Choosing Your Reception Venue

Your wedding reception is a big part of your wedding day so when you’re choosing your reception venue, remember to consider all the following aspects before you sign on the dotted line.

Availability

Know beforehand whether or not your chosen date and time is available.

Location and Accommodation

Consider a location that's suitable for your guests and take travel time and distance in to account. If your wedding requires guests to travel, then perhaps enquire about group booking accommodation discounts for your wedding guests.

Guest Seating Capacity

If you are hoping to invite over 100 guests then make sure that the venue can easily accommodate them, in the seating arrangement you’re hoping for. Don’t forget to find out if the seating capacity includes or excludes a dance floor.

Time of Year

The weather might be a factor. Perhaps you’re hoping to have more of an outdoor reception if you’re planning a summer wedding. Make sure that if you’re getting married in winter, that guests will be able to be seated indoors should it be an icy day.

Payment Policy

Do you need to pay a deposit to secure the venue, and when is the final payment due.

Cancellation Policy

Should your wedding be cancelled for any reason, then it’s almost a given that you will forfeit your deposit. However, find out what their cancellation policy regarding outstanding amounts are.

Menu Options

Find out what menu options are available. Remember, you’ll want something really special. Do you have a seated dinner in mind, or perhaps a buffet? Some guests may have food allergies or other special dietary requirements. Make sure your venue can accommodate all your food requirements.

Ceremony and Reception

Find out if you can use the same room for the ceremony and reception, and if so, how log will staff need to transform the room.

Parking Facilities and Handicap Accessibility

Don’t forget that your guests will require safe parking facilities. Many brides forget to find out about handicap accessibility options. Don’t assume that the venue has wheelchair accessibility - Be sure to ask if you do have a handicapped family member.

Other Events

Will there be any other events held at the same venue on your wedding date? Some venues have several options or have a venue for conferences at the same location. Brides generally won’t be happy to share their venue with another event.

Baby Changing Facility

This would only be an issue if you have guests with babies who may need changing. Otherwise that shouldn’t be an issue.

External Service Providers

Many venues have preferred service providers, so make sure that if you you’re your own service providers in mind, that you are in fact allowed to use them.

Play Room

Find out if there’s a playroom for the kids. Once again this is also only applicable should you have kids at the wedding.

Bar (open/cash)

What are the venue’s bar arrangements? How flexible are they?

Total Cost

Make sure that you get an overall cost, that includes everything! Remember to ask about all the extras such as linen, water charges etc. It’s best to get a detailed quotation before you commit to the venue.