The wedding venue is a tough decision. It's what your guests see first, and what they talk about most. It will be the backdrop for your photographs and completely set the tone and feel of your wedding day. That's before you've decided whether you want to have it at home or abroad!
So here our tips and questions you should ask for choosing the right venue.
Tips for finding the right venue
- Unless you've booked a venue well in advance, and we mean perhaps a year to 18 months, then you will need to exercise a degree of flexibility over date and day. If you've got your heart set on a particular venue but don't fancy waiting 18 months to tie the knot consider moving it to a Sunday or having it during the week
- The most popular day for weddings is a Saturday and consequently the most expensive. If you're trying to negotiate on price consider again opting for a Sunday or mid week wedding
- Know what you're getting for your money and find out what's included. For example, there might be a beautiful garden and terrace which would look wonderful at night but that might be reserved for business conferences. Will your date coincide with any other events?
- Will the reception area accommodate guests with special needs? For example, will a drinks reception area provide seating for elderly guests?
- The location of the venue should be a definite consideration. It's all very well and good having a beautiful stately home in the middle of the countryside but if no one can make it there you're going to need to rethink it. Otherwise you'll need to provide means of transportation for your guests.
- Do you have a gap between the service and the reception? What will your guests do in the interim?
- Will the venue cater for children and babies? Guests might not be able to bring their own high chairs and accompanying paraphernalia. Will the venue serve kids meals?
- Make sure you get written confirmation on everything you've decided. Make sure you're aware of any terms and conditions the venue imposes before you sign the contract and make sure you negotiate changes or additions before you do
- Know the limits of the venue. If it says that guests must gone by 2am make sure they do otherwise you could be liable
