Wedding Planning 101: Venues
by Style-Architects Weddings, a luxury wedding planning and design studio based in Minneapolis, Minnesota
choosing the perfect venue for your wedding
We’re back with more wedding planning tips, and this week it’s all about location! Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your wedding planning journey—it sets the tone for your entire celebration. If you’ve already established your wedding vision, you’re well on your way! If you haven’t yet defined your vision, take a step back before committing to a space to ensure it reflects the wedding of your dreams.
Your venue should not only match your aesthetic but also align with your budget. Hidden costs can quickly add up, so understanding all fees upfront is essential. Still a little stressed out about the budget? No need to worry. Before reading on, take a peek at our Wedding Planning 101 blog on budgets!
touring wedding venues: what you need to know
When touring potential Twin Cities wedding venues, asking the right questions is crucial. Beyond the basics of rental fees and food and beverage minimums, dive deeper into the details that could impact your overall experience and budget.
Capacity is a common area of confusion. Many venues list maximum capacities based on tight table arrangements and no additional space for a dance floor without removing tables. Always request sample floor plans to ensure your guest count fits comfortably without feeling cramped and be sure that there are only 8 guests at a 60” round table and 10 at a 72” round table.
Catering and bar services can either be provided in-house or through outside vendors. It’s important to understand how this impacts your overall costs and vision for food and beverage service. Does the venue provide a list of preferred caterers at various price ranges to meet your needs? Are there options for the bar, such as paying on consumption, capping at a dollar amount, and butler-passing your favorite signature cocktails?
Additionally, ask for a sample BEO, or Banquet Event Order, which breaks down every cost associated with the venue. This is essential before signing a contract, as it prevents unexpected fees from creeping in later. Other important questions to consider include:
Does the venue provide tables, chairs, and lounge furniture, or are those extra? Do you like the chairs, or do you plan to rent?
Are there bartender fees or bar set-up costs?
Will you need to rent a dance floor?
What are the parking options for guests?
Is security required and is it an additional cost?
By getting clear answers to these questions, you’ll ensure that your venue choice aligns with your budget and vision without any last-minute surprises. For some venue recommendations, check out Part One of our Minneapolis/St. Paul Wedding Guide.
want more assistance?
At Style-Architects Weddings, we bring decades of experience planning stunning, seamless weddings throughout the Twin Cities. We have strong relationships with the best venues and vendors in Minnesota, ensuring that every couple we work with gets access to top-tier services and exclusive insights. We’re experts in helping couples choose the perfect venue that aligns with their style, budget, and desired guest experience. If you want specific venue recommendations, check out Twin Cities Wedding Guide: Part 1.
Ready to get started? Reach out to us today—we’d love to help you plan the perfect wedding celebration!
As Minnesota wedding planners and designers, we provide award-winning, high-end services tailored to discerning couples across the region. With a focus on meticulous design, seamless execution, and personalized experiences, we bring each couple’s unique vision to life while managing every detail with professionalism and care. Our expert teamwork combines creativity and precision to ensure a flawless celebration, reflecting sophistication and elegance at every step.
mother-daughter
dream team
Hey there! We’re Rachelle and Anna—mother and daughter…by law, but we like to think of it as family by design. Rachelle’s been in the wedding and events world for over two decades, and for half of that time, she’s had Anna by her side. Our love for details and logistics pairs perfectly with our skill for style and design, making us the ultimate left-brain/right-brain dream team. That’s why we’re called Style-Architects Weddings! We’re obsessed with what we do, and with over 20 awards under our belt, we’re confident we can turn your dream day into a reality.
Rachelle, owner of Style-Architects Weddings, brings a distinctive blend of business expertise and creative vision to every celebration. With an MBA and a background in corporate event planning, she excels at organization, budgeting, and project management while pairing those skills with a refined design sensibility. Her passion lies in creating weddings that feel effortless, meaningful, and beautifully curated; events that reflect each couple’s unique story. Under her leadership, Style-Architects Weddings has been recognized with awards from the International Association of Live Events, The Knot, and Minnesota Bride, and is regularly featured in leading industry publications.
Anna is a seasoned wedding planner with deep experience in event design and logistics, known for her calm approach and meticulous attention to detail. Since 2013, she has been dedicated to crafting personalized celebrations that are both thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed. Anna’s focus is on ensuring couples feel supported throughout the process, allowing them to enjoy a stress-free planning experience and a wedding day that feels as effortless as it is beautiful. Her work with Style-Architects Weddings has earned industry recognition and consistent features in publications such as Minnesota Bride, a testament to her commitment to excellence.