The choice of venue for your reception is one of the most important things to consider when you are planning your wedding and the most expensive.
Choice of venue will ultimately be decided on cost and what you are willing to spend but there will always be somewhere within your budget; from your local community centre to an exclusive hotel in the country.
You will spend the vast majority of your wedding day at your reception venue so it is essential that you and your guests feel comfortable with your surroundings.
Hiring a Reception Venue Top Tips
- Make sure you book early, there are many brides that leave it too late to book their perfect wedding reception venue. Start looking at least one year before your wedding date.
- Create a short list then personally visit every venue and meet with their venue organiser to get a feel for the place. Take a camera and take photos so you can look at them later.
- The outside of the venue is just as important as the inside so choose carefully as many of your wedding photographs will be taken in and around the place. A venue with well kept gardens is a big advantage.
- Make sure you know how many guests you will be inviting so you know the venue has space for not only the actual reception but for parking as well.
- If you have elderly or disabled guests make sure there is easy access for them and they won’t be expected to climb any stairs.
- Have they got an entertainment licence? If you are planning on having live music or a disco are there any noise restrictions in the area? Will the dance floor be big enough for your guests to dance the night away?
- Does the venue insist you use their own wedding suppliers for food, flowers and decorations etc. or will they allow you to use your own?
- Ask friends and family to recommend a venue they have had experience with and were happy with the service they received.
- Make sure you read the small print about what is included in the price e.g. VAT, cake distribution, corking fee, insurance, service charges, booking fee, linen, cutlery etc.
- With regards to the actual booking, is there a minimum fee payable regardless of what you want? What deposit is payable? When is the balance due? Make sure you read their cancellation policy with regards to time scales and refunds.
Marketing Manager at Poptop – UK Leading Events Planning Concierge Service