Okay, let’s start with this. Whoever says size doesn’t matter is absolutely wrong, if you have about 60 people who are going to attend your wedding reception so you have to find a venue that accommodates about 60 to 80 people then why should one get a venue that holds about 150 people then not even half to fill it, your weddings guests will be rattling around inside and all the atmosphere will disappear. Okay what if you are planning a DJ or Band for the evening’s entertainment for your wedding guests, and then ensure they have enough space to set up their equipment, consider where you can visualize the wedding party dancing and see if there is room for the entertainment to set up.
If you’re planning a big wedding breakfast at the venue speak to your wedding planner and ask him to check with the venue how they will arrange all the tables, they may say they can accommodate hundreds of wedding guests but if they are sticking tables down the corridor you guests will have a feeling of being left out.
In short when searching for the perfect venue please ensure that you make a trip to the venue, just don’t choose it from photos on the internet and try to visualize your wedding party being held there. Now coming to the cost, let’s face it your venue and reception can easily be the most expensive part of your big day but only if you let it be that way. Now it all depends on what your personal choice is, whether it’s a grand Victorian house you’ve rented for the day, or the local church hall please make sure that you set your budget and stick to it.
Wedding venues that are large sometimes offer set packages, which include a single price per head for their meal, wine, toast drink and evening buffet. All venues should provide you with a price list before you book anything; check if there is a cost for hiring the venue, on top of the consumables. Some venues charge less for weddings that take place from Thursdays to Wednesdays, whilst Fridays and Saturdays are more popular wedding days and may cost more. If you book a wedding venue that does not arrange your catering needs or is simply a hall hire, consider the costs of what else you may need to make it a perfect venue, food, drinks, crockery & cutlery, decorations, DJ, service staff, there are plenty of things and they all add up.
Spend time working out your figures and decide what suits your wedding budget. Now once you’re satisfied you’ve found your perfect wedding venue, pay your deposit, get a receipt and ensure its fully booked for you on your wedding day. Try and take a few family members or close friends to see the venue before your big day. Not only does it make them feel more involved you can get their opinions and ideas.
