You will already have an idea of what you would like your dream wedding to be, and will know most of the relevant questions to ask. Here are a few suggestions to help you in your choice of venue.
Before you set out to choose a venue, make a list of questions you need to ask and then jot down the answers so that you can compare them with other venues that you visit.
- Budget
Establishing a budget is the first step to planning a wedding. The venue and catering will probably be the biggest expense, and this will be your guide as to how many guests you can invite.
2. Style of Wedding
Depending on your choice of style – formal, rustic, casual, game farm, beach or bohemian, choose a venue that will suit your theme and style. If casual or rustic, you may want a barn or a boma. For a formal wedding you will need an elegant space.
3. Date
Venues are booked long in advance, so this is a priority. Check if your chosen date is available at the venue of your choice. You may need to be flexible.
4. Accommodation
If you choose a destination wedding you may need to know if there is a chapel, and whether the chapel and the venue are wheel chair accessible. You will need to know if there is a room for you to get ready and whether there is overnight accommodation for guests and nearby extra accommodation if needed.
5. Catering
Is catering included in the cost or will you have to hire caterers, tables, chairs, table clothes etc. If these are supplied, do they have long or round tables, and are food and drink stations allowed.
6. Bar
Is the venue licensed and is there a bar. What arrangements can be made for a cash bar or corkage charges.
7. Wedding Co-ordinator
Does the venue have a wedding co-ordinator or can you bring in your own co-ordinator, or will it be acceptable to accept the help of friends and family.
8. Music
Is there a dance floor and sound system, and a PA system for the speeches. Are there any noise restrictions or time restrictions and is there a generator in case of load shedding.
9. Weather
Consider the season you have chosen. If you are planning an outdoor or a garden wedding, enquire whether the venue has a back up plan in case of bad weather.
10. Wedding Packages
Most wedding venues offer a choice of venue spaces and packages to suit different budgets. Their experienced staff will be on hand to help you with all the details to make it your dream day.
