Selecting Wedding VenuesSome things to considerWedding venues come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the best venue to suit your wedding is one of your biggest decisions. When you consider that the cost of your venue and your catering is likely to be about half of your total wedding budget, it's clear that it's essential to ask the right questions early on. Read on for some of the key considerations in making your choice.
Type of VenueEven before you start looking for your venue you will probably have a good idea of how you want your wedding to be: a church service or civil ceremony followed by a formal wedding breakfast in a five star hotel or a registry office service followed by an informal hog roast in your local pub garden. There are wedding venues which cater very successfully for all tastes, but you need to be sure that you book the one that suits you best.If you aren't sure if the venue is what you are looking for ask if you can visit when it is set up for a wedding or party. A room that looks dull and dreary on a weekday morning, set up for a business meeting, can be transformed when tablecloths and flowers are added. Capacity Some smaller venues extend the space available by offering a marquee. Ask to see the marquee set up so that you can see how it is laid out. Your BudgetCheck and re-check the costs of your venue as you go through the selection process. You may decide that a more expensive venue is worth the price, even if it means limiting the number of guests that you can invite; or conversely that you will look for a different kind of wedding venue which will allow you to invite everyone on your list.Always ask if there are any costs not yet mentioned in your discussions with the venue. For instance, if the number of guests who accept your invitation falls below a certain level you may find that you incur a room charge in addition to the cost per head of the catering and drinks. Check whether the costs quoted include VAT. In case the unthinkable happens and you have to postpone or cancel your wedding, check what the cancellation charges are, and when they start to be incurred. Read the contract very carefully before signing it! Click here for some money-saving tips Car ParkingMost of your guests will probably arrive by car so check whether your venue has sufficient space for them all to park. If the venue's car park is small, ask what arrangements there are for overflow parking - or arrange to pick your guests up in a coach and run a shuttle service to and from your reception.Exclusive UseLarger wedding venues may have the capacity to handle two or more weddings on the same day. If this is the case for a venue that you like, ask how they keep the weddings separate. It may be possible to pay to hire the venue for exclusive use if your budget will run to it.Food and DrinkMost hotels and restaurants insist that you use the in-house catering facilities, so if you have a reason for wanting to use a different caterer - perhaps for religious reasons - you will need to check whether the venue allows this.It would also be advisable to check whether the venue has a bar or holds an alcohol licence. If you plan to party late into the night there may be an extra charge for a licence extension to keep the bar open. Check whether the venue offers food and drink tastings, to help you decide whether you like their style of cuisine. Look at the menus and prices on offer and check whether the venue can accommodate less common dietary requirements, such as food allergies.
AccessYou will probably need access to your venue for purposes of decoration or for your band or disco to set up ready for your celebration. Find out whether there are any other bookings for that day and when they will be finished so that you can make the necessary arrangements for your own event.FacilitiesCheck the ease of access for any disabled guests, and see what facilities there are for them.Some older guests might want a break from the noise of a disco or band so ask whether there is a quiet room that they could use. Your photographs will be an important memento of your celebration. Check for attractive settings, indoors and out. If you have guests coming from a distance they may wish to stay in the area overnight. Wedding venues may offer special rates to wedding guests or have an arrangement with local hotels. Contact us for more Wedding Venues selection tips
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