Finding the perfect wedding venue isn’t an easy task and there are lots of things to consider when ensuring you find the perfect setting for your special day. After all, it is once in a lifetime so it has to be right!

CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING DATE

For some, having a specific wedding date can be very significant. If this is the case, you’d want to check in with your chosen venue if your date is available.

KNOW YOUR GUESTLIST

“Knowing how many guests you’re expecting to invite before you go looking at venues will help save you from headaches and heartaches down the road.

If you choose a venue that is too small for your guest list and more guests RSVP ‘yes’ than you can fit in the space, you might be in a tough situation.

REMEMBER YOUR BUDGET

There is no use falling in love with your perfect wedding venue only to find out that you can’t afford it. Choose your budget first and then only look at wedding venues within your price range.

VENUE LOCATION

Venue location is extremely important, especially if you’re inviting out of town guests. Your venue should be easily accessible, or there should be an option for accommodation at the venue or close by if guests need to travel.

It is also important to think of all the logistics that have to be managed. Will you be able to find a make-up artist, a photographer, a caterer that will come to your chosen wedding venue?

KEEP PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITIES IN MIND

You’re going to cherish the pictures you take on this special day for the rest of your life. Some wedding venues are much more photogenic than others, so keep this in mind when you’re narrowing down the list of potential venues.

BE CLEAR ON WHAT’S INCLUDED

“It’s more than just how much renting the space will cost.

You need to know what’s included in your hire to ensure there are no hidden costs. If you’re looking at some venues that are full-service, and some where you can bring in your own vendors and décor, be sure to price everything out.  This will ensure that you’re comparing like-for-like prices before making your final decision.

Things such as furniture, tables, chairs, linen, catering, and crockery are all essential and some venues do charge additional fees for these.

This isn’t always a negative thing as it can give you the freedom to hire from external suppliers exactly what you wish, but you should get an estimate from a rental company to see how they compare when you’ve added on the price of renting things for yourself.” 

PEOPLE REMEMBER THE FOOD!

Food is one of the most important parts of your wedding day and it’s definitely something guests will remember – guests love food!

Find out whether they do the catering themselves, or do you have to hire externally? If they do catering, ask for sample menus and look for reviews on websites.

Sometimes, venues will allow you to bring in outside catering. If this is the case, remember to tell your venue beforehand who you will be using for your catering as they need to meet the venue’s requirements.

Alternatively, if your venue does not have in house catering, ask them for a list of their preferred suppliers.

WILL THERE BE A VENUE MANAGER ONSITE?

Your wedding coordinator should not be tasked with running your wedding as well as the actual venue – this task belongs to the venue manager. They are definitely needed on the day as they know the space and flow of things on-site the best.

CONTINGENCY PLAN?

Don’t ever forget about a backup plan for your big day, you can never trust the weather man!

If the majority of your wedding is to be held outside, it’s important to have a contingency plan should the weather be miserable.