You have the wedding venue booked, you have the dress chosen, and you have the guest list drawn up, as well as the catering covered. Great.
However, what about the reception venue?
After the wedding, you will need a place to go to celebrate your first dance with your partner, as well as to eat the cake. However, what should you look for in such a venue?
It can be tricky, but here are some key tips to help you narrow down your search for your ideal wedding reception venue.
Location
This is a key part of choosing any wedding reception venue; is it easy to get to for everyone?
If you are planning a wedding in a remote chateau, then it only makes sense to hold the reception in the same location, as it is easier to get to. However, if you are getting married at a registry office in the middle of a city or town, you will need to consider the location and accessibility for your guests when they are traveling to the reception venue.
There are many wedding reception options that are somewhere in the middle of being in a town center and a remote area, like The Venue at Friendship Springs, so be sure to find somewhere that you and your partner are happy with.
Budget
Next is the budget.
Of course, if you are opting to have your wedding reception in a stately country home in the middle of summer, then you will need to pay a bit more money. However, generally, most wedding receptions will require you to put down a deposit to book the venue, potentially months or even years in advance.
So, determine your budget and make sure the venue fits within it, as well as the deposit, any decorations, and staff that you may want to hire.
Size and Layout
Next, you will need to look at your guest list and determine how many people are going to be attending the reception. Then, you will need to look online or call around to ensure that the venues on your shortlist can accommodate everyone.
If you have any friends or family members who have extra needs, such as wheelchair users, you will need to ensure that the venue is accessible.
If you have any planned activities for the reception, you will need to ensure that they can be accommodated.
Read the Reviews
It’s all well and good to look at wedding reception venues online and find the perfect one based on high-quality photos. However, do the previous guest’s reviews and experiences back this up?
Research the venue’s reputation and read reviews from previous clients. Always visit the wedding reception venue beforehand, and be sure that you are both happy with what is on offer before you put the deposit down.
Theme
As odd as it sounds, it is going to be strange if you are having a medieval-themed wedding with the reception venue in the middle of a town.
It is important for those who have a bit of extra money to assess whether or not the venue matches the theme of the wedding. So, if you have a medieval theme, look for a venue that is larger and rural.
