Weddings are special events that everyone wishes to make a permanent and happy memory. But it takes a lot of planning to make that special day a happy one for you. There are a thousand and one things to be done, often within a short time. In the UK, over 200,000 weddings are held each year; that means thousands of wedding venues are rented. Getting the right avenue for your wedding and reception is one of those essential tasks that you should carefully sort out. If you are planning your wedding, here are ten quick and practical tips to help you choose the right venue.
Focus On A Wedding Theme
Most people have a mental image of how they want their wedding to be. If you have a vision of your preferred wedding venue, you should stick to that. You might have difficulty choosing a suitable venue if you keep changing ideas. If, for example, you want a seaside wedding, you should look towards that and not create confusion by thinking of an indoor wedding or having it in the woods. You might not get the details at first, but that is okay. As you plan, things will fall into place, and you’ll have them sorted before the D-day.
Consider Your Wedding Make-up
Make-ups can improve your general appearance to give you the perfect wedding you dream of. It is wise to consider your make-up when choosing a wedding venue. Make-ups are generally prone to weather conditions and may wash off or melt off in the heat. If you plan to have an outdoor wedding, you might want to hire a wedding make-up artist to do your make-up on your big day, so it lasts all day long.
Get Involved With Your Wedding Planner
If you have hired a wedding planner, you should discuss the choice of wedding venue with them. Many people leave the planning venue and hard decisions to their planners, which is okay. But if you want a satisfactory wedding, it is wise to discuss it with your event planner. Knowing what you want and what is available helps you choose a comfortable venue that fits your plans. Your wedding planner will naturally advise you on the venue and other things.
Book Ahead To Avoid Disappointment
If you stay in a big city, there’s a high probability that dozens of events are held around the city, especially on weekends. It is easy for event centres to be fully booked; if you have not booked a venue for your wedding, you risk ruining your big day. Call and confirm that the venue is available for that day. Doing that helps secure a close venue that your friends and family can reach for the wedding. Finding the only available venue dozens of miles away from your location would be uncomfortable. Book ahead and save yourself that stress.
Consider The Number Of Guests You Invited
Your guest list is arguably the most critical factor when choosing a wedding venue. The venue you select should comfortably accommodate the guests. There are things you should consider here. For example, having a large venue and a small guest list can make your wedding seem empty. On the other hand, choosing a venue that can fit the exact number of guests you invited could be unwise. Why? The space may seem crowded, forcing guests to bump into each other as they move. It is best to book a venue with a little more capacity than your guest list.
Know What Is Included When Renting A Venue
Most even venues offer full-service, i.e. including food, drinks, decoration, ushers, and sometimes customisation. Some others provide partial or customisable services, allowing you to bring your team. It is wise to ask what your payment covers so you don’t make mistakes when planning your wedding. Choosing a venue that offers complete customisation is best if you prefer doing your thing.
Plan According To Your Budget
Your budget is everything when it comes to meeting your wedding goals. It is advisable to stay within an affordable budget to avoid getting into debt for your wedding. Your budget will determine your choice of wedding venues. Rental costs vary from city to city and from firm to firm; the cost of renting two similar venues may vary within the same city. When planning your wedding, you must consider your budget and financial capacity before choosing a venue. Don’t be reluctant to go for what you can afford. Of course, you can pay a bit extra to secure your dream venue, but the idea is to not get into debt or compromise some other commitment.
Choose A Comfortable Location
If you and your partner have families and friends spread over a large area or around your city, you should consider a venue that is central and close to everyone that will attend. Travelling guests should not have to cover a long distance if you can help it. There’s also a sense of equity; guests from your family and your partner’s family will feel treated right. If a central location is not possible, consider somewhere closer.
Find Somewhere Private Enough For Your Wedding
It would help if you didn’t have to get married where other events occur. Your guests may get distracted and not pay enough attention to you, the main attraction. Find a venue that’s private enough for your wedding to proceed without distractions. If you can only get an event centre with multiple halls, consider fixing your wedding for a time when it is less crowded or when other events are unlikely to interfere.
Consider Parking Options And Utilities
Consider choosing a venue with enough parking space for your guests. Also, consider choosing a place with enough restrooms. Guests need a private and comfortable place to relieve themselves or take care of personal business without worry. Consider hiring mobile toilets for your big day if you prefer an outdoor wedding.
Keep some of these tips in mind when you prepare to start planning for your special day.
Charlotte Fleet says
I love your suggestion to plan your venue around your budget. My sister and her fiance need to find a wedding venue. I’ll make sure they look for one within their budget.