Best Advice on Choosing Your Wedding Venue

Numbers

First off, you have to know how many guests you are planning to have as this will determine straight away where you can or can’t have your party. You might have your heart set on a venue that is large but if your number of guests is much smaller than the capacity of the venue you will find the room will feel empty and that could cause the event to feel low on energy. You really want a venue which is big enough but not too small either.

Know your guests

If you have any guests who are more elderly or have any mobility disabilities you will need to ensure the rooms are fully accessible. You might also want to ensure your venue doesn’t require too many room changes and that the restrooms are easily accessible as well.

Location

The location of the venue has two main considerations; logistical and sentimental. Of course the nearer the venue is to the majority of your guests the easier things will be. Having a nearer venue will also mean more of your guests will be able to attend. That all said, you might opt for a venue that is a bit further and has some sentimental value to you. If it is a region you visited on holiday or if your family are from a particular part of the country, it is a great way of making your wedding special and more memorable if it is held in a place which isn’t your run of the mill venue.

Style

Consider the style of the wedding you want to have. If it is relaxed, formal or quirky the place you celebrate will have a massive impact on the feel and atmosphere you will be creating for your wedding. For a more traditional feel you might want to consider getting married in an old church before taking your guests to the venue. If you are having a Jewish wedding you might consider a place like Bevis Marks Synagogue for your Chuppah. Whatever faith you have there will always be some landmark temple or site where you can hold your wedding ceremony at and this can really help to add character to your celebration and make it even more memorable and special. For a more relaxed feel you can choose a barn venue or to celebrate in a marquee. If you want your wedding to feel more formal, you can opt for a city centre hotel or purpose built wedding venue.

Cost

Of course cost will always have a big impact on your choice. Make sure you know what it is you are getting and perhaps more importantly what it is that isn’t included in the venue package. Certain aspects such as lighting and dancefloors are sometimes included in a venue cost and this will save you money off an alternative venue which doesn’t have these included. That said, if the dancefloor is old looking and the wrong colour or the lighting included are just not sufficient you may end up spending more on top of the venue price to make the room look pretty.  You will want to take all these into consideration and try to be realistic on what level of venue ‘decor’ (lighting production and flower arrangements) will make you happy. In short, an initial ‘all inclusive’ venue which includes a stage, dancefloor and lighting might end up costing you more if you will be booking additional elements elsewhere anyway.

Love your venue

This might sound obvious but you really do want to be excited by your venue and inspired by it.

Your wedding day is one of the most important and most memorable days you will ever have so make it count! There are no tips on this, just to say to keep this at the front of your mind when visiting the different venues. Keep the flame going with your fiancé and have romantic meals out or drinks out on these wedding admin days to keep the excitement front and centre of the process. This will help you find a place that truly excites you to tie the knot!