If you’re getting married soon, there’s probably a whole host of things you need to tick off your wedding checklist, but try to make sure you get the absolute essentials sorted first.
One of the biggest parts of any wedding is the venue and, although it may seem like an overwhelming process (and it certainly can be!), it’s one of the first things on your list you should tackle.
It’s normal to feel a bit stuck when you’re choosing your venue and, if you can relate to that, here’s what you need to know:
Location is key
Although your wedding day should be all about you, you do also have to think about what will be best for your guests. Choosing a venue will be a lot easier if all of your guests live nearby but, if you’ll be hosting lots of international guests or guests from across the country, consider their travel time, too.
Another aspect to consider when it comes to your venue’s location is if they have accommodation on-site. This can be a deal-breaker for many couples so make sure you find that out before you waste any time viewing venues that don’t suit you.
If you’re going to be having elderly or disabled guests, do make sure that your venue and its surrounding areas are accessible enough for everyone to be comfortable.
Location is especially important if you want some extra special touches to the day. Lake District Country Hotels said: “Many of our couples come to us because of where we’re situated; the scenery surrounding our hotels really adds to the atmosphere of a wedding.”
“Before booking a venue, you should always ensure that both its interior and its exterior fits with your wedding’s theme and your desired atmosphere.”
Visit venues (again and again)
If you have a keen interest in a few venues, it’s so important that you visit them at least twice to get a real feel for the place. Meet as many staff members as possible and if at any point you get a bad vibe, it may be time to walk away.
It’s equally as important to visit venues at the exact time of day that you wish to hold your wedding. Changes in lighting and temperature happen throughout the day so, if you visit a venue at 12pm but want to get married at 4pm, you may miss some potentially mind-changing aspects of the space.
Think about lighting and other requirements you may have
Lighting can make or break the vibe of a wedding so, if that matters to you, it’s certainly worth checking if your potential venues are well-lit, whether or not they provide additional lighting, or if you’d have to hire some yourself.
Getting the right lighting for your wedding can be tricky, so spending a while thinking about what you want and making sure well in advance that whichever venue you choose can cater towards that.
Similarly, if you have any special requests such as fireworks and sparklers or even more unconventional types of entertainment, you should always confirm with your venue whether that can be done before you book!
