Selecting the location for your wedding is an integral part of planning your celebration. Once you start making your wedding arrangements, booking your venue needs to be top of the list.
The venue for your wedding will set the style and mood for your entire event. It also sets your guest capacity, identifies accommodation options, and may also influence the menu and décor.
Reserving the venue for your dream wedding requires thoughtful timing. If you have a specific date or season in mind, reserve your venue 12 – 15 months in advance. Especially if your heart is set on a “peak season” (which can vary depending on where you are having your wedding), you need to secure your venue date as soon as possible. The best wedding venues are typically booked well into a year in advance, especially during prime seasons and weekends.
If you’re more flexible about your date, you can probably get away with booking the venue 9 – 12 months in advance.
There are a lot of advantages to planning your wedding during the off-season. You will find more availability for venue choices, as well as important vendors such as caterers, DJ’s, and photographers. You will often find potentially lower costs for some wedding essentials.
Late fall, winter, and early spring are off-season in Maine. These months are the perfect time to plan a cozy, indoor celebration. If you like the outdoors, what’s more romantic than a sleigh ride out of your reception? Or weekend activities like skiing and sledding for your guests.
Scheduling your wedding on a weekday may give you your dream location and choice of vendors. Holding your wedding festivities on a weekday can also save you money, compared to primetime weekend dates.
If you have out of town guests, they can secure less expensive travel arrangements, and likely save on accommodations.
Starting your planning well in advance of your wedding will ease your anxiety, but being flexible about your date will help you find the perfect location for your special day. Being open and flexible to off-peak months and weekdays over weekends will give you greater options to choose from.
River Winds Farm & Estate offers a unique and picturesque wedding venue and event space. The estate provides a beautiful backdrop for couples looking to create extraordinary memories on their big day.