Do you already know what kind of place you’d like to get married at? Or are you still trying to decide? Whatever stage you’re at, this simple guide to picking the perfect wedding venue will help you make the right decision.
Looks are important, but a venue has to serve its purpose – and that means everything from easily accessible bathrooms to enough parking for everyone. And most importantly, it has to be perfect for YOU. Make sure to choose a place both you and your other half will love – there’s no point booking a castle for 300 guests when you’re secretly dreaming of a small celebration in an elegant restaurant. Doing things against your wishes leads to major wedding stress!
You may wonder if you’ll be annoying the venue wedding coordinator by asking so many questions. We assure you, absolutely not. They’ve already met hundreds of brides-to-be and they understand the planning process involves a lot of asking. Plus, the first impression they make on you is really important – you’ll be able to see right away which places really care about exceptional customer service.
Once you narrow down your options to a few places you’d like to see, we recommend reading and downloading our ultimate checklist of specific questions to ask your wedding venue to take along with you.
And so, without further ado, here’s our simple guide to picking the perfect wedding venue. Let us know if you have any questions!
Use our Venue Finder to Find your Dream Wedding Venue!
Photo of Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co. Clare by Eamon from Photographic.ie
What do we BOTH want?
Your other half may not know the difference between a hotel and a country house, but they definitely already know what type of wedding they’d prefer. You may even be surprised at what they tell you! Discuss the venues you’d both ideally like before you do anything else. If your opinions match, that’s fantastic! If not, work out a compromise, or find a third alternative neither of you has considered.
How many guests?
This is a big one for picking the perfect wedding venue. Go ahead and make a preliminary count of how many people you absolutely must invite – your immediate and extended families, their partners, and your best friends. You might be surprised at how quickly this adds up. Once you have a number you think is just about right, you’ll be ready to start looking and booking some viewings!
Will moving my wedding date save money?
One week or two makes very little difference to most couples, but a HUGE one to their bank account. If you’re planning on getting married around spring or autumn, you’ll be catching the start or the end of the wedding season. This means lower prices could be exactly as we said – just a week or two before or after. So, you know what to do – ask the venue!
Are the packages flexible?
Most venues will offer pre-set packages of varying opulence. They’re worth checking out, as they’re usually a very good deal. But, as with any package, you may want to change a thing or two, so find out if this is possible. For example, you may want to substitute canapés and dessert cart for more free wine on the tables. Or, hire your own DJ and have more flowers instead. Flexibility will help you have the wedding you want, still at a great package price.
Photo courtesy of Carton House
Is the venue easily reachable?
Will your guests miss dinner because they got lost trying to find you? What about people without cars – can they get to the venue on a bus, or take a taxi without spending a fortune? Is there enough parking space for everyone?
Is there enough privacy?
If you don’t mind passers-by who may stop and take pictures of you, or even wander into your party, then feel free to skip to the next question. But if you do mind, then you should ask about this before you book. This would apply to hotels and places with grounds open to the public, among others.
How many other weddings will be happening on the same day?
If this doesn’t matter to you, or you’re considering an exclusive hire option, then you can skip right to the next question. But if you’re not keen on having multiple other celebrations happening at the same time as yours, this may be a deciding factor. Many venues have three or four (or more) suites of varying sizes to host multiple events at once. Bathrooms may have to be shared or the guests from other parties may come in – does this matter to you?
Are entrances, bathrooms, lifts, quiet rooms and other amenities close by?
This is important if you have guests who are elderly, have restricted mobility, or those with small babies. Bathrooms located two floors up from the reception room may be a problem without a lift. Some people will want to move to a quieter place once the dancing starts. Entrances and exits should be easily reachable too.
Photo of Mount Druid, Co. Westmeath by David Maury Photography
Is there an option to move an outdoor wedding ceremony indoors, or room to pitch a marquee?
Partying in the garden on a splendid summer day is fab – but there’s no weather guarantee. You have two options. The first is to hire a marquee as a handy yet beautiful shelter from the elements. The second is to create a Plan B featuring a swift move of the whole party inside. Ask the venue if they have the plan and the space to accommodate this scenario if you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony.
How much of my own stuff can I bring in?
Your own stuff includes: decor, food, alcohol, entertainment and other things you want to do your way. This is a very important question, as some venues have strict policies for their packages, while others are flexible. Discuss these details before you pay any deposits or sign on the dotted line.
How much stuff does the venue already have?
You’ll be surprised how much decor venues already have stashed away. Using it could save you hundreds off your wedding budget. It’s possible you won’t have to buy centrepieces, hire chair covers or twinkle lights, special plates, candelabra and other pretty bits and bobs. Ask if you can use it and what happens if something gets broken or goes missing.
What are the party hours?
If you literally want to dance the night away, be sure to check the venue’s curfew. Some venues have a fee for a bar extension so make sure to ask about this in advance so you can factor in the cost! In addition, you need to know the hours to book your band/DJ, catering (late night snacks?) and transport (bus for guests, limo for you). The last thing you want is penalties for staying late without prior arrangement!
Photo of The Millhouse, Slane, Co. Meath by The Fennells
Where will the guests stay? Is there a bridal suite?
Some people will go back home after the party, others may want to stay overnight. If you’re considering a hotel or another venue with accommodations, ask if they have preferential rates for wedding guests. If the venue doesn’t have such an option, then check nearby, and ask for group booking rates too. Then there’s the bridal suite to get ready in and stay overnight – is it available?
Is there a secure place to store my wedding gifts/cards?
If you don’t have a bridal suite at the same location, the venue should provide a secure lockable room for your gifts and cards (some will likely contain cash). Putting these things in cars parked outside is never a good idea.
Who will be my contact person?
Will it always be the wedding coordinator, or will you have to call multiple people? Are they reachable by phone and email? What is the turnaround policy on replies? Wedding planners and coordinators are supremely busy people, so establishing communication everyone’s happy with is important.
Is there a grace period after paying the deposit?
Is there a partially or fully refundable deposit if you change your mind early on? Don’t expect this grace period to be very long, but it’s worth checking just in case.
Photo of Ballymagarvey Village, Co. Meath by Kathy Silke Photography
Main photo courtesy of Palmerstown House Estate
