10 key things to consider before planning your wedding

You’re engaged… congratulations! But now it’s time to start planning the big day, which is by no means a walk in the park. There are so many things to consider but how do you know where to start. One of the biggest decisions you will face is choosing a venue, your venue plays a vital role in your big day. Not only setting the theme, it can determine the guest number, supplier list and have a huge impact on your budget. Before you sign on that dotted line, below we have highlighted a few things to consider, to ensure your venue is everything you have dreamed of:

Look out for wedding packages

Most venues will offer wedding packages, these are a great way to combine everything you need and potentially saving a few pennies. A package will ensure you have all your necessities, easing the pressure for you and simplifying costs. Discuss with your venue if their wedding packages can be tailored, and ensure you fully understand what is included compared to a tailored offering.

 On-site or nearby accommodation

Do you have guests travelling from across the country? Are guests safely able to get home after a few celebratory drinks? Looking for a venue which has accommodation on site should be a key consideration, allowing you to ensure all your guests can be there to celebrate your happy day without concerns of getting home at the end of the night. Some venues will even hold a set amount of rooms back until a certain date so your family and friends can book to stay with ease.

The flow of the day

It is crucial to consider the flow of your big day and how you picture this to be. Are you looking to have a church service or civil ceremony? Choosing this early on will have an impact on your venue search. If you are looking to have a civil ceremony, consider looking for a venue which has your ceremony and celebrations under one roof. Talk with your venue how a typical wedding day runs, if you’re having a wedding breakfast and the reception in the same room, then how long will turnaround be? If the ceremony is due to take place outside, is there a backup room in case of the unpredictable UK weather?

Meet your team of experts

A lot of venues will offer a dedicated team, usually including an events or wedding coordinator to help you arrange different aspects of your big day down to every little detail. Be sure to meet the team that will be guiding you on your big day, planning in regular meetings to take the stress off you.

The perfect backdrop

The grounds or décor of a venue sets the style and theme of your big day, which might be a big reason why you choose it. Think about the style you’re wanting to incorporate – rustic, contemporary, traditional, bohemian or vintage? Sometimes it might be easier to choose the venue and then the theme around it. Remember that the photos taken on your day, will be looked back on years to come – so it’s really important to be 100% sure you’re happy with the backdrop.

 Catering facilities & menu options

The wedding breakfast, canapés and evening buffet is something you want your guests to enjoy. Which is why you should pick a venue with great catering facilities with plenty of menu options. Don’t forget to sample – this way you can relax on your day, knowing that the food is in capable hands.

Ease of access for guests

Deciding on whether to have a large party or intimate ceremony is a step in the right direction when it comes to choosing your venue. When looking round an empty venue it is hard to imagine how it will look, so ask for a seating plan of the room at capacity to give you an idea of how easy it will be to fit everyone in. Checking for images of previous set ups is a brilliant help to visualise the day.

 Travelling to your venue

Is your venue local? If so, then great! But if you’re not then it’ important to find a venue that is easily accessible to you and your guests. If you have guests coming from afar, where is the closest airport? Are there good motorway connections? Close train stations? These factors should play a role in your decision, and they will most certainly play a role in your guests’ decision.

 Sticking to your budget

Does the venue supply everything within your budget? Or can they tailor bespoke packages that can fit within your requirements and budget? You want to be able to enjoy the planning and the big day without having to worry about costs.

 Suppliers

Are you wanting to outsource your table decorations, flowers, cake and photographer? Or would you prefer the venue source this for you? Either way, you should ask what the venue permits and if they have any recommended or preferred suppliers.

We can help!

Here at The Derby Conference Centre, we know that there’s never a one-size-fits-all approach to a wedding, which is why we will always work to put your needs first! Our Grade II listed venue is complete with 8 acres of grounds, hotels and a variety of wedding packages to suit all.

If you would like to know more information about our wedding facilities and what we can offer, then get in touch today! Our team of event and wedding coordinators will be happy to help.