Finding the perfect wedding venue is rather like hunting for a new home! Here are some awesome tips to make it much simpler for you...........

Take your time, it's worth it in the end

You will instinctively know when you have found the wedding venue that is right for you. As soon as you arrive, it will feel automatically "at home". Your wedding venue is the place where you are going to entertain and enjoy the company of all of your friends and relations -- so take time to get it right. Start your search a long time before your wedding date as this gives you the space to make the right decision without rushing into anything. Start looking one year before your wedding date as not only do you need the time, good wedding venues book up well in advance.

A traditional style wedding venue or something completely different?

If you're searching for a unique wedding venue, you need to think laterally. You may have seen a building or even a private house that you feel would be perfect. Although some places look like they may seem unavailable...don't give up until you have asked. Have the courage to approach a venue that looks exciting - if you want to do something different, your venue needs to be dramatic. Consider hiring out a museum or art gallery, or a sports club for a themed venue.

If you are looking for a traditional, well-tested venue, then you will probably be considering either a hotel or historic building which will offer a formula that works in that particular venue.

Take a look at some of our recommended wedding venues to find the wedding venue of your choice.

 

Make sure your wedding venue has enough space.

Once you know approximatly how many guests you will be inviting, you'll have a good idea for the amount of space that you will need in order to set up tables, chairs, dj area and dance floor area. Be always take care -- a venue which is too big loses its intimacy and a venue which is too small will be uncomfortable and cramped.

Meet the wedding venue management

This sounds like an off strange...but it's probably the most important of all. You need to establish early on whether or not the management of your venue are on your side or not. Most wedding venue management are friendly and flexible, however there are certain museums and historic buildings which are run by caretakers/managers who are, deep down, 'anti-party' people. They would prefer to see their venues full of art or exhibits instead of wine and music -- so get the feel of the wedding venue management wherever you go!

 Check for wedding venue/reception restrictions

When I visit a new wedding venue I always ask the following questions:

• What time does the reception need to end - is there a time?

• Are there noise restrictions (In other words, will they permit a DJ or band)

• Is one free to bring in one's own choice of wedding suppliers e.g. caterer, florist, decorator and other services?

• Is smoking permitted - if you want to permit it of course!

• Are there decoration restrictions? (Normally this will involve restrictions or fixings into the building)

• Is there a power supply for lighting and DJ equipment etc?

• Are there any special conditions?

• What are the set-up and clearing times?

The venue's answers to these questions will give you a guide as to whether you will be dealing with an organization which is either efficient and flexible or staunch and inexperienced. If you like what you hear then pay a deposit and sign a solid, binding contract.

Plan your layout

Once you have decided on your wedding venue, you need to look ahead to your wedding reception. The layout of the reception area - as well as the dining/dancing area -- needs to be well planned. Why not draw a plan? Sketch in the tables and dance floor. Draw in the bar. Don't forget to leave room for the stage, band PA and mixing desk. When these items are in place, sketch in the decorations and play around with the seating plan - all of the guests are equally important, so the positioning of the tables is everything.

Driving drunk is not cool

Having guests driving after a few drinks need not be a worry if your guests are staying over. If not find out about transport options to accommodate lifting your guests safely home.