When visiting potential wedding venues there are many aspects you need to look into to ensure it is the right venue for you. The first two and most obvious are ‘is there a date available that works for me’ and ‘is the venue in the right area’. You may need to be flexible in these areas if you have a certain date or particular venue in mind but if your answer is yes to these two, then you are well on your way.
However, before you get carried away, be sure to ask the following questions to ensure there are no unwanted surprises in store for you:
- Are you licensed for civil ceremonies? Not all wedding venues hold a licence so you may need to hold the wedding elsewhere then move everyone to the venue for the reception
- What are your minimum and maximum numbers? Make sure the reception room has enough space for all your guests. You also don’t want a room to be too big if you are holding an intimate wedding as the guests will ‘rattle around’. A venue may have a minimum number of guests required or there may be a charge if your numbers are lower than this.
- Where are the photo opportunities? The venue will suggest the best places for your location photographs or there may be beautiful areas hidden away that you want to utilise for unusual wedding photos. Taking your wedding photographer along to the venue is a great way to plan what works best for you.
- Is furniture provided? Ask if tables, chairs & linen are provided within your hire charge and check them to see if they suit your theme / colours. If not you may need to hire them in, which could incur a hefty cost which you need to allow for in your budget.
- Do you have the option of a DJ or band if you prefer? Some venues do not allow a band due to the noise levels or can not fit one in so worth checking, especially if you have your heart set on a meatloaf tribute band
- Do they allow outside suppliers? Many venues have in-house caterers who cater for all the venue’s weddings. There may also be affiliate suppliers who you have to use in certain areas, particularly with florists, DJs and photographers so worth checking early if you have already chosen particular people/companies you want to work with.
- Are there any other restrictions? As well as noise restrictions, some wedding venues do not allow naked flames, so no candelabras or even tea lights and many can not allow fireworks due to neighbour and proximity of animals.
- Are there any other rooms you can use? For old or very young guests, you may want to consider having a children’s room or a chill-out room where the quieter guests can have a cup of tea and a sit-down when the disco becomes a touch over-whelming.
- What time does the bar close / does everyone need to be out by a certain time? If you are expecting to party till dawn you will want to make sure this is possible as many venues close the bar at 11pm with all guests off the premises by midnight.
- How many bedrooms are on site and if needed are there local hotels & taxi firms? At many venues you are able to take all the bedrooms which is the perfect way to extend the celebrations with everyone in the same place for the morning after. For guests who cant stay on site you will want to check there are plenty of hotel options nearby, ranging in prices. You may also want to lay on a mini bus or cars for the end of the night, or contact a local taxi firm to have on stand by to take guests back to their hotels
Being an experienced wedding planner with expert knowledge and experience with venues, our services can save you a lot of time on your venue search. Going to several venues and checking all these points can be very time consuming as well as confusing as they can all merge into one. Please contact us on hello@esc-weddings.co.uk if you have any questions.
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