Part 4: Choose your Venue
The venue needs to work for both of you… and your pockets, or whoever’s pocket is paying for the day. Venue costs range drastically so pay attention!
The lowdown:
Some venues have absolutely everything you may need and are well prepared for your wedding day.
On the other hand, some venues are picturesque as they come and you can just imagine having your dream wedding there, but all they offer help with is… the gorgeous view! This leaves the responsibility on you to bring in the tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, décor, etc, etc, ETC!
This process is very stressful and could easily become more costly in the long run, due to delivery/collection and set up costs.
Decide how big of a task you are prepared to take on and stick with it. List out everything you need to get done one step at a time and tick things off your list as you go.
If you do decide to take the leap and go for the venue that offers the view but nothing else, this is where I would highly suggest hiring in a co-ordinator to help with the planning. If you can’t afford a full-time planner, there is always the option of just hiring for ‘on-the-day’ planning, and this can really take the pressure off on your special day. The last thing you need is having to sign the delivery notes and have your maid of honour sweep the reception floor before you walk down the aisle. (I’ve been a maid of honour before and I know how well this goes down!)
Questions for the venue:
- Is there a Plan B if it rains?
- Is there an additional cost for the backup space if it does rain?
- Is there wheel chair access? (Couple’s often forget to ask about small things like this and then poor old Granny can’t get up the 44 steps leading to your ceremony)
- Do you have a preferred suppliers list that you work with, or are we allowed to bring in our own service providers?
- Will we have exclusive use of the venue on our wedding day?
- What is the maximum capacity of guests your venue can hold?
- Is there a minimum amount of guests you allow in order for a wedding to take place?
- Do you offer in house catering?
- Can we see the suggested menu options?
- Do you have accommodation on site?
- If so, how many does it sleep?
- Can we have a pre or post event on site?
- What is the extra cost for the pre and post events, and what is included?
- What time can we set up from?
- Can we do setup the day before so there is less stress on the day?
- If we can set up the day before, is there an extra cost involved?
- Are there any additional fees (service charges, cleaning fees, overtime charges, refundable deposits)?
- What is the payment schedule like?
- What exactly is included and not included?
- Is there a generator on site and is it charged for when in use or does the venue cover this?
- Are we allowed to bring our own alcohol, and if so, is there a corkage fee?
- What restrictions do you have on decorations (candles, confetti, etc.)?
- Is there ample parking available for guests?
- Are there any restrictions on music volume or live bands?
- What support do you provide leading up to and during the event?
- Can we review a sample contract?
- What is the cancellation/postponement policy should something like covid ever happen again?
The questions will change depending on the style of your wedding, so prepare your questions for each venue visit beforehand, rather safe than sorry.
So tomorrow is very exciting because we’ll be getting creative in Part 5 with: The Fun Stuff!
Thanks for sticking with me so far, I hope you’ve learnt a thing or two!
