Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue…
Finding your dream wedding venue: Essential tips for couples
Photographed by Freckle Photography. Written and published May 2024.
Deciding on the right wedding venue is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions you will make during your wedding planning journey. The wedding venue you choose sets the tone for your entire day, and with so many options available, the process can feel a bit daunting. With 15 years of wedding experience at Pentillie Castle, we understand the importance of finding a venue that resonates with your vision and makes your day unforgettable.
Here are some tips to help you and your fiancé find your dream wedding venue…
1. Define Your Style
Before you start visiting potential venues, it’s important to have an idea of what you and your partner want. Are you dreaming of idyllic riverside views, picturesque garden settings, or a rustic barn ceremony? Your venue should compliment the theme and style you desire for your wedding, so thinking about this early should help to narrow down your options. Venues are aware that you won’t know every single detail straight away, so if you’re struggling, think about what you really don’t want on your wedding day. And if that doesn’t work, thinking about which part of a wedding is the most important to you can help to narrow your focus.
“Pro Tip...
Sit down with your fiancé and pick 3 words you would like to use to describe your wedding day.
Take a look at our Real Wedding gallery to see what word our couples chose!”
2. Consider the Size of Your Guest List
Will it just be the two of you, an intimate day with a few loved ones, or a larger celebration? Making a rough guest list will greatly influence your venue choice as you’ll need to consider the venue’s capacity and whether a wedding with ‘X’ number of guests is within your budget. This will streamline your search for the perfect venue and allow you to focus on venues that allow what you’re looking for to host the wedding you dream about.
Also, consider whether you’d like to invite more guests in the evening for your wedding reception and make sure your venue will be able to comfortably accommodate them when they arrive.
“Pro Tip…
Don’t forget to include children and babies into your guest numbers. Each child will need either a chair or a high chair to sit on, so your venue will need to allocate enough space for them as well. And it might sound obvious, but don’t forget to include yourselves in your numbers too!”
3. Location, location, location
The location of your wedding venue is key to ensuring a smooth day for everyone involved. Consider the accessibility of a venue for any guests travelling for your big day, and its proximity to accommodations if necessary. At Pentillie, you will have exclusive use of the Castle and surrounding grounds for the duration of your stay, this includes 11 luxury rooms for you and your guests. We also have a fantastic list of hand-picked accommodations close by for any of your guests who won’t be staying overnight at Pentillie.
Don’t forget to take the location of your ceremony and reception into consideration as well. Do you envision everything in one place? Or separate locations? Think about what would be most convenient for you, your guests and possibly for your suppliers.
“ Pro Tip...
The comfort and happiness of your guests is also very important. Think about how guests will be occupied during various parts of your day, for example when you and your fiancé go to have your photographs taken. Incorporating the right balance quality time with your guests into your day will ensure your guests aren’t left to their own devises. This is something your venue should be able to help you plan.”
4. Budget is Key
It's easy to fall in love with a wedding venue, but it’s essential to stick to your budget. When reviewing your venue options, make sure to ask for a full breakdown of what is included. Read through their tariffs and ask questions if you don’t fully understand what’s included. It’s important to make sure you understand the options available to you before you say ‘yes‘ to the venue. If you would like a more bespoke and personal wedding, we have years of experience working alongside talented local suppliers. Most venues should happily make recommendations of trusted professionals who will best suit your taste, style and budget.
5. Visit More than Once
If you can, always try to visit your potential wedding venue more than once. Most venues host Wedding Showcases or Open Days which you can attend to see the space and the atmosphere it creates which will allow you to truly envision your wedding day there! After a few visits, you’ll also get to see how you can make the venue yours by seeing where you can incorporate details that will reflect your personalities on your special day.
“Pro Tip...
Try to visit your wedding venue during the same season you want to get married. This way, you’ll see first-hand how the venue looks and feels during that specific time. If this isn’t an option, ask to see seasonal pictures to help you visualise.”
6. Ask About Flexibility and Restrictions
Each wedding venue will have its own set of rules, from décor restrictions to party end times. Taking the time to understand these details before you make your final decision will ensure everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises after you’ve decided. Aside from rules and regulations, ask the venue’s team about their flexibility to implement backup plans should they be required. For example, if you’d like an outdoor ceremony, you’ll need to know the backup plan in advance should the weather not cooperate.
“Pro Tip...
While it’s okay to fall head over heels in love with a particular space, make sure you love more than one space at your chosen wedding venue. Therefore, if there is a need to go with the plan b, you will still love where you say those all-important vows.”
7. Read and Request Reviews
Never underestimate the power of experience. Read and request reviews from previous couples. While every wedding is unique to each couple, reviews provide valuable insights from couples who have already experienced having a wedding at that venue. It will help you to gauge the venue’s quality, professionalism, and service with first-hand accounts, tips and recommendations from people who have been in your shoes.
It’s safe to say that finding the perfect wedding venue is no small feat, but with the right approach, it will be an enjoyable part of your wedding planning journey. Take your time, research, and make sure your chosen venue feels right for you and is everything you dream of. After all, this is where you’ll make memories that last a lifetime!
