How to choose The BEST Wedding Venue For 2024 Weddings

How to choose The BEST Wedding Venue For 2024 Weddings

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Choosing the right wedding venue is a huge part of making your big day a success. It's one of the most important decisions you'll face while planning, and with so many options out there, it can be tricky to figure out where to start.

Like house hunting, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of finding a gorgeous place without considering the practical details. While planning a wedding is emotional and full of heart, it's equally important to keep your head in the game.

The venue you choose will have a significant impact on your guest list, decor, vendors, wedding date, and budget. So, getting this choice right is crucial!

How to Select and Secure Your Wedding Venue

Don't let the pressure get to you—take a deep breath because we’re here to help! Whether you have a dream venue in mind or you're just starting your search, we've got all the tips and questions you need to ensure you find the perfect spot.

For some couples, it’s love at first sight with a venue—they just know it’s the one. They can see themselves exchanging vows and celebrating with loved ones there. But even if you have that gut feeling, it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind when touring wedding venues.

Below, you’ll find expert advice on choosing a UK wedding venue, along with tips that will help ensure you pick the perfect place for your celebration!

Start with the Capacity

The first step in narrowing down your venue options is deciding whether you want a large space or something more intimate. The size of the venue plays a big role in your budget and the overall experience for your guests. Too small, and it can feel cramped; too big, and it might feel empty.

Make a rough guest list to eliminate venues that are too small or too large. It’s easy to underestimate how many people you want to invite, so choose a venue that can accommodate a few extra guests, just in case. This is especially important when deciding on a reception venue.

When you visit venues, it can be hard to picture the space filled with tables and decorations, so we recommend viewing it when it's set up for a wedding. If that’s not possible, ask to see photos—most venues will have a portfolio or slideshow showcasing their event setups.

Another helpful tip is to request a seating plan at full capacity. This will give you a better sense of how your guest numbers will fit comfortably.

Aly Claydon-Mills from Somerset’s St Audries Park notes, “We’re noticing a trend of smaller daytime guest lists—around 80 people—with more evening guests joining for the party. Here at St Audries Park, our ceremony and banquet hall can hold up to 130 people, with space for 250 in the evening.”

Checking both daytime and evening capacities is vital, as many venues can host more guests in the evening than during the day.

Consider the Location

When picking a wedding venue, think about where your guests will be coming from. If they’re traveling from afar, a venue that’s easily accessible, with on-site accommodation or nearby hotels, is ideal. And if you have international guests, consider the distance to the nearest airport.

Your guests’ comfort and convenience are important factors in your decision. A remote location might mean fewer guests, so keep this in mind.

Also, think about travel time for those only invited to the evening festivities. Is it reasonable to expect them to drive several hours just for the reception?

Set a Realistic Budget

Planning a wedding on a budget can be challenging, even for the most organized couples. It’s easy to get carried away without proper planning. Before you start looking at venues, sit down with your partner and create a budget so you know how much you can spend on the venue.

Aly advises, “We always guide our couples to set a realistic budget and include all the extras. It’s easy for the list of must-haves to grow, but it’s important to stick to your original ideas and avoid trying to please everyone.”

There are many ways to stretch your wedding budget. Aly suggests considering a midweek wedding, which is becoming more popular. Opting for a Monday to Thursday wedding can significantly reduce venue costs.

To save even more, enlist the help of talented friends and family. Delegate tasks to make your day as stress-free as possible.

Choose the Right Season

Whether you're dreaming of an outdoor spring wedding or a cozy winter celebration, make sure your venue matches your vision. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, look for a venue with beautiful gardens, a terrace, or a marquee. These spaces can offer stunning backdrops for your wedding photos.

If a winter wedding is more your style, consider a venue with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Rustic barns with a roaring fire or a blank canvas venue that lends itself to a winter wonderland theme can be perfect.

Aly highlights the importance of your wedding season, noting, "Venue pricing often depends on the time of year you choose to get married.” Low-season weddings are generally more affordable, while high-season dates (May to September) come with a higher price tag.

Decide on a Theme

Your venue should align with your desired wedding aesthetic. For a glamorous wedding, consider an impressive country house or stately home. If you’re after a modern, chic vibe, a warehouse venue might be ideal. For outdoor lovers, a garden marquee or a castle with expansive grounds could be perfect.

The venue might also influence your choice of wedding dress. Consider the formality of the venue, the weather, and the facilities. For example, a voluminous dress might not be practical for a festival-themed wedding at a venue with limited restroom facilities.

Explore Catering Options

Food is a big part of any wedding, so your catering choices are important. Decide whether you want to use the venue’s in-house caterers or bring in an external team. Not all venues offer in-house catering, and some don’t allow external caterers, so be sure to ask about this early on.

Think about the type of cuisine you want for your big day. If you’re going with the venue’s catering, make sure they can accommodate your desired menu.

Guest experience is key, so check for any dietary requirements among your guests, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Make sure your caterer can handle all these needs.

Aly emphasizes the importance of accommodating dietary needs: “We take food intolerances and allergies very seriously. Our chefs are equipped to tailor meals to meet any dietary requirements, with separate preparation areas to ensure safety.”

Most venues take this issue seriously, but it’s always worth double-checking before making any commitments.

Confirm Supplier Policies

Personalizing your wedding with your choice of suppliers—whether it’s flowers, photography, or cake—is a great way to make your day unique. If you have creative friends or family who want to contribute, that’s even better!

However, not all venues allow outside suppliers, requiring couples read more to choose from a list of in-house options. Make sure you’re clear on the venue’s policies to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Check Entertainment Options

When it comes to wedding entertainment, the sky's the limit. Whether you’re planning a circus act, sparklers, or fireworks, it’s essential to check if your venue allows these options.

Even for more traditional entertainment like a band or DJ, ensure your venue has the space and facilities to accommodate them. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, check if the venue permits outdoor music and what time restrictions might apply.

Review Wedding Packages

Many venues offer wedding packages that bundle services like venue hire, catering, and entertainment at a discounted rate. If you’re working within a budget, a package deal could save you money and reduce planning stress.

Be sure to clarify what’s included in the package to avoid hidden costs. Some venues might charge extra for things like chairs or crockery, so knowing what you need and planning accordingly is crucial.

How to Find and Book a Wedding Venue

When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, resources like the Hitched directory can be invaluable. With thousands of venues to choose from, you can filter by style, capacity, price, location, and more.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s important to visit the venue in person if possible. This will give you a better feel for the space and a chance to meet the team who will be handling your wedding.

Booking processes vary by venue. Aly explains, “At St Audries Park and our other venues, some couples book their date during a visit, while others, especially those living overseas, may take a virtual tour before booking.”

Couples are encouraged to visit their chosen venue as often as they like before the wedding, provided there isn’t another event taking place. This also gives them a chance to meet with suppliers and discuss their wedding plans in detail.

What Couples Want in a Wedding Venue

Every couple is unique, and so are their wedding venue needs. What works for one might not work for another. A couple planning a grand stately home wedding will have different priorities than those planning a laid-back festival wedding.

The experience of the viewing day and the customer service provided by the venue staff play a big role in making a decision.

Aly adds, “Couples want exceptional customer service and a venue that’s immaculate and well-maintained. They also appreciate attention to detail and quick repairs if any issues arise.”

Finding the right venue is a major milestone in your wedding planning journey. To make the process smoother, check out our step-by-step wedding planning guide.

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