Every couple eagerly arrives at their first venue viewing armed with questions to ask the Wedding Coordinator. But what about afterwards?
We don’t envy you. Choosing the perfect location for your big day can be full of compromise and obstacles. Ask yourself these important questions before finally booking your date.
Is this venue really ‘The One’?
Chances are you will need to compromise on something when it comes to your venue. Maybe you’re sacrificing to suit your budget or some of the facilities don’t meet all of your requirements.
It will be super hard to tick every box on your wishlist. Before booking, ask yourself if you will still be happy with your decision in 20 years. Are your top priorities for the day covered by your chosen venue? You’ll know that feeling when you clap eyes on ‘The One’, so don’t settle – within reason of course.
Can we afford it?
I know, budgets equal snooze-fest. Don’t book your dream venue if those sums aren’t adding up. You’ll be giving stress a first-class seat on your journey to the altar. Scrimping and saving for everything else will be no fun when the majority of your budget has gone towards your venue.
Will the location be convenient for our guests?
You may be dreaming of a romantic country house wedding. But, you need to be realistic when it comes to location. Is there nearby accommodation and a reputable taxi service to transport your guests?
It’s highly likely that many of your pals will be on the sauce and unable to drive home after the celebrations. You could consider hiring a coach transfer back to the nearest town or city after the party wraps up.
Are the facilities adequate for our needs?
Every couple will have different priorities when it comes to services and facilities at a wedding venue. Whether it’s a kids club, wheelchair access and disabled restrooms, gardens for your photographs or a spacious civil ceremony room. Be sure to ask during your show-around if these are available.
Can I see myself working with their Wedding Coordinator?
First impressions really do last. Did you get a warm welcome from the resident Wedding Coordinator? Were they enthusiastic to hear all your plans and excited to begin planning the most important day of your lives?
A good rapport with this person is essential to minimizing any hiccups in the run-up to your big day. Knowing that your wedding is in safe hands and feeling comfortable enough to pick up the phone and have regular contact with this person will ultimately keep your stress levels sane. You will be working with them for the next 12-18 months after all!!
Do we need to put any special conditions into our contract?
Sit down together as a couple and read through the fine print of your contract. If there are any provisions you aren’t quite happy with, ask if there is room for negotiation. Can you cancel or postpone your date within a certain time-frame due to special circumstances? What happens if the final guest numbers on the day are different? Does the venue hold the right to change your date or features of your package? These are all seriously important issues to consider before signing on the dotted line.
Are reviews from previous couples up to standard?
Nothing can seal the deal like a stellar recommendation. Pop your detective hat on and snoop for online testimonials from previous wedding couples and guests. An unbiased review will allow you to see the venue’s highlights and downfalls for what they are. This way you can confirm in your own mind whether the service provided matches your requirements.
Image Credits: Kathleen Kamphausen via Cosmopolitan.
