6 Tips to Choose the Right Wedding Reception Venue

Do you need some help with choosing the right venue for your wedding day? If you want to make sure that the wedding packages you consider meet your needs, please read on. This guide will help you to make sure that you get enough information about venue hire and the best result out of your selection.

Cost

One of the major considerations that you need to think about when choosing your venue would be the cost. When compared with the rest of the country, you might think that most London wedding venues are relatively expensive. However, that might not be the case. You probably have a price in mind, but when you break everything down, it may not be as black and white.

It’s not easy to find the perfect venue for ceremonies and receptions. Venues offer different price points, and you also need to think about the hire fees, cost per person, minimum spend and more. If it's a wedding ceremony and reception, the search becomes even more sensitive.

All sorts of legal and/or necessary details like the wedding licence, venue hire and unexpected costs can make a huge difference to the final cost. If possible you need to try and do your homework before you meet with a venue manager, so you have a good understanding of what to expect.

Know what you are paying for before you sign the bottom line. Don’t be afraid to try and negotiate either. If you can be flexible on the date then this will help you to drastically lower the price, and remember to confirm everything in a written contract.

If you can get everything on a written document then you will soon find that you have an ironclad agreement and that you won’t have to worry about any hidden prices or added expenses. On top of this, you might want to ask for dry hire possibilities as well. That is of course, if you want to do everything according to your taste on your big day or have the wedding party according to your choice of theme. 

Location

If possible, you need to try and book a venue in a location that is convenient. Most wedding reception venues in London come with great accessibility features. Access to the venue should be convenient and easy, for the duration of the event. You may as well need to check transport links, access to the airport and more.

Onsite parking might also be a concern. Of course, it is a good idea for you to make sure that your guests can attend the event with ease, especially if some of them are relying on taxis or public transport. When you choose a location that is stunning and in the countryside, it’s always wonderful but at the same time, you need to give some thought to accessibility, especially if you have some disabled guests who are going to be attending.

Season and Date

Believe it or not, there are many factors that can influence your preferred date. The weather is never guaranteed, and although you can hope for a warm and sunny day, you can’t guarantee it.

If possible you need to make sure that the venue has a Plan B in case things take a turn. Having a great outdoor space may be worth paying for if you are getting married, but it’s not going to be much use if the skies open and it rains all day.

If the venue can guarantee a gazebo or a rain cover in the event of this then at least you know that your guests can have fun outdoors, regardless. Another thing that you may want to think about would be that in peak season, you will need to make your booking in advance.

Capacity

The number of guests who are going to be in attendance is crucial when it comes to planning your event. Why? Because it will help you to eliminate venues that may be based on capacity alone.

Try and make sure that you are utilising online search where possible and also use filters. This will help you find out if you need something large or a little smaller. Booking a venue that just accommodates your event won’t be much use.

You need to make sure that you have a lively atmosphere, but you won’t be able to do this if you have everyone crammed into a space that’s only just big enough.  If you are getting married and don’t have a solid idea as to your headcount then making sure that you book a venue that’s bigger than you think you need is always a good idea.

Style

It’s wise for you to give some thought to the type of venue that is going to suit your event. You can save a lot of money by choosing a venue that fits the theme you are going for, as you will be able to spend way less on decor.

Are you hoping to have a luxurious wedding? Maybe you want a wedding that is rustic, and therefore a barn conversion may seem like the best place for you to host your after party if you are having a small number of guests. If your mind is on throwing a total wedding bash with casual entertainment, hiring the right function room will serve best.

By giving your wedding venue some serious thought, you can be sure to get the best result out of your special day and you may even find that you are able to compliment the theme you are going for.

Catering

If you have made the decision to have your venue do the catering then don’t hesitate to tell them about any requirements you might have. It doesn’t matter whether you are having guests who require vegan meals, halal or even kosher, because there are always options out there and many catering companies would be happy to accommodate any requirements you have.

Look online to find out what reviews the company has as well. If you intend on taking charge of the catering yourself then it is wise to see what options you have in regards to food and drink. Are you able to bring your own champagne? Little things like this can save you a lot of money and you would be surprised at how much it could free up your budget for other things too.

So choosing a wedding venue isn’t easy but if you follow this guide then you should find it easier to break down what you need, while also having the confidence of knowing that the venue you have chosen is the right one for your needs. If you need some more help then don’t be afraid to speak with the people who run the venues you have in mind, to see what extras they can provide you with.