Choosing the right venue for your wedding is the most important decision you will make regarding your big day. The choices are wide and varied ranging from a garden party with marquees in the sun to a reception centre with silver service waiting staff.

We outline some considerations here to help you make a more informed decision about where you should celebrate your most special of days. Remember, although your wedding day is all about you and your loved one, keeping your guests comfortable, fed and entertained will keep them talking about your wedding for years to come.

Location

The most important factor when choosing your wedding venue is the location. This decision should always be made by considering who it is that’s going to be attending your wedding. A reception venue close to the location of the service will guarantee your guests are not exhausted by the time the speeches come around. Providing plenty of seating for elderly guests is also one of those little details that need to be attended to. Never assume that the reception centre or outdoor function area has surplus seating available, double check well in advance.

Season

The time of year is also important in determining whether to have an indoor or outdoor wedding. An outdoor wedding in the garden is very romantic, unless of course you and your guests end up running for cover to avoid a soaking or suffer sunstroke. Conversely, an indoor wedding in the middle of summer needs plenty of air conditioning to make sure your guests (and the chocolates) don’t melt.

How many guests?

Before choosing a venue for your wedding you need to know how many guests are expected on the day. Choosing a venue the right size will provide your guests with enough space for comfort and will also allow the venue operators to cater for your guests adequately. There is nothing worse than hungry guests waiting too long for meals because the venue is under staffed or the kitchen is too small. So make sure you have an accurate number of guests in mind and talk to the venue well in advance about your requirements.

Technical Stuff

One area that is often overlooked when deciding on a venue for wedding receptions or services is the technical requirements of the day. For example, some lighting equipment for bands or DJ’s require three phase power, which not every venue will have. Some venues will have an in house PA system (sound system) but it may not be powerful enough for a three piece band. Checking all these details with the venue manager, the entertainment agency and the MC will avoid any nasty surprises on your big day.