Image: Country Wedding Signs
For some newly engaged couples, choosing a wedding venue is a no brainer; they have a favourite hotel or venue that they decided on even before they knew they were getting married! For others, the choice of venue is something completely new to them. It’s at this stage that lots of decisions have to be made.
It can be tricky – so many amazing options and only one place you can actually choose. Today we have tips and tricks on how to choose a wedding venue that’s right for you. Read on to complete your venue jigsaw!
- First things first, what are you looking for? Traditional hotel and country house receptions are obviously the most popular choice and they are well versed in throwing you a great day, but do remember other alternative options such as old barns, disused breweries, art galleries and marquee celebrations are becoming just as popular and tend to offer a different type of experience.
- When you know what style and service you want from your venue, think about it. Have you visited it before- maybe at a previous wedding? Personal recommendations from friends and family are a great way of gauging whether possible venues will be able to deliver on what you need.
Image: Thisbe Grace Photography
- If after talking to friends and family, your venue is a totally blank page, get out a map and think ‘Location, Location, Location!’ If you have decided on a traditional ceremony in your local parish church, you will for practical reasons need to be within driving distance of it. Of course if you chose a civil wedding in your venue, Ireland is literally your oyster! Realistically you should aim to have your reception venue less than a two hour drive from your ceremony; any further is asking for trouble on your big day and could in the long run put your guests off attending, especially if there is no accommodation on site or in close proximity. Make a list of possible venues in your catchment area and take it from there.
Image: Thisbe Grace Photography
- With a rough list, do your research on each possibility. Look them up online, search for reviews and if you like the feel of it, add it to your list of possibilities. Next step is to give each hotel on your list a call to see if they can accommodate you on your preferred date. If they can, make an appointment and take it from there – you’ll be close to a decision by then!
- Meet with each wedding planner/co-ordinator at each hotel. At this stage your heart will probably have already decided on a venue, but make sure it works with your head. Is the hotel financially able to offer you everything you desire within your budget?
Image: Elyse Hall Photography
The nitty-gritty to ask before you book:
- Read the Terms and Conditions- would you loose your deposit if you had to cancel your day for any reason?
- Do the hotel offer a ‘one wedding per day’ policy? If not, make sure you are happy that your guests won’t get lost at another wedding!
- What exactly is included in your package? Items such as table linen and cake stands are sometimes a grey area.
- Are there any hidden charges such as hefty corkage fees that you need to know about?
- Will guests get a reduction in accommodation rates if they choose to stay? This can be a big plus for guests and encourage them to stay the night.
- Are you happy with the photography locations around the venue? Remember to think both inside and outside, just in case you get stranded inside because of rain or snow!
Other areas that may sound slightly crazy but could affect you are:
- Is confetti allowed? Every hotel and wedding venue in the country has a different policy on this!
- Are fireworks permitted? This could be your fairytale dream.
- If you fancy making a James Bond entrance in a helicopter (you’re only doing this day once, it’s allowed!) do they have facilities to accept this?
- What is their candle policy? Are naked flames allowed?
- Do they have a policy on children?
- Would extras such as a bouncy castle, lawn games, chippy vans be permitted?
All in all, make sure you are completely satisfied with everything before you commit to booking your day! We hope our guide helps you on your road to finding and loving your venue.
