The 10 most important things to consider when booking YOUR wedding venue
Booking a venue for your wedding can initially seem a daunting task, without a doubt. But it doesn’t have to! Turn this quest for YOUR perfect venue into an exciting treasure hunt. There are many options out there, we feel you, as wedding photographers we’ve been to quiiiite a few :) From low budget to there’s-no-limit-to-what-daddy-is-willing-to-pay budget, from small and intimate to big and glamorous, there is an abundance of venues you can choose from. And you know what, the more the better. We promise you will find THE one for you. We’re here to help you narrow it down, so we’ve compiled a list of what really matters and what will give you and your partner a starting point.
So let’s dive in :
Budget
Perhaps one, if not THE most crucial aspect when choosing your venue. In several studies conducted in 2019, the wedding venue was couples’ biggest spend. So, know your budget…and STICK to it (that’s the hardest part, right?). This will immediately eliminate a big chunk of those venues that just aren’t for you, whichever end of the budget spectrum you find yourselves at. This budget can range from anywhere between 2500 to…well, no limit really, but let’s just say 15-20K for the sake of giving you a number.
2. Location, location, location
Again, something you can’t neglect. How far are you willing to travel? How far are your guests willing to travel? Depending on the number of guests you are planning to have, what’s the distance they’d be ok to drive, 10 miles, 30, 200? The further you are, the more things you’ll have to take into consideration and make sure they are in place for them, such as accommodation, transportation, etc. If they have to drive for 3-4 hours, perhaps they will want to arrive the day before the wedding.
3. Packages vs Dry Hire
This WILL impact your budget. Wedding packages include catering and drinks and in some cases (not always) this can bring the overall cost down. You may, however, want to bring in your own caterers and bar and then you’re talking about different prices, a lot more cost efficient (we don’t use the word “cheap” here). We have been to a few DIY weddings and there are some fantastic ideas out there in terms of catering.
4. License
To keep it simple, if you want your reception AND the ceremony at the same venue, the venue needs to have a license. The venue must be a permanent structure with a roof, approved for marriage and accessible to anyone to book for their marriage. You can have a non-legal blessing at home, but for it to be considered legal you would also need to have a civil or church ceremony.
5. Capacity
How many guests will you have, roughly? Just an estimate. Make sure you count all your uncles and cousins, their brothers and sisters, EVERYONE. It’s ok to book a venue that has a bigger capacity than your estimated number of guests. Just make sure you don’t invite all 300 at a venue that has a 120 capacity :)
6. Indoor/Outdoor options
Planning to have an outdoor ceremony? Fantastic! Most venues will have a set-up for that. What you must make sure, though, is to check with them what happens in case it rains. Because, you know, it tends to rain in the UK. Do they have an alternative so you can carry on with your ceremony/reception? If they do, will the arrangements fit in with your vision? Would you have to pay extra? Always check and plan ahead.
7. Facilities
When you think of your dream venue, what do you think of? Exclusive use, one wedding per day, bridal suite, guest rooms, onsite car parking, licensed bar, dance floor (to show off your moves after having those Tequila shots at the said licensed bar). Some venues will offer more than others, so do a proper research.
8. Style/Theme
If you want a bright and airy wedding, there’s no use scheduling it in a dark barn, but if you DO want a rustic barn look, then why look for a modern looking venue? It makes sense, doesn’t it? In 2019 barns and farms were by far the most popular types of wedding venue. Country houses and stately homes were the second most popular, leaving hotels in third place.
9. Timings
Just when you’re getting warmed up towards the end of the day, when everybody’s loosening up and are ready to hit the dance floor…the venue say they have to close in an hour! If, like most couples do, you want your reception to last past 10 pm, make sure you check with your venue and see if there are any limitations. Do not hesitate to ask what time the bar can stay open and the live music can remain playing until. You don’t want any surprises.
10. Read Reviews
Before you commit (we mean to the venue) it’s always worth reading up on reviews. Couples will always leave a review, whether their experience with a venue has been unforgettable, for the right reasons or not. If you can, get in touch with a couple or two, see what they have to say.