| Keep the following advice in mind when looking for just | | | | this particular individual(s). It is crucial to feel comfortable |
| the right wedding venue: | | | | with the individual(s) managing the wedding venue. |
| 1. A number of wedding venues happen to be booked | | | | 6. Many venues have a "no candle" policy for the |
| for months ahead - you must decide if you'll be | | | | reception area. If you're dreaming of a wedding |
| choosing your wedding date around the wedding | | | | reception with a thousand flickering candles, do not |
| venue... or choosing your wedding venue to suit your | | | | forget to enquire if it's allowed! |
| ideal wedding date. The latter option would of course | | | | 7. If you'll be using the venue's audio system (the |
| not always mean that you'll be getting married at your | | | | microphone and speakers in the chapel, or the sound |
| first choice wedding venue! | | | | system at the reception) ask the venue to have |
| 2. Be sure you ask what the minimum and maximum | | | | everything checked prior to the wedding. |
| numbers of guests are that can be accommodated at | | | | 8. For those who have particular food or drink |
| the venue. You do not want your intimate wedding | | | | requirements, don't forget to discuss that with the |
| party to get lost in a reception hall more suitable for a | | | | wedding venue. If, for example, you know that your |
| wedding party of 200 guests! Neither do you want | | | | guests tend to be more red wine people than whiskey |
| your 200 guests to be cramped into a tiny reception | | | | people, ensure you mention that. That way your guest |
| hall without any room left for the dance floor... | | | | won't be upset by a bar running out of stock. |
| 3. With regards to basic principles, it's vitally important | | | | 9. Some venues have very exact cut off times. Be |
| to understand exactly what is included in the venue | | | | sure that you start your wedding ceremony early |
| hire and what not. For example, will the tables and | | | | enough to allow for this. The last thing you want is |
| chairs have table cloths and seat covers? Do they | | | | having to send your guests home while they're still |
| have seat covers in your preferred choice available? If | | | | having the time of their lives! |
| not, what will the additional cost involved be? | | | | 10. Finally, if the bride will be getting ready at the venue, |
| 4. Enquire about their staff versus guests ratio. Will | | | | ensure that the room available is not too small (you |
| there be enough waiters and barmen to look after | | | | don't want the bride, mother of the bride, maid of |
| your wedding party? Once more, is this included in the | | | | honour, bridesmaids and photographer falling over one |
| venue hire or do you have to pay per staff member? | | | | another!) and that it's light enough to have the bride's |
| 5. Who will be in charge of ensuring smooth running on | | | | make-up and hair done properly. |
| your big day? Don't forget to discuss your needs with | | | | |