A wedding venue takes time to choose, but when you get it right it’s so exciting. There are a number of things you can do to make choosing easier and ensure you get the right venue and we take a look at them below.
The Venue
If possible, you should search for a venue for your wedding reception that is located close to the church or hall where you get married. This will make it easier for your guests to get from the wedding itself to the reception. There are plenty of beautiful large houses for weddings in the countryside about that are perfect for a wedding reception.
Complimentary Items
Many venues have decorative items on hand that can be used for free such as tables, silverware, linens, or covers for the chairs. When making your reservation, be sure to ask about what items are available for use. This can save you a lot of money over having to rent the items from an outside source.
Flowers
Flowers are typically one of the largest expenses associated with a wedding. Try to find more affordable alternatives. For instance, the venue where you hold your reception may have elegant candelabras that you can set in the center of each table to minimize the number of flowers that you need.
Coat Check
Check to see if the venue has a room that is suitable for the guests’ coats. Find out whether or not an attendant is required.
Toastmaster
Some reception venues have a Toastmaster on staff that can provide their services for free or for a discounted rate. This can save you a lot of money. Having a Toastmaster is particularly important if you are planning a large wedding.
In-House Manager
Find out whether or not the price that you pay for the venue includes the fee for an in-house manager on your wedding day. This can help ensure that everything goes according to plan on your big day. If not, find out if there are any local wedding planners that the venue already has an existing relationship with.
Place Cards And Menus
Some venues include the cost of printing the place cards and menus in their price, whereas others don’t. Be sure to ask about this before making your reservation so that you know whether or not you need to budget extra money for printing services.
Corkage Fees
Find out if the venue charges corkage fees. In most cases, they won’t. However, there may be a small charge added to cover the cost of using the kitchen. This is particularly true if you use a caterer that does not come recommended by the venue.
Caterers
Most reception venues will happily recommend one or more caterers for your event. These caterers not only have an excellent reputation, but they are also familiar with the kitchen at the venue. Choosing one of these recommended caterers can go a long way toward making sure your reception is a hit.
Music And Entertainment
Some venues are located in areas where loud music could be a problem. Find out whether or not there will be any issues with your dance music if you plan to have loud music at your reception.
Photography Backdrops
Explore the venue to see if you can spot any areas indoors or out that would work well for a background in your wedding photos.
Leave a Reply