When planning a wedding, one of the biggest decisions that any couple needs to make is the choice of venue. The venue is what will determine the feel and tone of the day so of course it is a big decision to make. Of course, planning a wedding is also a time when emotions can run high and this means that you might find it more difficult to make decisions. Having a list of things to consider to help you choose your venue even when the planning process is feeling a little stressful and difficult is a great idea. Here are some of the things to bear in mind…
The Budget – Before you make any decisions the first thing you need to decide on is your budget. Once you have the budget for the whole wedding you then can decide what you are going to spend on each part and you will have a good idea about the type of venue you can choose. Whether you want a wedding in a castle or a Cotswolds hotel wedding venue like this https://tewkesburypark.co.uk/celebrate/hotel-wedding-venue/cotswolds/ you need to make sure it is within budget.
When you Will get Married – Another thing to decide is when you will get married. As well as making sure that you have enough time to plan everything and pay for it, you also need to decide on when the best time in the year is to get married.
Number of Guests – Before you plan your wedding venue, go through your guest list and make sure that you choose a place that is suitable for the number of guests that you plan to invite to your wedding.
Settle the guest list before you book
Whether you are planning a small gathering or a large celebration, the basic steps are the same. Gather inspiration, set a budget and then start planning in earnest. The part couples most often overlook is scheduling, deciding early when each piece needs to be in place, because plans can shift a great deal before the day arrives.
Before you can choose a venue with confidence, you need a realistic idea of your final guest list. That list will be shaped by when the ceremony takes place, the time of year and whether you are looking at an indoor or outdoor reception. A summer wedding outdoors may suit a larger crowd, for instance, while a winter date indoors may need a smaller list.
Once the numbers are settled, it becomes much easier to compare venues and then move on to the other suppliers, the food, the entertainment and the decorations for the ceremony and reception.
Making room for the entertainment
Once the ceremony and the meal are over, you will have a room full of guests to entertain, so it helps to think about this while choosing the venue. Consider how much space is available, the age range of your guests and what kind of entertainment would suit them.
A DJ is the obvious choice and will usually play the music you want, mixing eras to please every age. A live band costs a little more but can really lift the atmosphere, and some specialise in a particular era. A solo singer, especially an acoustic artist, gives a live feel that is more personal and usually cheaper. Each needs a different amount of room and setup.
A magician, whether a stage act or a close-up performer, will keep guests amazed. If many children are coming, face painting or a wedding nanny lets the adults relax, so look for a venue with space for these extras too.
More points to weigh before booking
Budget is a good starting point. The venue is one of the easiest places to control the overall cost, so compare as many options as you can and look out for special offers. Think about whether a small wedding abroad might suit you better than a large one at home, as this depends heavily on the number of guests.
Venues range from barns to cathedrals and historic coaching inns. If your heart is set on somewhere unusual, such as a field, you could hold the legal ceremony the day before and have a blessing on the day itself.
Consider catering early. Some venues charge corkage if you bring your own drinks, and the venue must be able to provide the kind of meal you want, whether a formal three-course dinner or a simple buffet. Above all, take your time looking round and try to enjoy the planning.
