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When should you book a wedding venue after your proposal?
- Donna Langston
- Jun 17
- 5 min read
Here at The River House, riverhousemontana.com, we see most couples booking with us about one year before their wedding, often a month or so after their wedding proposal. Because we are located between Missoula and Kalispell, we see couples from both cities coming out to Condon, MT for their wedding. For many the venue is usually the beginning of the wedding planning process, here are some primary considerations.
"Join us on a journey to the unexpected—where love meets the wild!"
After the engagement and you both have celebrated your proposal, you should start researching venues. Many locations can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons so you want to make it a priority.
1. Set a Date
In considering which venues to tour, you need an approximate date. That information lets you know if a certain venue is even a possibility. The time of year also starts creating the vision for your wedding. So it's not just date, but dates. At the River House we only do two or three night packages. For our couples they desire an experience for themselves and their guests. Having at least one day before the wedding gives everyone the time to connect, decorate and have a rehearsal dinner or just relax.
At The River House once you rent the venue you can have many celebrations there during that time. We have seen wedding showers done in our beautiful Montana renovated log buildings, it's convenient since all the important people are there. The venue is large enough if you didn't want a combined shower you could have 2 seperate ones!
Couples often have their rehearsal dinner catered or they can have family set ups. In the Swan Valley we have three different catering options; The Hungry Bear; 406-754-2240, a restaurant down the road, Bear Tracks; 406-209-2023, a local pizza establishment and ShipWreck Diner; 406-754-2212 a food truck.
2. Consider Your Guest List
Have a rough estimate of how many guests you want. This will influence your choice of venue, as different locations have varying capacities. This also correlates to your budget and vision. For many venues there are overnight accommodations. The River House offers sleeping for up to 24 people. This again allows for a cohesive experience with your closest guests not having to leave the venue. Having the support and opportunity to spend time with those closest to you can reduce stress and increase joy.
3. Research Venue Options
Take some time to visit potential venues. This allows you to assess their ambiance, services, and suitability for your wedding. By going to at least to three venues you can narrow down your priorities. For some having an outdoor wedding with beautiful scenery is most important for others it would be convenience.
5. Book 12-16 Months in Advance
For most couples, booking the venue 12 to 16 months before the wedding date is ideal. This timeframe increases your chances of securing your desired location and date. Booking earlier can often create a form pf payment plan. At The River House we spread out the payments to make it easier on the couples.
6. Consider Off-Peak Seasons
If you're flexible with your wedding date, consider booking during off-peak seasons. This can often lead to better rates and more availability. In Montana weather is always a consideration. Before mid May or after mid October it can snow in Montana. Some venues are geared more to the warmer times of the year so this all works into your wedding vision.
7. Finalize Your Budget
Before making a commitment, ensure you have a clear understanding of your budget. Venue costs are an investment into yourselves but it's important to align your choice with your financial plan. We've seen couples ask the people staying at the venue to pitch in for their accommodations so this could be figured into the cost. Some venues are inclusive providing everything where others, like The River House allow you to bring in your desired food and drinks. A non-inclusive venue can give you more freedom to create what you want.
8. Sign the Contract
Once you've selected a venue, review and sign the contract promptly. This secures your date and protects your interests.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you book your wedding venue at the right time for a successful celebration.
Think of your wedding venue as the foundation of the entire event. From there you'll create all the aspects that make your wedding yours. Not only should the venue check your boxes but you want to make sure you feel good with the owners or managers. You will be communicating and connecting with these people over the planning stages. Finding a good fit will reduce stress and make the wedding planning process that much more enjoyable.
If romance, beauty, great photos, a sense of well being and great adventures are in your wedding vision consider contacting us for more information, https://www.riverhousemontana.com/contact-8.
We'd love for you check us out at riverhousemontana.com and schedule a tour. You can go to https://www.riverhousemontana.com/contact-8 to contact us. Visualize the wedding you want and if mountains, rivers and forests are what you see, come to Western Montana to fulfill your dream wedding!
For more information on The River House Wedding & Event Venue check out our instagram and facebook pages:
https://www.instagram.com/theriverhouseweddings/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564208978040
As a locally owned family wedding venue we recognize the value these types of venues bring to the wedding industry. We all work hard to offer our wedding couples the best experience for their wedding celebration. Below is a list of other locally owned wedding venues in different parts of the United States.
Thank you so much for your time we are here to help you have the best wedding ever.
Donna Langston
The River House Wedding & Event Venue
Condon, Montana
406-861-2873
About me: I'm a lover of mountains, rivers and trees and wish to share our beautiful place in Condon, Montana with others. As a mental health therapist, I understand the importance of making your dreams come true. I often use my skills to help the wedding celebration have minimal stress and maximum joy!
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