Our sister got
engaged about two weeks ago and she has wasted no time in the planning process!
{Perhaps she had some ideas up her sleeve before it happened ;) } In any event,
she is venue searching which is one of the most important elements of your wedding
day because it’s going to be where the reception is held! Unfortunately, she lives too far away for us
to sit in on every meeting she has with a venue, so we decided to compile a
list of things she needs to take into consideration while venue searching and
interview questions she can ask to the site manager.
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First things first, before you start scouting out possible
sites, envision what your ultimate venue
would encompass and look like.
*Is it a raw space or loft where you can
manipulate almost anything in your favor?
*Is
it traditional and elegant - perhaps an old mansion or grand hotel ball room?
*Is
it outside under tents with a rustic feel or beautiful backyard soiree?
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Once
you have an idea of what you may looking for, next decide on an estimated guest count. This is very
important. You don’t want to have a reception
site where it accommodates 400 guests when in turn you have 100 guests, then it
will show all of the empty space. Or on
the other hand, have a small venue where you try and congest a large crowd – so
keep this in mind.
{Things
to consider}
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What’s the most important thing to you
about a venue? Beautiful interiors? Beautiful exteriors?
Outdoors? Very close to the ceremony site?
A lot of natural light coming in?
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How much space do you need for everything? Photo-taking locations needed both
inside and outside? Dressing room/Bridal Suite? Ceremony space? Cocktail hour space?
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Want everything outdoors? If so, what’s your back up plan? Can you
move everyone indoors? Do you need a
tent? If so, what size and shape? Type of flooring? Lighting? Do you need air
conditioning or heat lamps?
{Venue
Visit}
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Space & Style: Take
it all in – and try to remember all of the initial feelings you have of the
venue {journal your experience after each venue visit to keep track}
*Be sure to ask what you can and what
you can’t do with the overall space. There may be restrictions about
entertainment, décor, and dress code.
*Ask for floor plans and
past photographs of weddings at the site.
Even ask if you can visit the site when the room is
set up for a wedding if you want to go that
far.
* How is the view of the surrounding areas?
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Getting Down to Business
*How
does the place charge?
Per head? By the hour? Flat fee?
*Type of food service - plated service, buffet, family style, culinary food stations, cocktail reception - are these the options you are looking for? Are they customizable? {More on menu selection in next blog entry}
*What
are the cancellation policies?
*Is
there a refund on deposit?
*Does
the location provide: catering? Staff? Alcohol?
Parking?
*If not, do they have catering
recommendations?
*What is the capacity of people it fits?
{Does this compliment your guest list!?}
*Availability: Go in with at least three different dates in
mind. You may end up falling in love with the venue on the
first visit and want to book right then, so make
sure you and your fiancé have discussed these potential dates prior
**Note: Cutting costs would be to opt for a Friday
evening or Sunday reception due to Saturdays being the most
popular day. Also, peak wedding season is
May through October, so perhaps doing it in a non-peak time.
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Before you leave the venue, make sure to have
*Price List
*Menu (if applicable)
*Copy of floor plan (if possible)
*Photos of space
*Contact Information
*Possible list of references {past clients
who had their reception here}
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Last but not least
Can you truly envision your wedding at
this venue?
