One aspect of wedding preparations that soon-to-be-married couples must decide on is the venue. Here are some important points to ponder when choosing your wedding venue:
When to make reservations?
You should make reservations as soon as you've made the final decision about the date and the place for your wedding. Popular wedding venues such as hotels or clubhouses may be the hardest to confirm.
You may need to make reservations a couple of months in advance in order to hire the place. Sometimes you may find that your preferred venue is already booked for the whole year.
Nevertheless, it's important not to rush with your decisions. Making reservations usually involves a non-refundable fee so you want to be sure that you've made the right choice. Research all your possible options, explore your choices, and weigh each factor carefully.
Take time to compare the price and features of one venue to another. Visit the place so you can personally see the actual condition. A place may look lovely from online photos but different in real life. Talk to the owner about your concerns and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Ceremony, Reception or Both?
Will it be a venue for your wedding ceremony, reception or both? If you plan on getting two separate venues for the ceremony and reception, consider the distance and accessibility of your choices.
Do they have the right facilities?
Are the facilities safe and clean?
What kinds of chairs and tables are provided?
What kinds of linen are provided?
If you have guests with a handicap, is the place safe and easily-accessible for them?
Is there enough parking space for all the guests?
Does the air-conditioning work?
Does it have a proper ventilation?
Will it be convenient for your guests?
Naturally, you want to make sure that everyone on your wedding would be comfortable to enjoy the occasion.
How Big is Your Guest List?
If you want a big wedding, you may prefer to hire a clubhouse, a hotel ballroom, a garden or a large function hall. For a smaller wedding, you can choose a garden, a mini-hall, a hotel restaurant, a fine diner, or your own front yard.
Make sure that the place can hold the maximum number of guests you expect. It's always a good idea to leave a few empty seats for unexpected guests, just in case.
What kinds of services would be provided?
Do they provide catering services? If yes, how much?
What kind of food is served?
What kind of dinnerware would be used?
Is it okay if you want to do your own catering or hire another catering service? Some venues require that you hire their in-house caterer as part of the package. In this case, you'll want to make sure that the food would be great.
Would the decorations of the place be included in the package? If yes, what kinds of decorations would it be? Would it include flowers, balloons, banners? Usually, decorations are provided at an extra charge.
Is the place child-friendly?
Most families have lots of kids on weddings. It's a good idea to find a venue that provide help or arrangements specially for parents or moms with babies.
For moms with toddlers, high-chairs are indispensable during the reception. Will there be an exclusive area where kids are safe to play?
Are pets allowed?
If you have pets or if some of your guests have pets that they want to take with them, would they be allowed? Some venues make special arrangements for pets and pet owners. Make sure that you are aware of the venue's Policy about pets.
What if it rains?
If you plan an outdoor or garden wedding, see to it that there's somewhere to take shelter in if it rains. You can never be too sure about the weather and it's always better to be prepared than sorry. An outdoor tent is recommended for outdoor weddings to be safe from the raindrops or if the sun gets too hot.
Do you have other wedding preparation tips to share? We'd love to hear it! Leave a comment :)
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