Planning a wedding can feel like standing at the foot of a mountain, with choices that seem to stretch endlessly. In smaller markets like Shreveport - Bossier, the need for a wedding planner is influenced greatly by the budget and vision you have for your wedding day. Shreveport offers many venue styles but most often these venues include more than just a space rental. Venue de LaChute in Shreveport offers core services that include basic components like tables, chairs and linens, but also event design, event styling and day of coordination in all its packages. Their packages can be enhanced with all inclusive options to eliminate much of the wedding stress related to vendor selection, communication, and contracts. The decision to hire a wedding planner or book a venue first can be influenced by these and many other factors. Let's explore what to consider to help you make the decision.
The Importance of Securing a Venue
The wedding venue is foundational to creating your celebration's atmosphere.
The venue not only sets the tone but can also define the guest experience. A recent survey found that 85% of couples stated that selecting a venue was one of the most important decisions they made. Popular venues such as Venue de LaChute in Shreveport, book 12 to 24 months in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons. By securing your venue first, you ensure you have your preferred date and location locked in.
Different venues present varied services. For example, all-inclusive venues can provide all the necessary vendors, catering and rental items, while others might require you to procure everything yourself. Some venues may include various levels of planning services that may be duplicated by a outside planner or at a minimum limit the services needed. Understanding these differences early helps you plan effectively and allocate your budget appropriately.
Understanding the Role of a Wedding Planner
A wedding planner is much more than a luxury; they can play a pivotal role in your wedding planning journey.
Experienced wedding planners can bring industry expertise, artistic inspiration, and valuable vendor connections to the table. For instance, they can recommend key vendors and services unique to your needs, potentially saving you hours of research.
In addition, planners can manage your budget, timeline, logistics and communication, so you don’t have to worry about the details. If anxiety or a lack of time weighs on you, a good planner minimizes stress, helping you enjoy each moment leading to your big day.
By choosing to enlist a wedding planner first, you can leverage their expertise with the venue search especially when planning a destination wedding or one that doesn't involve a traditional venue.
Making the Choice: Factors to Consider
When choosing whether to book a planner or a venue first, consider the following factors:
1. Your Timeline
If time is tight, starting with the venue is often wise. For instance, if you dream of saying “I do” under 100 year old oak trees, in a picturesque outdoor ceremony, an elegant estate venue like Shreveport's Venue de LaChute, may be perfect for you. To secure your preferred date, you may need to act quickly or at a minimum, explore their services before hiring a planner. Once you have your date set with the venue, determining what services you need from a planner can help optimize the remaining aspects of your wedding day.
2. Budget Constraints
Your budget is central to your decision. Wedding planners’ fees can range from 10% to 30% of your total costs. Setting an overall budget for your wedding day early will help determine other important factors like guest counts and the variable costs of services like catering and beverages. If you begin with a venue, some of the planning services may be provided for you, and many venues will assist with vendor references to help you in the process. If you are envisioning a destination location, or creating your big day on private property, a skilled planner can actually help you save money by negotiating with vendors and keeping potential mistakes at bay.
3. Stress Management
If the thought of any level of planning overwhelms you, and spending a few extra dollars will provide you some peace of mind, consider bringing a planner on board first. They can streamline the venue selection process, presenting you with options tailored to your expectations. Their experience means they can efficiently, and effectively help you navigate the deluge of choices.
4. Guest List Considerations
Your guest list affects your venue choice significantly. You should take time to create a rough draft of your guest list to determine the size of the space needed. For example, if you are expecting 300 guests, reserving a venue that can accommodate them should be your main concern. Understanding how guest count impacts your budget, is another significant factor. If attempting to adhere to a budget its important to recognize the impact that larger guest counts have on catering, beverage and even rentals and decor.
Once the venue is booked, you can determine if a planners services are needed to assist in designing the layout and selecting decor that enhances the space. If these services are provided by the venue, as the case at Venue de LaChute in Shreveport you many be able to manage planning on your own.
How to Balance Both Options
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If you're feeling torn, consider tackling both tasks simultaneously. Begin researching potential venues while interviewing planners to see who resonates with your vision. This strategy gives you insight into your options while ensuring you're not missing out on great venues that could fit your style.
Additionally, locally owned venues are often more flexible in helping you achieve the level of planning desired by customizing services or recommending planners that are able to assist you.
The Final Call
Choosing whether to book a wedding planner or a venue first is a significant decision based on factors such as your vision, budget, and timeline. Each option carries its benefits and can greatly impact your planning journey.
To navigate this decision, reflect on your priorities. Understanding what matters most to you will help you make an informed choice. Consider your comfort level with each task and the kind of help you think you need. With the insights provided here, you can confidently move forward in planning your wedding, creating an unforgettable day that feels uniquely yours.
Venue de LaChute is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it's time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are excited to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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