Visiting potential wedding venues is an exciting and important part of the wedding planning process. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your visits.
Make Key Decisions Together
It’s important to decide together what style of wedding you would like — would you prefer a relaxed barn setting or perhaps an outdoor vibe with a big marquee? The same goes for deciding on the type of wedding ceremony to have — would you like a church service or a civil ceremony at your venue? Making these key decisions will point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing which wedding venues to visit and which ones to rule out.
Have a List of Questions
Having a list of questions to ask wedding venues will help you to compare potential venues and avoid surprises later. Knowing the sort of wedding you want will help you find out the information that’s relevant to you. Perhaps you want to make a grand entrance and arrive by helicopter; if this is the case then you’ll need to ask your venue if this is possible.
Decide Who to Visit With
Perhaps you’re visiting venues on behalf of a friend who lives abroad, or your fiancé is working away and is unable to join you on your quest. If this is the case, decide who will be the most helpful person to go with you when you visit wedding venues. Although your best friend is a bundle of laughs on a day out shopping, are they the right person to help choose your wedding venue?
Don’t Do Too Much
Just like trying to find your wedding dress, there is so much to take in when visiting a wedding venue. My advice is don’t go visiting loads in one day; if time is on your side then I recommend just visiting one or two wedding venues in a day. If you try to get around five venues in one day, not only will it be extremely tiring, but it will also be hard to tell each one apart when you sit down to discuss them later.
Depending on the venue, appointments can take between 30 minutes to an hour. If you have questions at the end of your tour then it will take even longer. Bare these timings in mind if you’re arranging multiple appointments in one day, along with possible traffic issues and a pit stop for lunch.
Talk Numbers
Ok, so you’re ‘just looking at this stage’, but let’s not forget the wedding budget. No venue is worth breaking the bank over, and your day will be special wherever you celebrate it. Make sure you talk to the wedding venue about hire costs and what is included. Ask if there are any ‘hidden extras’ and discuss deposits and payment plans. As boring as it sounds, cost is a reality no one can afford to ignore.
Take Pictures
Make sure you take photos of each venue, including the various reception rooms, bar area, honeymoon suite, guest accommodation and outdoor areas. When you’re both trying to make that all important decision about which venue to book, those photos will help remind you of each one.
And finally…
Head or Heart?
Like buying a house, you’ll find that when you visit the wedding venue that’s right for you you’ll feel a slight flutter of butterflies and exchange a look with your fiancé that says ‘this is the one’. The only question is what will lead your decision… your head or your heart?
Guest post by Tania Barnes of Country House Wedding Venues
Image from Mirrorbox Photography
