Location Selection

Location

The location that you choose to exchange your vows and entertain your guests speaks volumes about your personal wedding style. Selecting the perfect location will be one of your first and most important decisions that you will make in the planning process.

The venue sets the scene for the entire event encapsulating a mood and telling a story to your guests about the day you want them to remember. Choose your venue to suit the style of your wedding.

Unless your budget allows it is important to work with what you have and look at ways to enhance what is already there. You should look for a reception venue that is within 30 minutes’ drive of the ceremony. If you choose somewhere else that involves a long drive, you risk creating a very fragmented day in addition to losing some of your guests en route. In an ideal world your reception should begin within one hour of the ceremony ending

There are plenty of different places that can be used to hold a stylish wedding so there is no need to settle for the obvious choices.

• ·         Historic hotel

• ·         Banqueting hall

• ·         Contemporary hotel

• ·         Country club

• ·         Restaurant

• ·         Beach or vineyard

• ·         Museum, gallery, photographer’s loft

• ·         A boat or yacht

• ·         Community center

• ·         School or university

• ·         A garden belonging to you are your family

What makes the perfect venue?

• A great location

• A staff that is knowledgeable and attentive

• A wow factor (how is it decorated, its history, gardens, etc.)

• Freshly decorated rooms

• A modern kitchen

• Child friendly areas (if required)

• Good parking facilities

Take for example a venue that is steeped in history, you do not have to worry about the business of decoration because it has already been done for you.

If you want to stamp your own style on the wedding day a marquee is a great option. It allows you to start with a blank canvass to which you can add all the colors and details that you love.

If you are planning a cocktail party, look for a place that has an interesting setting such as an atrium lined with trees.

Note: It is important to be honest about the size of your budget at your first meeting with the venue manager. The staff can only tailor-make a suitable event if they know how much you have to spend.