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Planning a wedding involves a lot of decisions. From the guest list to the outfits, nearly every second of your day is decided in advance. And one of the most important decisions is the location – you can’t have a wedding without one! With so many different wedding venues out there, how do you even begin to find the right one? Learn from other couples’ mistakes with these top tips for what not to do when choosing a wedding venue.
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1. Not working out your guest list first
So many couples fall in love with a venue before they decide on the guest list. The problem with this is that you can end up with a venue that’s either too small or too big. When you first start looking at venues, make sure you’ve got a number in mind – even if it’s just rough at this stage.
2. Failing to research venues properly
Weddings come with a lot of hidden fees. You can be faced with all kinds of costs like hire charges, ‘exclusive use’ costs, corkage fees and more, meaning the cost of your venue will soon add up. Research wedding venues carefully to help you work out what they offer and for how much. You can find a lot of the information you need online, or you can contact a venue for a brochure before you pay them a visit.
3. Ignoring practicalities
When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, a lot of couples get caught up in how a venue looks, instead of the logistics. It’s important to factor in things like parking, the distance from hotels, accessibility and the distance from the ceremony venue if it’s different. Make a list of the essentials, and ensure that your venue ticks all of the right boxes.
4. Overlooking weather backup plans
Getting married outdoors can be spectacular, but only if the weather is on your side. Choosing the right venue means having a backup plan should things get too hot, too cold or it starts to rain. Planning a wedding means having a backup plan or two, should you need to make some last-minute or unexpected changes.
5. Not thinking about how it all comes together
Your venue is just one part of your overall wedding. Whilst planning, you’ll need to think about themes and the style of wedding you want to have – something that the venue can have a big influence on. If you dream of a ballroom-style wedding, an outdoor ranch isn’t going to be suitable for you, while a grand hotel may not lend itself well to a laid-back festival-theme wedding. When considering venues, think about how your ideas will fit to help you make the right choice.
Choosing the perfect wedding venue takes time, patience and careful planning. Avoiding the mistakes outlined here can help you find a venue that suits your guest list, your budget and your wedding style. With the venue taken care of, the rest of your plans will fall into place, helping you plan a special and memorable day.
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