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So, you're getting married?
So much to think about... so much to plan!
One of the most important, and earliest, decisions should be where the event is to take place. Bookings usually need to be made well in advance- at least a few months, and in some cases a year or more... or for very popular venues,several years!
These days, with being able to search online for possible locations and venues, this task is made much easier! Many of the best places advertise online, or have their own websites.
Some couples decide to hold both the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception in the same venue. Others move on from the ceremony location (such as a church or registry office), to another venue for the reception festivities.
Your decision regarding this may partly depend on whether the ceremony venue actually has facilities for the reception. Registry offices may have very small rooms where just a few guests can meet briefly. Churches often have halls available, but if you plan to have alcohol, check if the church allows this, as some have a no alcohol policy which should definitely be respected. Churches are also often not available on Sundays.
There are a huge number of halls available for hire, of varying size, cost and luxury of fittings. Most halls include the basics, while some provide everything you can think of... and probably things you haven't even thought of yet! Make sure you have clearly in writing exactly what is included in the hire fee, and what is extra and how much. Most halls also charge for set up and clean up times, though sometimes at a lesser rate.
You will probably have to pay a bond, out of which will be taken any damage or breakages, and possibly a cleaning fee if the hall is not left in satisfactory cleanliness. Some halls also now charge an insurance fee. Make sure you check the alcohol policy of the hall, and any other conditions such as time you must be out, time noise must cease etc. Check out senior citizens halls, council halls, sports halls, club/organisation halls, and privately operated halls.
Hotel dining rooms and restaurants are another possibility to consider. This also takes away the necessity of having a caterer, though meal costs may be higher than the catered version, depending on the restaurant.
There are lots of other indoor venue possibilities for the imaginative... how about a historic house? An old gaol? An old building in a ghost town? A shipboard reception? A "haunted" mansion? Underground in a cave? A tourist railway carriage... even one on the move!?
If you are getting married at a time of year when the weather could reasonably be expected to be nice, maybe an outdoor location could add a special touch.
A lot of outdoor locations do require at least notice that the event is to take place- some require a fee. It may be advisable to have a marquee or "Plan B" in case the weather doesn't co-operate! Remember to check out toilet facilities, parking, other events etc (such as sporting events in the grounds, loud traffic noises), that may interfere etc.
Can you imagine your event unfolding by a cascading waterfall? A beautiful private garden? A Botanic Gardens? A beach? A clifftop? At the base of a lighthouse?
The perfect wedding venue is only limited by your dreams and imagination.
It's your special day... make it unique and a day to be remembered!
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