Getting engaged is supposed to be one of the most special and important times in our lives. Once the excitement wears off, however, planning a wedding can actually be an incredibly stressful and hectic thing to pull off. One of the biggest decisions when planning a wedding is finding the perfect location for your big day. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make finding your dream wedding location a little bit easier.

Choose A Geographical Location

While you may have dreamt of getting married in an exotic location, your guests might not be able to make the same journey. If your guests would have to shell out a lot of money for travel expenses or take time off of work to attend your wedding, that may be a sign that you need to rethink your location. A good rule of thumb is to have your wedding in a location that is easily accessible by car. This means that your wedding location should not be more than a short car ride away for your guests. If your family and friends have to fly or cross a large body of water to get to your wedding, it may be time to reevaluate.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Unless you’re getting married in a church or other place of worship, you will most likely have to decide whether you want your wedding to be an indoor or outdoor occasion. If you want to have your wedding ceremony outdoors but the reception indoors, consider looking into renting a house or venue that offers both. For example, you could start researching homes in Dallas, TX that feature both a picturesque outdoor area and a beautiful interior, so that you can incorporate both spaces into your wedding. Another option is to have your wedding reception under a tent, so that when it starts to get dark, or in the event of rain, you and your guests can stay covered without being completely indoors. There is really no way to predict the weather when planning a wedding, so your best bet is to be on the safe side and have multiple options just in case.

Choose Your Style

Your personal style and taste should play a big part in choosing your wedding venue. If you’re into a more rustic vibe, consider looking at venues that have that feel, like barns or cabins. For a more upscale, elegant occasion, something like an old mansion or a hotel could give you that romantic vibe you’re trying to achieve. Some of the current most popular wedding venues include private gardens, lake houses, country clubs, and historic buildings and homes. The popularity of church, banquet hall, and beach weddings has taken a nosedive in recent years, and people are getting more creative and thinking outside the box when it comes to choosing a wedding venue.

Choosing the perfect location for your wedding can be stressful, but by applying these tips to your search, you’ll be on your way to your dream wedding in no time!