Photo source www.pleasantdale.com
Making the decision to get married sets you on the path to arranging one of the most logistically complicated events of your life. In order to enjoy the process and celebrate the experience, you should take things slowly and carefully weigh up each decision along the way.
First Decisions
Before you can make any decisions regarding the type of wedding venue you’d like, you need to ask a few fundamental questions. Firstly, consider the budget you have for the wedding and the type of wedding you’d like. For instance, do you want to get married locally or would you prefer a destination wedding? Would you like a formal occasion or do you prefer something more casual?
You also need to think about how many guests you will have and if you prefer to hold the ceremony and reception at the same place or whether both parts of your big day will take place in separate locations.
Research
Having answered those first questions you’ll have a better idea of the kind of venue you’re looking for. The next stage is to do some research.
If you’re planning a local location you may already have somewhere in mind that would provide you with the perfect wedding venue. If you’re planning to get married in a location that is more distant from your home, you may need to do some additional research to find the perfect venue.
Search online or browse through bride and wedding magazines. Ask among your friends for possible suggestions or search through directories for possible venues.
Another important part in this stage of wedding planning is to formulate a list of questions to ask the venue manager.
The questions on your list should include such things as pricing and payment arrangements, the catering services and choices of menu offered. For evening events, you may also want to know what kind of lighting is used and if you’re planning a dance or disco, what the sound quality is like and how large a dancing space they have.
Visit Venues
Armed with your shortlist of possible venues and your list of questions, the next step is to arrange to visit each venue so you can see first-hand the type of space available and determine whether or not it suits your needs.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify any points you’re not sure about and ask if it’s possible to adapt or rearrange any spaces that are almost suitable but not quite perfect.
Be prepared to negotiate. For example, if the venue offers something in a package that you don’t require, it may be possible to get that item taken out for a reduction in the cost.
Take a camera along with you to photograph the interior and exterior spaces you will use for your wedding. You may think you will remember the small details, but when you are visiting several venues it’s easy to mix up what is available at each individual place.
Give yourself plenty of time to arrange a wedding. Wedding venues tend to get booked up well in advance, so you may find that you need to be flexible on the date of your wedding if you want to hold the ceremony and reception at a particular venue.
Although it can be a stressful time, try to enjoy the planning. Organizing and arranging is part of the experience. It is a process that will lead to one of the most memorable days in your life.
This guest post was written by Francesca, a freelance writer and blogger who lives in the UK. She currently writes on behalf of the University of Liverpool, who can provide the perfect Liverpool wedding venues.