Questions to Keep in Mind When Selecting Your Venue

You may or may not have an idea or two about where you would like to have your wedding ceremony and reception, but in either case there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you make your final selection.

• Determine your budget and have an understanding of what each component is allotted
• Make your guest list so that you have an idea of the numbers when meeting with vendors
• Your venue needs to fit your budget
• Your venue needs to fit your guest count
• Your venue needs to fit your style (see previous post)
• Is the location available on your preferred date?
• Are there any other events scheduled that day?
• How much time will they allot for your event? what if you need to extend that time?
• Will you need to allot a significant amount of funds to decoration - flowers, special lighting, etc.
• Do they have photos of previous weddings they have accommodated?
• Do they have decor items that you may use? is there an additional fee for doing so?
• Will there be any remodeling prior to or during the time of your event?
• Does it have adequate heating/cooling/ventilation?
• Scout out ideas for photo backdrops
• Where will your guests park? is there a fee for parking? is valet parking available?
• If you are planning an outdoor event, what are your inclement weather backups?
• Do they have an in-house caterer? is it mandatory to use their caterer?
• If you must use their specified caterer, ask to sample your menu selections
• If you are serving liquor, do they have a liquor license? are you allowed to bring your own?
• Will they supply bartenders or will you need to supply your own?
• Are the restrooms in convenient locations? will they accommodate the size of your group?
• Is there room for a band and dancing?
• If you will be using their sound system, ask to hear a sample
• Is there space available for the wedding party to change and relax away from the guests?
• Are there any restrictions to using the site...no candles, no alcohol, etc.
• Are there any hidden costs?
• Are there overtime charges?
• What is the payment schedule?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Do they carry liability insurance and is it sufficient to cover your event?
• Be sure the contract explicitly explains all that is included
• Who will be the venue contact for the day? can you meet the person beforehand?

There are obviously considerable details that need to be addressed for your wedding to run smoothly...this is just a sampling of what needs to occur with one supplier before the big day! Having a wedding planning can save you time, stress, and money.

Contact Details today to schedule a complimentary initial consultation!

jami@detailsplanningcompany.com

Your Wedding - Getting Started

After selecting the right mate it is time to get serious about the style of your wedding and its location. The two will go hand-in-hand. As a bride, you may have been envisioning a certain style or location since you were 10 years old. If this is still your dream, discuss it with your fiance to see how he feels about your thoughts.

Selecting the style of your wedding can begin with one of two elements - the venue or the theme. You may have no idea where you'd like to have your wedding but you have always known that you would like to host it on a beach. Or, you may have always known that you want to get married at your little church down the street.

A unique venue such as the beach, a museum, or your backyard dictates your theme and begins to direct the style. The beach and your backyard are more casual environments than a church or a museum. You will need to keep the style of your venue in mind as you make your other selections. Each element should work with the other.

On the other hand, maybe you have a theme in mind, such as a hoedown-style wedding. This will whittle your venue options since it will rule out locations not suited to an event so casual. The theme you have in mind might not be as limiting. Perhaps your theme is an all white, elegant ceremony and reception. This too, will direct your venue selection but to a much lesser degree.

Which ever you choose to begin with - the venue or the theme - make sure that it reflects the personality and interests of you and your fiance . . . that's what will make it memorable for the two of you as well as those in attendance.

Welcome!

You have landed on the Details, a professional planning company blog! Here you will be able to access tips for your wedding, meeting, incentive program, or social event and provide feedback on what has worked for you. We are still in the process of updating our website , this blog, and our Facebook page. You call also follow us on Twitter!

Stay tuned!
Jami