Cover photo: Glen Erin – Celtic House
First things first, congratulations on your engagement!
You’ve probably shared the exciting news with family and friends, admired that new ring a few (hundred) times, and maybe even started dreaming about what your wedding day will look like.
But once the excitement settles in, there’s one big question: Where do we even start?
If you’re considering saying “I do” in Janesville, Wisconsin, we’ve got some good news for you! You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. From finding the right venue to connecting with local wedding professionals and making arrangements for out-of-town guests, we have plenty of resources right here to help you get started.
First Up, Start Dreaming!
Before diving into venue tours and vendor inquiries, take some time to talk about what you both want your wedding day to feel like.
Are you picturing a big celebration surrounded by everyone you love? Something small and intimate? A beautiful outdoor ceremony? A reception filled with dinner, dancing, and all your favorite people?
You don’t need to have every detail figured out just yet, but having a general idea of your guest count, preferred season, and overall style can help you narrow down the possibilities.
And don’t worry if your vision changes along the way. That’s part of the fun!
Find Your Perfect Place to Celebrate
Once you have a general vision, it’s time to start exploring where your celebration could take place.
Janesville offers a variety of wedding venues, from historic properties and elegant event spaces to outdoor settings and rustic venues.
Think about what’s most important to you. Do you want your ceremony and reception in the same location? Will you need space for a large guest list? Are you hoping for an outdoor ceremony with an indoor backup option?
Start by exploring the different venues around Janesville, then reach out to the ones that catch your eye to learn more about availability, amenities, and what they offer.
Get to Know Your Local Wedding Pros
Now for the people who help make all those wedding day ideas happen!
From the flowers and food to the photography and music, there’s a whole community of wedding professionals ready to help bring your celebration to life.
Some of the vendors you’ll likely want to explore include:
- Caterers and bakers
- Hotels and guest room blocks
- Florists and décor specialists
- Photographers and videographers
- DJs and entertainment
- Transportation providers
- Other local wedding vendors
Not sure where to start looking? That’s where a little local knowledge can come in handy.
The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau can help connect you with local businesses and wedding professionals, giving you a starting point as you explore your options.
Don’t Forget About Your Guests!
If family and friends will be traveling to Janesville for your wedding, it’s never too early to start thinking about their visit.
Janesville offers a variety of hotel accommodations, and our team can help connect you with local properties to explore guest room blocks and potential group rates.
And remember, your guests might have some extra time to explore!
Consider sharing a few favorite local restaurants, coffee shops, attractions, and things to do. From strolling downtown to exploring area trails, there are lots of ways to turn a wedding trip into a little getaway. A few local recommendations can go a long way toward making your guests feel welcome.
Here’s Something You Might Not Know…
The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau isn’t just here for tourists. We’re also a resource for couples planning to celebrate their wedding in our community!
Our team knows Janesville and the businesses that help make celebrations happen. We can help you discover venue options, connect with local vendors, explore hotel accommodations, and find information about the area.
We’re not wedding planners, so we won’t be coordinating your big day or making those important decisions for you. But we can help point you in the right direction and introduce you to the people who can help!
And our assistance is completely complimentary!
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t need to have every detail figured out before reaching out. In fact, that’s exactly why we’re here!
If you’re beginning to explore wedding possibilities in Janesville, we’d love to help you discover the local resources and connections that can make those first steps a little easier.
Contact Lori Johnson, Group Sales Director, at meetings@janesvillecvb.com or (800) 487-2757 to get started.