| With thousands of all inclusive wedding packages | | | | start luxury, doesn't mean they won't have a package |
| available, your options are endless. From grand country | | | | to suit you - keep an open mind. |
| house hotels to some of the larger hotel chains, | | | | Ask about packages |
| virtually all hotels will offer some kind of great value | | | | There are often different packages available or you |
| wedding package. | | | | can create a tailored package. Each element you |
| There are many great reasons to use an all inclusive | | | | include will vary the cost significantly, so you can flex |
| wedding package from a hotel for your reception. But | | | | the package as necessary to keep within your budget. |
| where do you start, how do you decide which is right | | | | Make sure you ask about the different options |
| for you and what should you be looking out for? | | | | available and find out exactly what's included. By |
| Location, location, location | | | | changing a few small elements of your reception, you |
| The first thing to start thinking about is where you | | | | may be able to have that dream location at a price |
| want your reception. The obvious choices are near | | | | you're happy with. |
| your home, your parents home, your fiancé's | | | | Meet the hotel wedding planner |
| home or somewhere in between. If there are no | | | | Most hotels have a member of staff dedicated to |
| places that strike a chord and you don't mind travelling, | | | | ensuring that your wedding goes without a hitch. If you |
| then perhaps select a pretty English county and start | | | | go down the route of a hotel reception, then the hotel |
| there. | | | | wedding planner is going to be your best friend for the |
| The internet showcases venues | | | | next year. |
| The next step is to get online and start searching. | | | | Since this is the case, you need to make sure you |
| Most hotels these days have a website to showcase | | | | trust them to make your big day perfect, they can |
| their facilities. You'll also get the low-down on their | | | | manage your budget, they're open and honest with |
| wedding services and be able to request a wedding | | | | you, they're flexible with your arrangements and most |
| pack. Select up to 10 hotels (any more will just be | | | | importantly you have a good relationship with them. |
| bewildering) and start talking to them. | | | | After all, you're just about to entrust them with a load |
| Talk to the hotels | | | | of your hard earned cash and so a good relationship |
| When you begin to talk to the hotels, there are several | | | | with the planner is critical to choosing your venue. |
| things you need to have in mind. First and foremost, | | | | Check out the catering |
| think about whether they are within your budget! | | | | Finally, it's worthwhile asking about the catering at this |
| Ask whether they have a minimum spend or a | | | | stage as well. The hotels should be able to supply you |
| minimum number of guests that you need to invite. | | | | with sample menus and costs for each. Think about |
| This will allow you to quickly and easily filter which are | | | | whether you like the sound of the dishes and of |
| suitable. | | | | course if the prices are to your taste. |
| If they don't have these minimum requirements, then | | | | If you're thinking about supplying your own drinks, it's |
| try and find out some sample prices for their weddings. | | | | essential to ask about corkage costs at this stage - |
| Hotels often use a ´cost per head´ | | | | you'll be surprised how high these costs can be! |
| charge, so multiply this by your number of guests and | | | | The last word |
| you'll have a rough idea of their charges and whether | | | | By asking about these few things when selecting a |
| or not they fit within your budget. | | | | hotel for your wedding reception, you should be able to |
| If they're not likely to fall within your budget, move on | | | | quickly rule out which venues are right for your all |
| fast and go down your list until you find one that is! | | | | inclusive wedding package and which are not. |
| Don't be put off by a 5 star hotel. Just because it's 5 | | | | |