Choosing your wedding venue is the single most important decision you'll make during the planning process - and yes, that can feel like a lot of pressure.

Your venue isn't just the backdrop for your wedding day. It also sets the vibe, drives your budget, impacts your guest experience, and influences nearly every other decision you'll make from here on out. That's why this is not a decision to rush.

In today's episode of The Wedding Planning Podcast, we're breaking down exactly how to choose the right wedding venue with clarity and confidence - before you sign a contract or close doors you didn't even realize were there.

You'll learn:

• Why your wedding venue impacts every other planning decision

• How to define your wedding vision before you start touring spaces

• Smart ways to set yourself up for a successful venue search

• The most important questions to ask every potential venue

• The key differences between traditional and all-inclusive venues

• How to research and find the best wedding venues near you

We'll also talk through budget considerations, guest experience, logistics, décor implications, and how to trust your instincts when you walk into the one.

Blog post with pdf Venue Shopping Checklists

If you're newly engaged - or feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start - this episode will help you slow down, get clear, and make a venue decision that truly aligns with your vision, priorities, and budget.

A special thank you to this week's show sponsors:

• Start your wedding website with Minted and enjoy free designs by independent artists, all of your wedding details in one place, and exclusive listener perks: weddingplanningpodcast.co/minted