ADVICE TIME - Choosing a Venue
THE Biggest Decision
Agreeing to marry your partner is arguably the biggest decision BUT the venue does have the biggest impact on your celebration.
I often dont step in to advise clients until they have this nailed down. I know that a lot of the options they might want will be effected by where they have chosen to marry so this is the first hurdle. Some have this nailed easily and early. Some really struggle. Most of the time there seem to be two big reasons why this happens; availability and too much choice.
Allan Bank, Grasmere (Orange Ivy Photography)
In the following words I hope to help you think through where you are at, narrow down your options and help you pick.
1 / DEFINE
If you dont have this already, grab a pen or your phone and make a note of these key facts:
Number of expected guests
Venue budget or overall budget
Your ideal wedding style defined in three words
Location or region
Ideal ceremony type
Your DIY level
These will be some of the most relevant nuggets of info that you need to hand when looking at venues but be aware that other factors may rear their head. You may realise that other items are very important to you such as disabled access, accommodation options etc.
2/ LIST
Good old Google will throw up a ton of options, I know. You might already know some or have been to events in some fab places already. There are wedding listing websites such as Hitched to help. My concern is that it all becomes a bit too much. If you don’t work well with too many options, start a list and have a tick off criteria alongside it. Try to not list those that really wont work, be strict on the list!
3/ VISIT
As humans we need to use all senses to ensure something is ok for us. A site visit means you get a grasp on the atmosphere, the staff, the decor, the general vibe, the attention to detail, the approach, the grounds, the views… It all makes a difference but sometimes you ‘just know’, you know?
Things to look for or make note of:
The meet and greet
How the staff talk to each other
Cleanliness of the loos
Plant to weed ratio
Flex on prices / services
Available additions (furniture / bar / spaces)
General wear and tear
Ask honest questions so you don’t come away with queries. You don’t want to start email ping pong when you get home! Also take lots of pictures. Imagine if you book it and want to share with family the place you’ve picked or you want to get your ideas going and need to know layout etc. Its going to be handy!
4/ SCORE
Got a top five? Well, hopefully you will or can make it to that. Next level is a direct comparison with availability, prices, products and services. This will help with the realistic approach to selection but your gut may win over anyway!
5/ INVESTIGATE
Have you sussed out reviews? Every business has a website that says they are great and some places can be awesome at a tour but pants on the day! Check out social media comments, local suppliers feedback on the place or even a past couple’s online comments. This homework may be another level of defining the list.
6/ CLARIFY
Before saying yes, go through the terms, prices and booking details. You need to know from the start what your responsibilities are and the venues. Do you really know what’s included and what you need to provide? For the elements you are sourcing, do you know the venues limits for this or recommendations?
Now, if you are still struggling, start over again. Go back through your needs / desire from a venue and really pay attention to which mean the most. Then start asking for recommendations to add to that list or start with a new manageable location?
Outdoor Blessings - Belmount Hall
OPTIONS
If you don’t mind having too many options, let me show you these thoughts…
Private Homes - Know someone or seen somewhere that you feel could be perfect? Reach out! People like me, Weddings by Annabel, can help them make it work if they are willing to investigate it!
Land - Cant find the right spot, then find some space and make it a venue! Tents come in all budgets / shapes / styles / sizes now so investigate creating a venue.
Public Venues - Fave restaurant up for a giant booking? Local Pub got a lovely function room and garden? If you don’t ask, you’ll never know!
Natural - If you want to say your ‘I do’s’ in a special spot in the wilds, then this may be possible. Its all about speaking to the land owner and doing a good risk assessment. Need help, get in touch.
Your Home - Brilliant if you can do it but be careful about licensing. You don’t want the neighbours ruining the fun by inviting the police along!
Village Halls - Love them. Not all are beautiful initially but that can be helped. Often they have all the amenities and don’t cost the earth. It just may be more work for you.
I honestly hope this helps. If you are really struggling to either find a venue or make one work, reach out. Help doesn’t cost a lot but can make a massive difference.
Also, have you seen my Recommended Venues page?? Picked because I think they are great!
Happy Planning!
A x
Marquee Elegance - Storrs Hall