How To Choose The Right Wedding Venue
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1. The size of the room: There's no question about it, you've got to have a room that will be big enough to accommodate all your guests. Ask how many people will fit in the reception room. For insurance and security reasons it would be inadvisable to exceed the room's maximum capacity, so don't try to bend the rules just because you really like the venue. Ensure that there are the right amount of tables and chairs available.
2. Choosing an indoor or outdoor wedding: If it's winter outdoor venues aren't appropriate but for mid-season and summer weddings you've got the option of celebrating outdoors. If you're set on having an outdoor wedding, check that the infrastructure is up to it, you wouldn't want bad weather ruining your day. Ask if there are any fallback solutions in case the weather turns bad.
Hiring a marquee would be a good idea. If the forecast is chilly make sure you've got a jacket at hand, you could always start the reception outside and go inside for the meal afterwards.
3. The decorations: Before booking your wedding venue have a think about your decorations. They play an integral role in setting the mood for your big day, especially if you've got a theme. Some venues can't be decorated such as castles for example and some themes don't fit with certain venues. But decorations all depend on the venue's owner.
In Prestigious venues colourful decorations and moving things around are not usually allowed. Also, in a city hall they're not keen on decorations that are too over the top. When you view each venue try visualising where you're going to put the flowers, balloons, tables, and etc.
4. Time constraints on the venue: Would you like to dance the night away but don't know whether you're allowed to do so? Asking is essential otherwise you wouldn't know whether you're allowed to party on into the early hours of the morning!
Know when the catering service is coming, they usually have a time constraint. Also, note when the venue wants the keys back, for weddings it's usually quite flexible but it's better to be sure. If you're hiring a DJ make sure that he can stay for the whole party.
5. All-inclusive venu or separate pricing: When you get a quote for your wedding make sure you read the small print. There are sometimes different options and it would be a shame if you were to miss something that you really wanted. Some venues offer caterers with a buffet or a sit down meal.
Make sure that drinks are included. Sometimes if you're buying alcohol to serve at a venue they will ask you to pay for corkage, which means you'll pay a set price for opening a bottle you didn't buy at the venue. Finally, taste the suggested menu dishes to avoid any nasty surprises.
