Venue

When planning your wedding venue, be guided by your personal style and the ambience you would like to create.

Choosing Your Wedding Reception

When starting your wedding planning, the venue for your reception should be made in tandem wita number of other elements. The number of guests, time of year, your preferred dining choice (sit down or cocktail) and style of wedding will all have an influence of your wedding reception choice.

Whether you decide on naturally beautiful venues in the country or city venues with inspiring architecture, give thoughtful consideration to your guests. Plan transport if your venue is in a remote location or you have visiting guests; ensure there is enough parking if you have a CBD venue; and if there is time between your ceremony and reception, ensure there is somewhere for your guests to go. Perhaps arrange a cocktail hour at your venue or somewhere close to your venue.

Seek Experienced Wedding Venues

To ensure a smooth running reception, choose a venue that is experienced in weddings. Venues such as exclusive reception centres, fine dining establishments, function rooms, vineyards and hotels have tried and tested wedding packages that cater especially for wedding receptions. But you may need to be prepared to wait. Many quality venue places book out 18 months to 2 years in advance, particularly if you want a Saturday function.

When visiting your venue, ask whether catering is provided or whether you’ll need to bring catering in. Also ask whether there will be other weddings being held at your venue on your wedding day – another bride present might take away from the feel of your day. It’s also wise to discuss things such as arrival and departure times, parking, seating arrangements and the number of staff you’ll be given for the day. Also ask whether you’re allowed to decorate the space and when you will be able to get access.

Something Different

Think outside the box when doing your wedding planning and seek out a venue with a difference. Whether it‘s a city skyscraper, a beautiful barn at a country property, a botanical garden, or converted dockland shed – allow full reign to choose a venue that captures the imagination. You may choose to have your ceremony at your reception venue also so you’re able to base the whole day around the unique features of your location.

Exotic Venues

Perhaps it has always been your dream to marry in Paris, perhaps you have a favourite island, or maybe you want to marry at the holiday destination where your groom proposed. Just remember, locations that require travel, also require extra effort and preparation from your guests. To acknowledge this you may want to offer to subsidise part of the trip expenses or provide their accommodation.

Close to Home

A family home or holiday house can create a warm and personal wedding reception. Perhaps you want to get married in the gardens of a family property, maybe you’d like to set up a marquee on the lawn or tennis court – keeping your reception and ceremony close to home lends a lasting emotional resonance to your day. Be mindful of the family members living in the house and discuss with them well in advance as to what they are comfortable with on the night. Also allow plenty of time for wedding planning, wedding decoration and be sure to organise clean up arrangements after the event.

Be Prepared

Be aware that some beautiful buildings or unusual locations will require a lot of extra preparation. You may have to bring in equipment, chairs, tables and lighting and some locations may require public liability insurance. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding – perhaps a casual wedding held at the beach or an elegant wedding in the garden – be mindful of the weather. If your wedding is to be outside at the height of summer, protection from extreme temperatures or conditions is wise. Find out your options by consulting an experienced outdoor wedding planner.