Photo by: KNZ Photography

Before you say “I do” to your fiancé, you will have to commit to the perfect wedding venue. Choosing a venue to host your special day is one of the first and most important decisions you will be making. Keep reading for some things to consider before you book your wedding venue. 

How Far in Advance to Book a Wedding Venue

Before you book your wedding venue, it is crucial that you have a wedding date or potential dates in mind. Thinking of your timeline well in advance can help you narrow down what dates will work best for you and your budget. Booking in peak seasons may have less availability if you wait to secure your date. Many couples choose their venue over a year in advance to ensure they have a wide selection.

You will also want to consider the availability of important family members. If you have key guests such as mothers and fathers, or valued friends, that are essential to your wedding experience, you will want to coordinate with them before solidifying a date to avoid potential scheduling conflicts.

Time of The Event

You can also consider the time of the reception, as some venues may book multiple weddings on the same day. Ensure that you speak with a wedding coordinator to know what other events will be scheduled around your wedding. Knowing the other events can help you establish a schedule upon which you can set up. You should also consider the duration of time you will need to book the venue.

How Many Guests Will Be Attending the Wedding?

When considering a space, you will want to know how large or small your wedding will be. The average American wedding size is within the 100 – 200 guest range. Watson Block’s beautiful event space can accommodate 120 people for a seated meal and 150 for a cocktail-style event.

Factors That Can Impact A Guest Count

When crafting your guest list, consider that many factors will ultimately affect the overall count. These can include things such as travel to and from the wedding. If you have many family members and friends traveling from out of town, a few may be less likely to attend. You should also consider how many of your potential guests are single and require a plus one.

Does the Venue Fit Into Budget?

After you consider the date, time, and quantity of guests that are ideal for your wedding, you can begin to organize your budget. Because a venue is integral to the success of your event, the average couple will allocate a good portion of their overall spending to secure their dream space. Venues can range in price drastically depending on the type, style & size of the space. Watson Block is the perfect venue for a medium size wedding & budget-friendly too!

Your Wedding Style?

When considering a space, you will want to select a venue that works with the overall aesthetic of the wedding. It will be beneficial to look for a space with both elegance and versatility. Watson Block’s historic venue retains much of its original charm, including brick and timber finishes with modern finishes that allow the space to be truly adaptable. With its former life as an industrial warehouse, Watson Block boasts a more open, lofty concept that allows for the ability to tailor our event space to your exact wedding specifications, making it the ideal location to suit a diversity of styles and tastes.

Events Within the Evening 

When booking a venue, you will need to keep in mind what events within the reception you would like to include. 

• Combined ceremony and wedding reception: You should decide this early on if you want to host the ceremony in the same space as the reception.
• Cocktail hour: If you choose to host a cocktail hour before the reception, factor this into the space selection. 

Catering

Catering a wedding is another one of the most critical components to a budget and to selecting a space. Here are some things to consider when planning your wedding catering:

• Do you want a sit-down, banquet-style dinner, a family-style dinner, or a buffet-style dinner?
• Many event spaces have a list of preferred caterers for you to select from. This is the case when you book your wedding venue with Watson Block. We work with a preferred group of caterers that can accommodate a wide range of taste preferences and budgets.
• You should inquire with your venue and caterer about food and beverage minimums.

Ideal Layout for Your Wedding?

From dinner to dancing, think about how your guests will move throughout the space. If you plan a head table or food stations, those can impact your needs. And of course, no wedding is complete without a full dance floor. It is
important to consider the flow of the evening and how your guests will move throughout the space. Your venue should be planned with an appropriate amount of space for everyone to feel comfortable. You will want to select a venue that feels spacious enough to allow for movement but not so cavernous it feels empty.

What are some additional questions should you ask your wedding venue before booking?

• Is there parking available?
• What are the taxes and fees?
• Should you tip?
• Are there outside vendor fees?

Reserve the Wedding Venue You’ve Been Dreaming About in Minneapolis, MN

At your wedding, your venue is the backdrop for the day of your dreams. When you have established a date and accurately evaluated your guest list, you should secure a space that is functional, elegant, and beautiful. Built in 1902 and featuring a prominent and varied historical past, Watson Block is now Minneapolis’ premier event center. Our gorgeous venue is located in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District and equipped to accommodate small and medium-sized wedding ceremonies and receptions. Our unique space seamlessly merges the beloved, historic aesthetic of brick and timber construction with the versatility and elegance of contemporary finishes. If you are planning your wedding and looking for the perfect venue, contact us, and let’s talk about how Watson Block can be a part of your special day!