How to choose the right wedding venue

There are many practical things to bear in mind when selecting the location of your wedding day.  It is a good idea to be armed with a list of questions for the wedding venues you visit so you can make fair comparisons. Not all wedding reception venues will fulfil all your criteria but the one you choose should fulfil most. Here is a list of possible questions to ask:

Availability is important especially if you have a specific date in mind, so is the wedding venue available?

Budget – again very important to bear in mind. Ask for detailed costings from the wedding reception venue and exactly what is included in the room hire. There is nothing worse than getting a bill for hidden costs!

Can the wedding venue accommodate the number of guests you would like to invite?

Does the wedding venue have in house catering or allow outside catering if the in house catering doesn’t match your requirements?

Does the wedding venue charge corkage if you supply your own alcohol?

Will the wedding venue provide storage for drinks (if you can supply your own) and presents?

Does the wedding venue have recommended suppliers for other services i.e. caterers, florists, décor companies, music providers etc.

At what time can other suppliers access the wedding venue?

Is there car parking for your guests?

Is the wedding reception venue licensed for civil ceremonies? If so, ask for the registrars details.

If your wedding ceremony is taking place at a different location, try and find a wedding reception venue which is within a 30 minute drive to make life easy for guests.

Will yours be the only wedding on that day? Many wedding venues can be hired exclusively so your guests are free to enjoy the space.

Does the wedding reception venue have outdoor space for a marquee?  For summer weddings, a marquee can be perfect.  It can be decorated to match the chosen theme and it’s more likely that you will be able to use your own suppliers.

If you are planning to use an outdoor space, what’s the contingency plan for bad weather?

Can the wedding venue provide you with a dressing room for the duration of your event?

Can the wedding venue provide overnight accommodation?  Remember to ask for discounted rates for your guests. Is breakfast included?

Does the wedding venue allow candles to be lit? Can confetti to be thrown?

If you are having a band or DJ it is good to find out if there are any noise restrictions.

Most wedding reception venues will be able to answer all your questions without fuss.  There are wedding venues that will direct you to an outside supplier if you require a speciality cuisine.  These are the practical issues but remember that this is your special day and you want the location to reflect your personality and fulfil your hopes and dreams.

Curry Special is one of the leading Asian event organisers in the UK and can be contacted on 020 8518 3003 for more information.

The author is associated to the website - http://www.curryspecial.co.uk/ - Curry Special is one of the leading Asian catering companies and wedding planner specialising in wedding catering, wedding venues, Asian catering, Indian catering, wedding planning, event organisers, etc.

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