What to Look for When Choosing a Wedding Venue

Your wedding venue will likely be one of the biggest costs of your wedding, so it’s important to choose the right one. With so many, from hotels to castles, here are some key things to consider when selecting a wedding venue for your Big Day.

Location and Accessibility

Think about where you want to get married and how easy it is for your guests to get there. Is the venue near hotels and transport links? Will people need to drive or can they get there by train/bus? Geographically, when looking at Wiltshire wedding venues, for example, check where your top choices are in relation to where most guests will be travelling from? You want somewhere accessible for everyone. One of the best wedding venues Wiltshire is conveniently close to the M4 with direct rail links to London via Bath and Bristol.

Venue Capacity

How many guests are you planning to invite? Make sure the venue can accommodate your estimated number of guests for both the ceremony and reception. Think about not just seat numbers for the wedding breakfast but also space for dancing, entertainment, bar areas etc.

Layout and Flow

Consider the layout of the venue and how well it will work for the flow of your day. Are there separate spaces for the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and dancing? Is there sufficient room for receiving lines, entertainment, photobooths or other activities? A good layout will make your day run smoothly.

Ambience and Feel

The style and décor of the venue will impact the overall ambience on the day. Visit potential venues and get a feel for the space. Consider if you’ll need to add much additional décor or if the existing style reflects what you want. Also, check if in-house décor and furnishings are included in the package.

Catering and Bar Services

Find out if catering is provided in-house or if you can hire external caterers. Check that the on-site or preferred caterers can accommodate your preferred menu and any special dietary needs. Also, ask about bar and drinks packages – is there a drinks package included or do you pay per drink? Is there a last call time?

Accommodation

See if the venue offers on-site overnight guest accommodation or easy access to nearby hotels. This can be a great bonus for your guests, especially as many weddings now span over two days.

Outdoor Space

If you want any parts of your day outside, such as a drinks reception or wedding photos, check what outdoor spaces the venue has. These could be gardens, courtyards, terraces or lawns. See if they can accommodate your planned activities in case of rain too.

Budget

Shortlist venues that fit your overall wedding budget. Check what’s included in the wedding package and pricing structure for additional guests, so there aren’t nasty surprises. Make sure you understand deposits, payment schedules and cancellation policies too.

By considering all these aspects, you’ll be able to find the perfect wedding venue for you. Take time to view potential venues in person during planning. The venue sets the scene for your special day, so make sure it suits your style, vision and practical needs.