How to Choose a London Wedding Venue
Whether you’re looking for a hotel venue, a castle venue or a quirky different kind of wedding venue, choosing a great venue for your wedding can be one of the most important decisions you make to ensure that you have a successful day. There are many factors that you need to consider when choosing a venue for your wedding; we have listed some questions that you may want to ask to help you with your selection.
How many people can it accommodate?
If there is a car park, find out how many spaces there are available.
Is the venue licensed to carry out civil weddings? If so, what authority does it come under? Find out whether they can supply names and details of the registrar.
Is it exclusive to hire or will there be another wedding going on that day.
Does it offer the option of a marquee?
Does it offer alternative facilities if the weather is poor?
Will your guests be allowed to throw confetti?
Does the venue allow photography?
If you have always dreamed of arriving / leaving by helicopter/horseback/submarine make sure that that is possible!
Should you want a firework display, find out whether you can.
Do they decorate the venue? Are you allowed candles? If you want to decorate it yourself find out when you can have access before the wedding, to do this.
Is the venue easy to find? Are there signposts?
Does it have separate rooms for the wedding, reception, meal and evening reception?
Does it have a room that the bride and groom can use for the day?
Is there a dressing room for the bride and her bridesmaids can use?
Is there a room for a crèche?
Is there a room for older guests to get away from the music if they want to?
Are there facilities for less mobile guests or anyone with a disability?
Check the late night license and any noise curfews. That is especially relevant in urban areas.
Are there any rooms for over night accommodation? How many? What are their rates? Do they know of accommodation nearby?
Do they supply any entertainment? Check on the supply and availability of a toastmaster and/or a PA system for speeches?
Is there a room where you can store any wedding presents?
Discuss the catering. Do they provide all the food and drink? Can you bring your own caterers in and if you bring your own wine, what do they charge for corkage?
Do they provide a cake stand and knife if required?
They may be able to provide you with local and trusty wedding suppliers such as florists, DJ or band, videographer, photographer, wedding cars and or a cab company
Most reception venues will quote you a cost per head for food and drink, plus a hire charge for the venue, plus the cost of any extras (toastmaster, entertainment etc). The venue will be able to give you a list of all the things they offer and their costs. They may offer different packages and you can compare them to other venues. Try and keep your budget in mind – it is very easy to get carried away!
A few figures to bear in mind for a typical wedding…
Average cost of reception venue is £2, 273
Average cost of catering and food is £3, 480
Average cost of drink is £ 774
