Your wedding should be one of the best days of your life, a day that sets the tone for the rest of your marriage. To make sure that everything goes as planned, there are a myriad of tasks that need to be taken care of. Your first real ‘wedding task’ is to find your reception and ceremony location - and a word of advice from those who have experienced planning weddings first-hand: it is probably one of the hardest decisions you will ever make.
You need to consider the size of your guest list, your budget, a convenient location and a whole lot of other small and big factors. So take a deep breath and don't get overwhelmed by those seemingly insurmountable considerations and suggestions because we have all listed for you all those essential questions that every bride must ask herself before choosing that perfect wedding venue:
Question 1 : How much am I honestly willing to spend on the venue?
Hammer out your budget before going in search of venues and make sure you stick with it because things tend to spiral out of control. A couple of thousands here and there add up to quite a lot when you actually sit down to total up the costs. If you live in the city, look for nice venues which you can afford, and which are convenient. You really shouldn’t even be thinking of how pretty a beach wedding would be if you’re on a tight budget.
Question 2 : So am I going to have my wedding and reception at the same place?
Weddings usually have a ceremony and reception. Ask yourself if you need a location which will cater for both your ceremony and reception, because this is much more cost effective. Second, If you have already agreed on a specific Temple/Church for the ceremony, make sure you choose a reception venue close to the selected ceremony location. It will be easier for you and your guests to commute from the service to the reception when they are minutes apart from each other. Another exotic choice would be to have an outdoor wedding such as a beach or garden wedding. If you do decide to have an outdoor wedding then, it is always better to have the ceremony and reception in the same place. It is also much more convenient for the guests since it reduces the hassles of travelling from one location to another.
Question 3: Will the location be convenient for my fiance, myself and all our guests?
The location of your wedding venue largely depends on where you and your respective families stay, because after all you are the most important people there.
Then, consider where the majority of your guests are travelling from. If they are flying in for your wedding, it makes sense to choose a venue easily accessible from a major airport either by train or coach. If the reception location is quite remote, you might want to consider organizing transport for your guests. This will certainly make your guests lives easier, but at the end of the day it will certainly add to your budget. So choose wisely. Also, if your guests need to stay the night, you will need to consider a location that is conveniently located around suitable hotels or lodges.
Question 4: How many guests, and more importantly will I have room for last minute confirmations?
Now that you have the location and budget set, you need to decide how big a place you will need. Planning your wedding guest list can be an exciting, yet tiring task. Here are some factors that you need to consider, before you even start looking at possible venues.
* Be sure to have a good estimate on the number of people on your guest list. This will probably include family, friends, workmates, entertainers etc.
* Do you want a formal dining setting or a buffet: Formal dining would obviously require more space compared to a stand up buffet. A venue with a seating capacity of 100 may accommodate 200 people for a reception.
* Oops did I plan space for the band? Bands and other entertainment facilities need a large amount of space, so make sure you plan for it. Decide on a spot where you want the entertainment.
* Always make sure you have space to spare for those last minute confirmations.
Question 5: Ok, so why would I opt for a marquee extension?
Some venues offer this as they cannot accommodate large numbers in the property. If this is the option for you, do check what is included in the cost of the marquee. Items such as heating/cooling and furniture can all be extras that add to your total cost. Ask to see pictures so you can see what details such as the flooring look like.
Question 6: Oh God! The caterers?!
When choosing a venue, also consider if the venue has in-house caterers. Then, consider if they require a catering tent and equipment and if this is included in the venue hire price. If you are bringing in caterers, it is a good idea to request estimates from a few of them to compare menus and costs. Ask them how much space they would need and the facilities they would require and factor them in when you go looking for venues.
On a side note, regardless of whether the catering is in house or hired in, you must ensure they offer a tasting so you can try your menu and make any adjustments prior to the day.
Once you have answered these questions, you should be able to shortlist a couple of venues. Now, you will need to call each of your shortlisted venues to finalize your decision. Now, Now... hold your horses, before you settle on the final location, make sure you ask them the following questions first.
- What’s the deal with parking?
Ask the venue vendors if there is any restriction for parking. If there is, then you will need to let your guests know about this. That way they know to book taxis. If you are providing transport for your guests , you will be prepared to allow for parking facilities for the vehicles.
- Can I get a pricing breakdown please?
Once you have narrowed down your choice of venue, ask them to supply you with an estimate of costs for your wedding so you can establish what is included. Some venues include items such as tables, chairs, stationery, flowers, in their per person cost.
- What is it that my guests and I can and cannot do?
Ask what you can and cannot do at the venue. Things that may be prohibitive, for a variety of different reasons, could include amplified music, late license, drinks license, fireworks and children (yes children! not kidding!).
- Can my guests get accommodation?
If the majority of your guests are travelling to the wedding. then ask the venue to provide you with a list of local hotels which helps guests form an option as to where to stay and what to spend.
So there you have it. Armed with this essential guide, you are all set to choose your venue. Do your due diligence, check up on the available vendors in our exclusive listing facility at www.shaadiinvite.com to make the most informed decision, and make the process even easier :)
All the best on your planning and wish you a wonderful married life ahead!
