With thousands of possibilities, finding the place to host the most epic party for your big day can be seriously tricky. Trust me I've been there. For me, I decided to restrict myself to visit only 3 venues so research beforehand was very important to shortlist the best 3.

1. Pick a few tentative styles

Contemporary elegance, vintage, romantic vineyard, rustic, bohemian romance or garden outdoors - What look are you going for? Start googling, get pinning and go 'magazining'; I suggest to keep an open mind and look at real wedding photos to get inspired for styles and themes and narrow down ideas. For me, I picked 3 styles.

• Style 1 - Modern Victorian

The Willows | Website | IG: @thewillows_events

• Style 2 - Romantic Vineyard

The Immerse | Website | IG: @immerseyv

• Style 3 - Garden Outdoors

Ballara Receptions | Website | IG:@ballarareceptions

2. Set and stick to a budget

Estimate how many people you'd like to invite to your big day. It is always easier to aim low in the numbers. Nearly every venue will have a minimum requirement on guest count, and most venues now offer dinner and luncheon options. So Sit down with your fiance and figure out how much you are willing to spend. Do your homework and find out what the going rates are in your desired wedding location and what items are covered in the price package (e.g. food, venue hiring, furniture, etc) - you don't want to spend more than half of your total wedding budget on your venue. Having as much information with you on the day of your appointment will make it easier for the venue coordinator to give you an idea of price and what packages suit your budget.

3. Understand how flexible your venue is

Does your venue offer on-site accommodation/bridal suite? food tasting? Are there ample parking spaces for all guests? Any restrictions on hours, vendors or use of certain space/rooms? Also make sure you understand whether you are allowed to customise your menu, indoor vs outdoor receptions and other aspects of your big day. After you've done your research, email or call prospective venues to schedule official walk-throughs. Don't rush into booking the 1st place you see, take photos, collect as much information as you can, talk with your fiancé and sleep on your decision.

Ok here you are, some tips to hopefully help you find your perfect venue!! Remember, don't rush into decisions, make sure your venue works with your wedding date, guest size, budget, style and theme, and most importantly, you and your fiancé. So...which venue did I go for in the end?? I will share that after the wedding...so stay tuned!

If you missed the 1st installment in my WEDDING series: Getting Inspired at the 2018 OFD Wedding Fair, here is the link, so check it out.