Downtown Indianapolis is a popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot. With its mix of modern and historic architecture, scenic views, and charming atmosphere, the city has many great options for small event venues for a lovely, intimate wedding celebration. However, with so many great options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Where to start? Right here! Check out these seven amazing tips to find the perfect small wedding venue in downtown Indianapolis for your special day.
- Who’s who and how much?
Before you start searching for venues, determine your guest list and budget. You want to find a venue for your wedding that’s affordable but still checks all your boxes. Knowing how many guests you plan to invite and how much money you can spend will help you narrow your search and focus on venues that meet your needs.
If you’re having a small wedding, you’ll likely be looking for a venue that can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 100 guests. Really, it’s better to have a venue that’s only slightly larger than your group. If your event venue is too large, your group will spread out further than you might like, and your party will lose that festive vibe.
Budget will also be a critical factor in your decision-making process. Small wedding venues in downtown Indianapolis can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Determine how much you can spend on your venue and prioritize your search based on your budget.
- What’s your style?
The style of your wedding should also play a role in your venue selection. For example, are you planning a formal, black-tie affair or a more casual, relaxed celebration? Do you prefer a traditional, classic aesthetic or something more modern and edgy?
Many small wedding venues in downtown Indianapolis cater to various styles and tastes. For example, Maven Space is a chic, contemporary venue with a feminine touch perfect for modern weddings, while the Indiana State Museum offers a more classic, traditional setting with views of the downtown skyline.
- What’s included?
As you’re comparing pricing, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. You might find a venue with a too-good-to-be-true price point, only to realize none of the things you’ll need (for example, tables, chairs and linens) are included, and renting those things can really add up.
You should also ask if the venue has in-house catering or a required list of vendors, and whether or not there’s a food and beverage minimum. If you plan to have a bar, ask if the venue has a liquor license. If not, ask them for recommendations for a local bartending service.
- What’s everyone saying?
It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful website, but do your due diligence. Before you even schedule a site visit, check out their reviews. Your big day is too important to leave to chance. You might even ask the venue for references and contact past clients directly to get their feedback. One or two negative reviews may just mean the event had a few unexpected glitches, but it’s probably best to avoid any venue with a rating of less than four stars.
- Scope it out
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential venues, it’s time to visit them in person. Schedule a tour with the venue’s event coordinator and take the time to explore the space. Pay attention to the venue’s layout, lighting, and decor. Look for features that enhance your wedding, such as a stunning view, outdoor space, or unique architectural elements.
Visiting the venue in person will give you a better sense of its size, layout, and ambience. It will also allow you to ask questions, clarify concerns, and envision how the space will look on your wedding day.
- Is it easy?
Location and accessibility are important factors when choosing a wedding venue in downtown Indianapolis, especially for your out-of-town guests. Consider the proximity to major highways, airports, and public transportation. You’ll also want to make sure that there is ample parking available for your guests.
Additionally, consider the surrounding area and the availability of nearby accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. Your guests will be looking for fun things to do on your wedding weekend, and there are certainly plenty of great things to do in the Circle City, such as the Canal Walk or the Indianapolis Zoo.
- Do they say YES WE DO?
No matter how carefully you plan, or how large or small your wedding is, wedding days are stressful. The last thing you need is a vendor making the day more stressful for you. You should fall in love not just with the venue, but with the event director. She will be your primary point of contact throughout your planning process. Look for someone who is helpful, enthusiastic and funny– someone who says YES WE DO to your ideas and makes you feel as special as a bride should feel.
About Maven Space
In addition to coworking space, Maven Space offers 8,000 square feet of flexible event space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and affordable on-site parking. It includes a 2335-square foot conference room, fully equipped with AV, several smaller private and semi-private meeting rooms, and open event space that can accommodate mix and mingle groups of up to 300 people. With a full bar and topnotch in-house catering team, Maven Space is one of Circle City’s premiere event destinations, ideal for corporate retreats, weddings and social gatherings.