Finding Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Planning your wedding day is a bit like putting a jigsaw puzzle together and it can be quite tricky finding all the right elements that fit together.
One of the most important factors is finding the right venue for your big day and although you may fall in love with a venue as soon as you walk in to view it, it's really vital that you don't don't make a snap decision before checking out a few facts first.
Here's our guide on questions to ask before you make the final decision...
Budget
It's easy to get carried away when planning a wedding, so you need to have a fixed price in your minds of how much you are willing to pay and stick as closely to this figure as you can. Getting heavily into debt is not a good start to any marriage.
What's Included?
Some venues will seem remarkably reasonable in price, but be very warey of hidden extras...It's quite common for venues to add on additional costs for staff, catering for staff, crockery, cutlery, glassware and table covers etc. If you are providing your own entertainers, band or disco check that there is not a standard charge for allowing you to do so.
Wedding Suppliers
If you want to bring in your own wedding service providers or supply some of your own decorations, flowers, music, photographs and cake for example, make sure you check that the venue allow this. There are some which stipulate that you must use their services only, which restricts your choice and can be very costly.
Flexible Catering
Look into the different options of menus on offer and decide if they are right for you. Some venues will not change any elements of the menu options to suit you so it's worth finding one that is flexible and, if necessary, will build a menu just for you!
Live Music
If you're planning on getting a live band in, check the the venue allows this, has a license for it, and check if there are any time and volume restrictions
Wedding Coordinator
You want to deal with the same person consistantly from start to finish so they get to know you and what you expect from your wedding day. Your wedding coordinator should not only meet with you regularly throughout the planning of your wedding but be there on the day to make sure everything runs smoothly and to plan.
Is the set up time included?
Ideally you want to have access the the venue from early morning on the day of your wedding for decoration, delivery of flowers cake and set up of and extras like sweetie carts and photo booths. Check with the venue to see if this is including in the hire charge
Price of Drinks
The last thing you want is to be embarrased at the price your weding guests are being charged for their drinks. Ask to see the bar price list. And, if you don't have drinks included in your wedding package, ask for prices of table wine and Champagne / Prosecco as you don't want any nasty surprises on the day!
Location
You will probably have family and friends travelling from away so make sure the venue is in the best location to suit most. If the venue does not have rooms for overnight stay, ask them for recommendations of hotels nearby. They may even have an agreement with a hotel to give you a discounted rate.
Car parking
The last thing you want your guests to do is struggle to find a parking place near your venue. Ideally choose one with it's own car park which also allows guests to leave their vehicles overnight if they choose to taxi home.
Capacity
This one speaks for itself, but it's worth checking various configuration on seating available according to whether you are looking at having a formal sit down wedding breakfast or a more informal BBQ or buffet. If you are planning to have an evening disco/band with dancing make sure that there is an allowance made for this space or that the staff can reset the room after the meal to suit your requirements
Your Theme
And lastly, take a good look at the type of venue and it's decor - does it lend itself to the style and colour scheme of wedding you would like?
