Which wedding venue? 15997 views

Some people plan their whole wedding around their dream location, while others have no pre-conceived ideas about what they are looking for. Either way, choosing your venue is one of the most important planning decisions you'll make. Sarah Richardson outlines some of the points to consider.

Ceremony and reception

The first thing to take into account is that there are likely to be two parts of your wedding to organise – the ceremony and the reception. As regards the ceremony, a church wedding is still the favourite choice for many couples, and most have a particular church in mind. For these, the reception must be planned around the service. Factors such as ease of transport from service to reception will be important in such cases.

If, on the other hand, you're thinking about a civil wedding, you have the option of choosing a venue that will host both your service and your reception. If this is what you are hoping for, you will need to choose a venue that is licensed for marriage ceremonies. This may come with a higher price tag than non-licensed venues, but has the benefit of minimising the amount of travelling involved for you and your guests.

Size matters

The type of wedding you have will depend partly on how big it will be, so here are some things to think about before approaching venues:

Nail down your numbers. It may sound obvious but many venues will not be able to magic up extra space from nowhere if you add 20 extra guests at the last minute. You should have a good idea of numbers before you start looking at venues.

Sit-down or stand-up? A formal meal will obviously require more space than a stand-up buffet, so a venue whose seated capacity is 100 might well be able to accommodate 200 for a canapé reception. Which do you want?

How big is your band? Bands and other forms entertainment can take up a large amount of space, as can a dance floor, so decide when and where you want the entertainment to take place, and check with the venue that this can be done in the space available.

Small can be beautiful. Of course you should make sure that your guests are not squashed in like sardines, but atmosphere-wise it can be almost as bad for a small number of people to be rattling around in a huge, high-ceilinged reception room. Make sure your venue is not too big for your needs.

Different possibilities

Any number of buildings can make a perfect reception venue, but here are some of the most popular options:

Historic venue. Castles, country houses and stately homes are among the locations many dream of for their big day. If your budget can stretch to it, this offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the use of a stunning building.

Hotel. There are so many different types of hotel that there’s likely to be something for everyone, from traditional to ultra-modern. Having accommodation on the spot is, of course, a big plus.

Marquee. If you have access to spacious gardens or other outdoor space, a marquee could be worth considering. Many people are surprised at how pricey it can be to hire one, but the plus side is that you can take control of catering and could save a considerable amount by providing your own alcohol.

Sports or social club. Different types of club premises can be perfect for a wedding reception. Do plenty of research and you could find one that’s in a stunning location, too. For example, some sailing or rowing clubs have picturesque waterside views, and can often be hired at a relatively reasonable price.

Restaurant or pub. Food and drink are among the main ingredients for a successful wedding reception, so where better to head than to a lovely restaurant or pub? Bear in mind that you’re more likely to find a good match if your wedding party is smaller, and if you’re lucky you might even be able to escape the heavy costs that are often quoted as soon as you mention the ‘w’ word!

Checklist for each venue

Finally, here’s a list of points to consider about any venue you have in mind:

Prices. Over-inflated costs might mean you compromising on other aspects of the wedding. Whether it’s sky-high drinks prices or hidden extras in the small print, you don’t want to feel exploited, so vote with your feet if you feel it’s not worth it.

Staff. Do they seem experienced and professional? Flexibility is another key attribute. Are they willing to adapt to your needs? This will be a major factor in how smoothly your day runs.

Facilities. Is the venue suitable for guests with a disability, and can it provide appropriate seating for the elderly and/or young children?

Accommodation. Is there a reasonable range of accommodation within easy access of the venue?

Transport. Is there enough parking for guests who drive, and decent transport links for those who don’t?

Restrictions. Does the venue impose limitations that could negatively affect your plans? Some stipulate no loud music after a certain time, others don’t like confetti or candles, and certain (usually historical) venues forbid high-heeled shoes for fear of their flooring being damaged.

Photography. Plenty of natural light in your venue will mean better pictures. You might also want to check that there are plenty of appealing outdoor spots close at hand for those once-in-a-lifetime shots.

Decoration. Are table linen, flowers, place cards and other decorations included in the quoted price, or will you have provide your own?

Little extras. Check the availability of extras such as a cake stand and cake knife. Many venues will lend you these, but having to hire them separately adds to your hassle and expense.