This is a guide to what to think about as you look for your reception venue. We all have dreams of Fairy Tale Castles, white horses and wonderful gardens in which to walk with our friends... Indeed, I had a carriage for my own wedding and some time I'll share the story of my horse bolting across the rush hour traffic; but enough already!
So Ros, I hear you say, what according to you are the key points to consider?
• Firstly; as we all know size matters! I think the venue size is the first and foremost consideration - there is no point in thinking you'll have an intimate dinner with friends in a place which sits 250 guests, nor indeed can you force 250 in to a place which sits 120. You need to start with your guest list and work from there; looking at the options that will cater to your planned size and select a place that’ll sit everyone in the same room.
• Putting up with your Guests - you need to consider your guests arrangements - will they be staying over in the venue or going home? Are many coming from the UK and is there accommodation on site or is there a need for people to book B&Bs nearby.
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Cost; what will the meal cost per head - are there other hidden costs; for flowers, table decorations, and importantly do you need to commit to booking a minimum number of bedrooms.
• Transport for your guests; if it is near the church, is there ample car parking - if there is plenty of parking - will their cars be 300 yards from the door of the venue (there are some places where maps and sherpas should be provided) or will you opt for a Wedding bus? Remember a long canter in strappy stilettos’ will create blisters, tired feet and discourage many dancers...
even among the bridesmaids!
• Availability for your date, it helps if you can be flexible. Some venues give a discount for Monday, or mid-week weddings – a wedding on a Monday or a Thursday lengthens the weekend for everyone.
• As you look around the venue think about
what to do if it rains- is there somewhere to take photos. Most venues do have a place for family photos that is out doors and under cover often specially built as a result of the smoking ban! If you’re unsure, ask the staff – some places only have a room or a stair well, if you can avoid these your photos will be much better!
• The menu options - do they offer a vegetarian option alongside meat courses and does it need to be booked in advance. Do they offer hors d'œuvre before the meal and snacks later like sandwiches or cocktail sausages?
• How flexible is the venue about your running order. Are the staff pleasant, and will they cater to your requirement if you wish to
have your speeches before the meal, or bring out a birthday cake for a guest?
• Does the venue offer a drinks package, perhaps with a drink on arrival and wine at the meal, or a selection of drinks and if you're thinking bring your own bottles of bubbles - do they have corkage options?
• How late will they let non residents stay, what time will the band be expected to play until, and will they allow the disco to stay longer than the bar is open?
• The decor is probably the last issue to consider as the banqueting suites in most modern reception venues are spectacular with chandeliers and mirrors soaring yards up to the ceiling.
As a photographer I can state; ultimately the venue is the scenery. It is the canvas on which you lay out your plan and the backdrop for your Big Day and in every case you'll get what you pay for, and sadly, ‘practicality’ isn’t always a bride’s best friend!
