Determining the Best Wedding Venue Size

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic impacted just about every industry and every aspect of life in 2020. Even though weddings are considered to be largely recession-proof, thousands of engaged couples had to postpone the weddings they had spent months or even years planning.

Now that the world is slowly returning to normal, many couples are finally celebrating their union with friends, family members, and loved ones. If you are planning your wedding, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely which wedding space you will choose.

Finding the perfect wedding venue isn’t just about whether or not you fall in love with the space. It’s also important to make sure you find the right-sized venue for your big day.

Let’s take a look at how you can determine the right wedding venue size for you.

Accurately Estimating Your Guest Count

The most crucial step in getting a wedding space that is the perfect size is correctly estimating how many guests will attend. You can’t simply count how many people you invited and expect that every individual will be able to make it on your special day.

There are a number of factors that will affect how many people will come to your wedding. This might include how far people will be traveling to attend. It also is determined by whether or not you are allowing plus-ones for guests that are single.

Also, consider whether you have chosen to let close family members invite some of their close friends. All of these different bits of information can end up adding to a very different number of guests than you invited.

You will also want to count children when considering your guest count. Most children who are older than three will want a seat and a meal.

There is no way to know the precise number of how many people will attend your wedding. However, by considering multiple different factors you can end up in the ballpark.

Looking Into How the Venue’s Recommendations Relate to Your Reception’s Structure

There are so many pieces that go into a wedding reception. Some soon-to-be-married couples might choose to have a banquet-style reception while others might want a barbecue-style dinner. The style of your reception will impact how the space is used, so this is worth considering.

For example, a large open room in a venue might hold 200 people for an event where people are mingling, while the same room might only fit 120 people for a seated dinner.

The best way to determine whether a venue will suit your guest count and your reception style is to talk to the venue. You can share with them what you envision for the event and they can let you know if they have recommendations to help you receive your desired outcome.

Read the Fine Print

Some venues charge you depending on how many guests attend your wedding, while others don’t. Some might even charge you extra if more people end up attending than you have indicated in the contract.

Most people who are planning a wedding have a relatively strict budget they are trying to abide by. For this reason, you will want to understand any associated costs when it comes to your venue and the size of your guest list. If you decide to rent a venue that is larger than necessary for the number of guests attending, you’ll want to be aware of any associated extra costs.

On the other hand, if you choose a venue that is fairly snug for your guest list, you will want to look into whether you will be charged for additional guests and amenities.

(Are you wondering how to choose a wedding venue in Texas? If so, check out this article!)

Consider How the Space Will Feel Relative to Your Number of Guests

Beyond the more practical concerns, you will want to be considerate of how the space will feel relative to how many guests are attending. If you have too many guests for a small space, it might feel crowded and claustrophobic. If you have too few guests for a larger space, it might feel a bit empty and awkward.

Talk to prospective wedding venues to determine how the space feels with different guest numbers. If you have your heart set on a specific venue, they might have suggestions for how to make the space and the vibe feel just right.

Basic Guidelines For Venue Size Based on Guest Count

The perfect venue for your wedding is ultimately up to you and what you want out of your special day. However, there are some general rules of thumb that can help you get a sense of the size of space you will need to accommodate your guests.

If you are having a smaller wedding with about 80 guests, you will need at least 1,000 square feet for a sit-down dinner. If you are expected about 160 wedding guests, you will need at least 2,000 square feet for a sit-down dinner.

A venue that is at least 3,000 square feet can accommodate around 250 wedding guests, while a 3,700 square foot venue can accommodate about 300 guests.

You will also want to consider the space you will need for:

• The head table
• The dance floor
• The DJ or the band
• The cake table
• The bar
• Food stations and/or the buffet
• The gift table

As you can see, there are a number of different factors to take into account when you are trying to find the right-sized venue. Talking to a few different wedding venues can help you determine which size space will be perfect for your wedding venue.

Are You Looking For the Perfect Wedding Space?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you are looking for the perfect wedding space. In this effort, you have to balance your budget and your guest list with the atmosphere and feel that you desire for your big day.

At the Midlothian Conference Center, we have spaces to accommodate both an intimate affair as well as a large gathering.

Are you looking for the perfect wedding venue in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? If so, contact us today to request a detailed proposal.