The 10 questions you should be asking yourself before you make the final decision on your dream wedding venue.
1. What Suits Your Style
This might seem obvious, but look for wedding venues that fit the theme you have in mind. For example, if you want a chic, modern wedding, perhaps a stylish restaurant or if you want something more relaxed and bohemian, you could consider a venue that has the options of an outdoor space where you can incorporate natural elements that suits the style you are after. Also make sure it is a venue you both want.
2. Have You done Your Research
The number one thing you’ll want is for things to run smoothly on the day, so it’s important to do your research! Read reviews and get recommendations of potential wedding venues to make sure you get the best service. Finding a respected venue with a great reputation means that you can be confident in your choice. Also looking at real wedding photography and videos featuring potential wedding venues on your shortlist can help you to better visualise how your own day would look. Finally, always go and see your top venue choices at least two or three times before you make a final decision. There’s no rush to sign on the dotted line, so take your time because once you settle on your venue it will affect every other choice you’ll make.
3. What’s Your Budget?
You can find a gorgeous wedding venue even on a tight budget, so don’t be afraid to sit down and work out exactly what you can afford when it comes to you venue because it will make things a whole lot easier from the outset and save on any heartache down the line. Hotels that cater for lots of weddings usually offer competitive packages, making budgeting so much easier. Also bear in mind that prices can vary seasonally and for different days of the week.
4. Do You Know All That’s Included?
Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential wedding venues, you need to know what’s included in your hire to ensure there are no costly surprises further down the line and also to allow you to compare like-for-like prices before making your final decision. Also check if you have exclusive hire of the venue and if you’re allowed to bring in external suppliers or do you have to choose from the venue’s supplier list? Don’t be afraid to ask questions because you want everything to be crystal clear before signing on the dotted line!
5. How Involved Do You Intend To Be?
If you want to minimise the stress and hassle of wedding planning, then a hotel wedding where you work with an in-house planner will suit you best. If, on the other hand, you plan on overseeing every little detail yourself, an exclusive hire venue or marquee wedding could be perfect for you.
6. Where Is Your Venue Located?
Where you get married is an important decision because you will likely have friends and family all over the place and you’ll want to find a venue that allows as many people to attend as possible. For example, you’ll want to consider elderly relatives and those travelling from outside of the country, factoring in how easy it is to get to the venue and the accommodation on offer at the venue and nearby.
7. How Many Guests Are You Having?
Knowing how many guests you’re expecting to invite before you go looking at wedding venues ensures you don’t fall for somewhere that’s too small or somewhere that’s going to be too expensive for the number of guests you want to invite.
8. What Is The Food Like?
One component of your day which will be spoken about for a long time is the catering – guests love food! Therefore, it is a good idea to eat at the venue before committing and you’ll want to get to taste your wedding day menu in due course to ensure it is what you were expecting.
9. What’s The Curfew?
Whether its policy or due to licensing conditions, most venues have a finish time. If your day starts at 1pm and carriages are at midnight, you may feel that’s sufficient, but if you picture you and your guests partying late into the night, you may need to make this a factor in your search. Some venues allow a later finish for a fee, others (if they’re an exclusive hire) may allow any overnight guests to continue in a lobby or other area of the venue. Making sure you’re clear on this and that your venue meets your expectations will help ensure your day is perfect for you.
10. Are You Keeping An Open Mind?
You won’t love every venue – but it might just be the venue you least expect that takes your breath away! Even if you think you know what you want, try to keep your mind open to new ideas, themes and locations.
We highlight the Top 100 Wedding Venues throughout Ireland in our new, FREE Digital magazine to help you with your search for the perfect one – click here to see if there is one for you!
