
- Back-up Ceremony Space
Don’t get me wrong, everyone loves an outdoor ceremony. (Especially photographers! All that natural light? HECK YEAH!) But as I mentioned before and as you probably know if you’ve spent more than 2 minutes in the midwest, weather is highly unpredictable. One minute it can be 70 degrees and sunny and the next it’s 55 and raining.
When you are touring venues for your wedding day, be sure to ask what the venue would do in case of a rained out ceremony. Most venues have a back-up ceremony location inside the reception space, but it never hurts to ask. Be sure they are also flexible with helping you move chairs, decor, etc in case of a last minute decision. Sometimes you may even have to consider if the indoor space is large enough for your guest list.
If your venue does NOT have an indoor space, it doesn’t mean you automatically need to count the venue out. Consider contacting a local rental store to see how much it would cost to rent a tent. If you are not opposed to a tent wedding, check with your venue to make sure they allow tents on their property.
2. Designated getting ready space
Not just ONE getting ready space, but TWO. Remember that your significant other will need space to get ready as well. If you don’t plan on seeing each other before the first look or ceremony, it’s also a good idea to have the getting ready spaces on separate floors or on opposite sides of the venue.
If your venue only has one designed getting ready space, no worries. Think about where your significant other could get ready in the area. Will you have a hotel? A parent’s or friend’s home? There are plenty of places to get ready, but it’s nice to be able to get ready all in the same place.
3. Lots of windows and WHITE walls
Barns seem to be the popular choice for a Sioux Falls wedding venue. While the original wood is absolutely gorgeous, some shades of wood are extremely difficult to photograph because of the excessive orange tones. Additionally, not every decor color matches these wooden walls. In my opinion, white walls and big windows are the best way to ensure that you will have gorgeous reception photos.
It’s also great to consider the amount of natural light and windows in your getting ready space. Especially if it’s too cold to go outside, a majority of the morning photos will be taken in this space. White walls and natural light provide the best lighting for makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, and videographers!
4. Ability to decorate the night before
It’s becoming more and more common that you will have to pay an additional fee to gain access to the venue the night before your wedding. First of all, ask the venue coordinator what their policy is. Even if the fee is a couple hundred bucks, you save your family and friends the stress of setting up the day of your wedding. Another huge perk to setting up the night before is that the bride and groom get to see how things turn out. I’ve been to countless weddings where the bride isn’t able to see what the decor looks like because she is stuck getting her hair and makeup done.
Another perk of having the venue the night before is being able to host the rehearsal dinner and ceremony rehearsal the day before your wedding. It gives your bridal party a big peace of mind when they can practice the flow of the wedding before the nerves hit!
5. Designated parking and handicap accessibilities
Is there enough designated, easily accessible parking available for all your guests? Some venues only have a large dirt parking lot with unmarked parking spaces. Take it from someone who has been to way too many weddings – parking is always a disaster in this situation. If your venue has parking that’s unmarked, consider having someone direct traffic the day of your wedding.
Additionally, don’t forget about the accessibility of your venue. Are there handicap parking spaces available? Is there an elevator? How hard would it be for your guests to go to the bathroom, get their food, or party on the dance floor?
You may also want to consider the accessibility your vendors have at the venue as well (especially your caterer!) I know caterers will charge more if they have to move food up a flight of stairs, for example. Some caterers also require a prep area or kitchen space. Be sure your venue is equipped for this.
Because your venue is one of your biggest expenses for your wedding day, make sure you consider many different options. It’s important that your venue provides a stress free experience. Avoid some common stressors by asking good questions and doing your research first.
What’s my favorite Sioux Falls wedding venue? Here’s a condensed list of some of my top picks:
The Meadow Barn at Country Orchards, Sioux Falls, SD
Emerald Pines Barn, Sioux Falls, SD
Five Oaks Venue, Sioux Falls, SD
Laurel Ridge Barn, Sioux Falls, SD
Blue Haven Barn, Sioux Falls, SD
Museum of Visual Materials, Sioux Falls, SD
The Canton Barn, Canton, SD
Gate City Events & Lodging, Canton, SD
It would be an absolute honor to capture your wedding at one of these venues in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota region. Contact me today to see if I’m available for your wedding!