Choosing the perfect wedding venue

A helping hand ahead of planning the day of your dreams…..

Planning a wedding can be very exciting, I am currently in the midst of planning my own big day, but it can also be a very stressful time and we definitely don’t want that! Remember, enjoy every stage of planning your wedding, I’m here to hopefully make it all that little bit easier for you! Working in this industry I have seen many weddings with a variety of themes, from the early stages I knew the types of venues I wanted and started a shortlist. After viewing seven venues I chose a lovely hotel overlooking Lake Windermere. For me, I knew this would be my venue from the moment I walked in the front door. It’s important that your ‘journey’ begins from that very moment and it’s so important to feel that the venue and their team will be on that journey with you creating that all important circle of trust. Now, I can’t help you choose your date but here are some of my top tips when it comes to choosing your wedding venue to ensure the planning stages are smooth sailing for you.

#1 – Your day, your dreams, your budget… Before deciding on anything else note down a realistic budget that you can work to. Deciding on a maximum expenditure at the very beginning will help you shortlist potential venues as the place you choose will take up a considerable chunk of your budget. With some venues there is a charge to hire just the space and then there are all the added extras like catering, furniture and linen where as some venues do packages with various bits included in the overall package price.

#2 – Make it your beautiful time of year… Whatever date you choose to get married the season you have chosen can help shape your venue search. Although the typical British weather is ever changeable and often unpredictable, if you have a date in mind it is important to think of what the weather is likely to be like at that time of year. A venue may profile a beautiful garden or veranda for a relaxing drinks reception but that won’t necessarily work if it your big day is in November when it gets dark early, may rain and could be cold.  Have a look around your venue, if it’s a winter wedding is there somewhere inside that you like for photo opportunities so your guests don’t freeze outside, maybe there is a stunning staircase or unique area? If your wedding is in the height of summer and there is somewhere at the venue outdoors that you want pictures taken or to hold your drinks reception is there adequate shelter from both scorching sunshine or in case it suddenly decides to pour with rain? Another idea could be to ask the venue to see pictures from weddings that took place in the same month that you have chosen. This could also be a great opportunity to get some photography ideas!

#3– Who makes the guest list… Before you do anything else have a chat with your other half as to what size wedding you want. Are you looking for a small and intimate wedding with just a few close relatives and a handful of friends or are you looking for a lavish celebration. You won’t have a definite guest list as soon as the engagement ring goes on the finger but if you can have a rough idea of numbers before you start looking for a wedding venue you will avoid disappointment of visiting a beautiful place only to find out it is too big or too small for what you are after.

#4 – To theme or not to theme! From grand hotels to huts in the woods there really is a wedding venue to suit everyone so decide what type of wedding ceremony you want. Are you looking at having a church or a civil ceremony? If you decide on a church wedding your reception venue should ideally be less than half an hour away in order for everything to run smoothly throughout the day and into the night for both of you and your guests too. A civil ceremony can open many more doors and you can look in areas that maybe aren’t where you live. Is there somewhere special that either you or your other half grew up or maybe there is a location that has sentimental value and holds a special place in your heart? Manor houses, castles and even open land are popular locations with bride and grooms but the most popular wedding venues tend to be hotels because of the amount of benefits there are such as a range of different sized suites and on site bedrooms for guests to stay over and enjoy their night without the worry of organising taxis.

#5 – Ask, ask and ask again! Create a wedding planner file and list questions to ask when going to look around potential venues. Do you want exclusivity on the day or are you happy if another wedding takes place at the same time as yours? Create a great relationship with your wedding co-ordinator who will assist with your planning. Is there is a resident DJ and if the venue allows children. No question is too small and after all – you want to make sure that your day is everything you ever dreamed of…

Bolton Whites
Hotel Exterior

Here at Bolton Whites Hotel we have a range of wedding suites to cater for all needs, from 20 to 1000. We have 125 modern bedrooms and 6 penthouse suites meaning if you or your guests live far away you can take advantage of this unique venue and relax in luxury after having one of the most memorable days of your life. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For more tips on choosing your perfect venue or for further information on Bolton Whites Hotel, contact Laura Thompson via email on [email protected]

Website; www.boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk

Twitter: @BoltonWhitesHtl

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Laura Thompson