Vendors
Venue
The location where the ceremony and/or reception are held — a barn, ballroom, vineyard, garden, beachfront, etc.
The venue is the largest single budget category for most weddings (15% of total on average, often more after F&B minimums). It anchors every other planning decision: date, guest count, vendor logistics, style direction, and weather backup.
Venues typically charge a rental fee plus food and beverage minimums (an amount you must spend on catering/bar even if you don't reach it). Always ask about minimums, overtime rates, and what's actually included in the rental.