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Choosing Your Venue |
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- Think about the number of guests you'll have, and choose your venue accordingly. A large wedding might be better in an outdoor setting, but if you're getting married in winter you'll probably want to be indoors.
- Think about what theme you want - traditional, modern, trendy or a speciality theme? Don't forget you can choose a non-traditional venue for your wedding if that's what suits you - Luna Park, the place the two of you met, a music festival ... the possibilities are endless!
- How much space do you need? Is there room for your DJ, dance floor, cake area, gifts table, MC, sit-down dinner?
- Get everything in writing so everyone is clear how your day is supposed to go.
- When you send out your wedding invitations, include a detailed map and directions for how to get to your venue.
- If you like to throw a big party, you might want to consider choosing a venue with the option of overnight accommodation for your guests if they choose. Alternatively, you might consider organising a taxi service - especially if your venue is in a remote location.
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Hotels, Reception Centres, Restaurants and Halls |
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- Most venues of this type have their own inhouse caterers, who will be able to accommodate any dietray requirements. If you'd rather use an outside cater, make sure the venue you choose will allow this.
- Make sure the venue you choose will allow you to arrange the room to your liking - some hotels like their tables to stay where they've put them! Check as well that there are no restrictions on the type or volume of music that can be played.
- Find out if the venue will hold valuable items for your guests if they don't wish to look after them.
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Outdoor Settings |
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- Research your venue! Do you need to book the area? Do you need fire permits, or a permit to serve alcohol? Can you put up a marquee? Are there noise restrictions, and do you need to leave the area by a certain time? Does the venue require insurance? Have you filed all the necessary paperwork?
- Will your caters, decorators, florists or anyone else who needs to deliver to the venue accommodate you?
- Are there toilets? Are they clean enough for your liking? Are there rubbish bins on site or will you need to take your waste away with you?
- Can you easily access water, electricity and gas? Will you need to hire a generator or a barbeque? Will you need to provide bottled water?
- How far from the carpark is your reception? Will you need to provide a map or otherwise help your guests find you?
- Is there shelter if the weather turns bad? Remember to tell your guests to dress appropriately for the season and location.
- If you have a beach venue, check the high tide times!
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Little things that can cause headaches... |
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- Check what kind of parking is available! If the parking is limited, be sure to let your guests know their alternatives. If necessary, you might need to arrange pre-payment of parking for your guests.
- If you have elderly or mobility impaired guests, make sure the venue will be easy to get to for them. An outdoor wedding that is some way from the carpark might be difficult for some guests.
- Make sure there are adequate power outlets for your needs, and enough extension cords and power boards to match.
- If you're wearing spike heels, don't plan to have your wedding on a lawn, pebbles, or textured paving!
- If you have a long train on your wedding gown, consider the terrain you might be dragging it through. Long trains dragged through mud can cost hundreds to dryclean.
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