If you’re one of those people who has been dreaming about your wedding since you were little, you probably have a pretty good idea of what type of venue you want. Did 8-year-old you envision a rustic barn wedding in the countryside? A sleek, modern venue in a vibrant downtown? A classic ballroom with crystal chandeliers bathing the dance floor in shimmering light?
No matter what camp you fall in, the Capital Region has venues to match your freak, from the pastures of West Sand Lake’s June Farms and the rolling fairways of Craryville’s The Greens at Copake Country Club to the summer camp vibes of Warrensburg’s Lodge on Echo Lake and the vintage-meets-modern feel of Albany Airport’s Hangar at 743. The only thing left to do? Pick one.
That, of course, is easier said than done, as Latham-based event planner Katie O’Malley Maloney of Katie O’ Weddings & Events knows all too well. If you’re recently engaged (or not-so-recently engaged, or incredibly far-off from getting engaged but still excited about your future wedding), she can help. And we’d recommend taking her word—she’s planned dozens of nuptials, while you, hopefully, will stop at one marvelous, glorious wedding at the venue of your dreams.
Katie, what’s the first aspect of wedding planning that you discuss with clients?
Budget. There’s no joy in wedding planning if the couple doesn’t have a clear understanding of what things cost and what they have to invest. We always make sure that everyone is on the same page before we start planning to save time for both the couple and the vendors they’re reaching out to for service. For example, if your budget is smaller, your venue search and visits should reflect this. Looking at big-budget venues will only make the planning harder since they are out of reach.
How important is the venue to making clients’ wedding dreams a reality?
The venue helps create a day that truly reflects who a couple is and shares their love story. A venue sets the tone for their family and friends, from the aesthetics to the food, beverage and overall vibe it emotes.
What are the main considerations clients should take into account when picking a wedding venue?
The main considerations should be budget, guest count and what is included in the space. Your venue and food and beverage is typically about 50 percent of your overall budget, so plan to look at venues that will fit this. Be sure that the venue you choose provides what you need—some venues are space only, while some include tables, chairs, food and beverage, or a kitchen space for caterers. Always be realistic and plan on all of your guests attending: Don’t invite 150 people if you have a wedding venue that can only comfortably seat 120 guests.
What are three questions clients should ask of a wedding venue before booking that they may not have considered asking?
If it’s a venue with an outdoor ceremony space, what does the rain plan space look like? You don’t want to stress if the weather forecast isn’t in your favor on the day of. We always suggest that couples love their rain plan almost as much as their Plan A.
Does the venue require a certificate of insurance (COI) for vendors on site? This is a very simple request, but, you always want to let your vendors know as soon as possible.
And lastly, do they host more than one event a day or weekend? This is important in case you have an involved set-up that will require extra time. Also if there is more than one wedding at a time, you and your photographer should be aware of when the other couples plan on taking photos so you don’t overlap.
Are there any venue trends that you’ve seen in recent years?
More clients want to host everything on site, rather than having the ceremony in a church. They dream of an outdoor ceremony and cocktail option with dinner and dancing inside. A lot of clients are hoping to make it a true weekend getaway experience, so they can enjoy more time with loved ones. We’ve seen a rise in the wedding after party, too! Couples want to keep the party going and feel like they can “let loose” and be more relaxed with their close friends once the main reception has concluded.
And lastly, given the season, do you have any favorite venues for a fall wedding?
The Capital Region has every kind of venue for a fall wedding celebration. The Wire Event Center in Coxsackie sits along the majestic Hudson River and offers beautiful views of the water and fall foliage. Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs provides stunning golf course views on their patio and under the event tent. And The Ruins at Sassafras Museum, a former Shaker site located between the Taconic and Berkshire mountains, surrounds your guests with the magical colors of the season.
