Three steps to booking the perfect wedding venue
Your choice of wedding venue can make or break your special day, and many brides feel totally overwhelmed by all the options. The important thing is not to overthink it. We’ve narrowed it down to three major factors you should consider when you choose your wedding venue for a big day that looks great, runs smoothly and doesn’t send you into debt.
Price
For many couples, this comes top of the list: you long for a stylish wedding venue but you have a budget to consider! With a wedding dress, food and decorations to pay for, you can’t spend your entire budget on the venue. The important thing is to shop around for venues that fit all your practical requirements before you narrow down the list to those that you personally like. Your venue should be able to fit all your guests comfortably, along with furniture; it should have space for dancing and a band or DJ, depending on your wishes; and if you plan to celebrate mainly outdoors, always have an indoor backup plan in case the weather turns sour. You shouldn’t need to compromise on your dream wedding; there are plenty of beautiful venues where you can have the ceremony or reception you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.
Catering
Whether you plan to organise your own catering or have the venue provide it, think about the catering facilities your chosen venue provides. The caterers should be able to access the venue easily, prepare food efficiently and serve it comfortably. While it’s important that the function room is big enough for all your guests, you also want to be sure that the kitchen is large and well-equipped enough to fulfil everything you ask. There should also be adequate bar facilities, if you plan to have a bar, to avoid long queues and a disgruntled atmosphere. On the big day, you don’t want to be worrying about slow service or cold food – you should be free to relax and enjoy being with your loved ones. Both your guests and your caterers will thank you!
Decorations
Themed weddings are a popular way to get married these days; Pinterest and wedding blogs are full of inspiration for ways to make your special day that bit more special. Once a stunning venue like the Grand Ballroom at the Montcalm has caught your eye, think about the kind of wedding you want to have. How much do you want to personalise your wedding? Do you want to make a lot of changes to get the venue looking the way you want, or is it fine the way it is with a few extra touches? The reason you need to consider this is that many venues have strict policies on decorations and you risk finding yourself stuck with a venue that doesn’t look quite right for the wedding you dreamed of. Ask your venue manager how much decorating you are allowed to do before you put down a deposit.
