Choosing a Wedding Location

Selecting the perfect wedding location is dependent on a variety of things such as your own personal style, your budget and how many people you will be inviting. From a natural and informal out door wedding to a classy hotel venue the possibilities are endless but here a few things you should keep in mind.

Hotels, Reception Centres and Restaurants

• Consider the number of guests you have attending. Will there be enough space for a sit down dinner, a dance floor, an appropriate area for band/DJ and the cake?
  
  
• In most instances hotels, reception venues and restaurants will provide their own caterers. Many are able to cater for any special requests you may have and also the dietary needs of your guests. If you are planning to use an outside caterer be sure to check if the venue will allow this.
  
  
• Ask if there will be adequate parking spaces to accommodate your guests. If parking fees apply it may be necessary for you to arrange to pay for your guests parking in advance.
  
  
• Hotels may have restrictions on the way you want to decorate your room so remember to ask if you are allowed to move tables and chairs around to a way that best suits your needs for the day. In addition to this, some hotels may also have restrictions on the type of music you are allowed to play and the level at which it is allowed to be played, so be sure to check this with staff as well as if there are sufficient power outlets.

Government owned parks and gardens, outdoor venues

• Research and ensure that the necessary paper work is done. Are there fire restrictions? Do you need a permit for cooking appliances, serving alcohol or erecting a marquee? What time must you vacate the premises?
  
  
• Is there a supply of water, electricity and gas? Will you need to hire or buy a generator, gas tanks and water supplies? Are there any toilets?
  
  
• How far is the location of the reception from the parking lot? Consider having your reception in a place that is easy to find and not too far from the car park as older guests may have difficulty venturing far distances on foot.
  
  
• It may also be convenient to set up a tent where the bridal couple can change clothes or touch up their makeup.
  
  
• Will the caterers, decorators, florists be willing to travel to your remote location? Will you be able to dump your rubbish in council provided bins or must you take it all back with you?
  
  
• Remember to remind guests to dress adequately depending on what season you are having your wedding. It is also important to plan ahead and to try to accommodate Mother Nature in your plans- keep in mind that uninvited insects may prove highly annoying, and check to see if your evening beach party has the potential to be swamped by the rising tide!

With all locations remember written contracts are important in making sure that your day runs exactly how you planned it. It makes sense when sending out invitations to include a detailed map on how to get to your dream wedding location!