Venue searching is one of the first parts of the planning process and also the most time consuming, so you’ll want to make sure you know what you are looking for in your ideal venues.
Some couples know want they want, others are open to suggestions as they’re not sure exactly what they want or what will suit their budget/location/season/overall size.
There’s so much to consider when deciding on your venues:
- Do you want the Ceremony and Reception in the same place?
- Do you want exclusive use?
- Will it be big enough to accommodate all of your guests?
- Will they allow you to have the food/entertainment you want?
So much to think about!
As a Wedding Planner I have numerous spreadsheets and contacts to help make these decisions much easier and quicker for my clients, plus lists of questions to ask the venue. Here’s a few of them to write down:
- Is your date available?
- How many other weddings will be booked on the same day?
- Is it available for exclusive use?
- Do they have an on site wedding day coordinator?
- What is the maximum number of guests?
- Whats the accommodation like? Is there enough? Is there enough parking? Good local hotels/B&B’s?
- How long do you have the venue for? Can your suppliers come in the day before to set up? and can they come the day after for breakdown?
- Is there a set menu? Do you have to use their in house caterers? Can you hire your own? Do they charge corkage? What time does the bar close?
- Is the venue wheelchair accessible/child friendly/pet friendly?
- Do they allow confetti/fireworks/bonfires/live bands/funfairs?
- Is there enough seating? Do you need to hire extra tables/chairs/glasses/lounge furniture? Do you like the design they have or do you need to hire in different styles?
- Are there noise restrictions? Do they allow candles?
These few questions are a good starting point. Don’t forget to really look at the upkeep of the venue and watch how attentive the staff are. Does the decor look tired? Is there adequate lighting? Are the staff polite and understanding of your needs?
I also have many other in depth lists of questions for venues when it comes to:
- Sound and Vision
- Vendors, Food and Rentals
- Staffing and Coordination
- Ceremony/Reception spaces
- Payments, Liability, Contracts
The lists really do go on…..
And don’t forget, if you are having an outdoor wedding or you’re getting married abroad, there are many different areas to cover on top of the usual questions!
But try not to feel overwhelmed, I’m here to help you!
Each of my packages include my help and my lists!
Or if you don’t want the full packages, for just £150.00 I can source your venues and up to 3 additional suppliers and go through everything with them for you.
Anything is possible!
Anything is Possible! 