When it comes to planning a wedding or special event, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the venue. Your venue sets the stage for the entire experience, from the ambiance to the logistics of your big day. To help you make the best choice, we’ve prepared this guide with essential tips and considerations.
1. Location, Location, Location
The first step in finding the perfect venue is determining the location. Here are a few things to think about:
- Proximity: Consider the location’s proximity to where most of your guests live or where you are based. You want your venue to be convenient for everyone. Alternatively, pick a location that has special meaning to you!
- Our venue is located in the heart of the Entertainment District right downtown Ann Arbor, and is less than a mile from the Big House.
- Scenery: Think about the backdrop you desire for your event. Choose a location that complements your vision.
- Did you know? Our venue is the only Ann Arbor bar with unobstructed views of the sunset on our outdoor Roof Deck.
- Accessibility: Ensure the venue is easily accessible and has adequate parking or transportation options for your guests.
- Our building is ADA compliant, and features ramps, elevator and lift access for differently-abled guests.
- Ann Arbor street parking is free after 6PM, and free on Sundays. There are multiple paid parking lots within walking distance to the venue, as well as convenient parking structure across the street (Monthly Parking Only until 3PM, after which is a $5 flat rate)
2. Size Matters
The size of your venue should match the size of your guest list. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Capacity: Ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your expected number of guests. It’s essential to have enough space for everyone to move around comfortably.
- Our venue has a standing room of over 500 (excluding outdoor areas!) Please see our spaces to see what the capacity per each space is to plan accordingly.
- Layout: Consider the layout of the venue. Will there be room for a dance floor, stage, or buffet area?
- Tip: ask your venue coordinator for recommendations! She can share examples of floor plans and layouts other clients have used in the past!
3. Style and Theme
Your venue should align with the style and theme you envision for your event:
- Architectural Style: Look for venues with architectural elements that resonate with your style, whether it’s modern, rustic, historic, or elegant.
- The building that houses are venue spaces was believed to have been constructed as early as 1850! The venue was restored to feature the original architecture, making our venue a mix of modern/industrial/rustic/and historic! Please see here to read more about our venue’s history.
- Flexibility: Some venues offer a blank canvas that allows you to bring in your own decor and styling elements. Others may have a distinct theme or decor that you’ll need to work with or around.
- You may use any of the decor that is already included in our space, but we can also clear out certain items if they don’t fit your aesthetic.
4. Amenities and Services
Consider what amenities and services the venue provides:
- Catering: Does the venue offer in-house catering, or can you bring in your own caterer?
- For our venue, the answer to both of these questions is yes! Please see our list of our preferred vendors. All outside catering is subject to approval, and has a $500 cleaning fee which includes usage of our kitchens.
- Staff and Coordination: Inquire about the venue’s event staff and coordination services. Having experienced professionals can ease the planning process.
- Please note there is a distinctive difference between a venue coordinator and an event planner, please see here for more.
- Technology: If you require audiovisual equipment, ensure the venue has the necessary technology and technical support.
- Our venue rental fee includes A/V services (usage of in-house system and help setting up), but not the services of a DJ – you must hire your own, or you can add on the services of our in-house DJ (private events only).
5. Budget
Your budget plays a significant role in venue selection:
- Cost Transparency: Be clear on all costs associated with the venue, including rental fees, service charges, and any additional fees for special services.
- Our venue rental fee does NOT include food and drink. All items subject to 6% tax. Food and Drink is subject to a 20% service charge which goes directly to tipping the staff working your event. Lastly, there is a credit card fee which can be waived if paying via cash or check.
- Prioritize: Determine what aspects of the venue are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
- Many of our clients book the space because the venue speaks for itself. The naturally beautiful space does not need a ton of decorations to make your event memorable.
- Off-Peak Savings: Consider booking your event during the venue’s off-peak season or on a weekday to potentially secure cost savings.
- Given that we are located in a college town that has a Big Ten School , our peak season is actually in the Fall! Please consider local events such as UofM graduation and football games when booking.
6. Visit and Visualize
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, don’t forget to visit the venues in person:
- Site Visits: Schedule site visits to get a feel for the space, see how it’s set up for events, and visualize your celebration there.
- Feel free to visit our venue during our open hours, our schedule a guided-tour with our venue coordinators! Guided tours are typically held on Tuesdays/Thursdays during the day. Please inquire within for other availability.
- Ask Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the venue coordinator during your visit. It’s the perfect opportunity to address any concerns or special requests.
- We have a list of Frequently Asked Questions! Please see here.
7. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations
Research the venue’s reputation by reading reviews from past clients and seeking recommendations from friends or family:
- Online Reviews: Check online review platforms like Google, WeddingWire, or The Knot for feedback from past clients who have held events at the venue.
- Read our The Knot reviews here!
- Word of Mouth: Personal recommendations can be invaluable, as they come from people you trust.
Selecting the perfect venue for your wedding or event may take time, but with careful consideration of these factors, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and seamless celebration. Remember that your venue should not only meet your practical needs but also resonate with the vision and style of your special day. Happy venue hunting!
210 Events | Ann Arbor | Event Venues & Weddings 