Well, it is my recommendation that after having an idea of the number of guests, style and budget for your big day you should start researching the venues for your ceremony and reception.
It’s not a secret that a wedding can be expensive, but if you do your homework you can find an inexpensive venue. Popular wedding venues and hotels can afford to charge their clients the price they feel is right just because they have a constant flow of couples wanting to book their wedding at this locations. So if it is your priority to save money stay away from this places and instead consider less popular venues like restaurants and nightclubs. It is imperative that you keep in mind the style and budget and the amount of guests that will possible be attending, not all venues have the same space available neither the same style.
Other things to keep in mind are:
moving the event from the big city to a small, nearby town
have your wedding other day than Saturday and if possible the Sunday of a three-day weekend
Combine your Ceremony with Reception space
Stay away from seasonal wedding period, usually venues lower their price from November to April
Overall, don’t be afraid to ask for the manager and negotiate, at the end you are dealing with sales personal whose job is to get you to say yes at the higher price and please don’t take your sweet time, good affordable venues book fast.