Where you have your wedding is one of the most important buying decisions you’ll ever make – it’s right up there with buying a house! So it pays to choose carefully. Ask lots of questions and take your time having a really good look around before you take the plunge. Here are our top tips to help you make the right choice for your dream wedding.
1. Start with an open mind
Some couples know right away what kind of wedding they want, but many take a while to figure it out. Going to look at venues early on is a great way to get ideas – and most venues will be only too happy to tell you about great weddings they’ve hosted. You can get even more inspo by checking out their photo galleries. To see some fabulous photos of weddings at Wootton Park, take a peek at our real weddings and testimonials.
Even if you already have a favourite venue in mind, it’s worth looking at a couple of others for comparison. And to get a real feel for a place you can’t beat turning up in person.
2. Check out the team
Planning a wedding takes lots of time and effort, so having support from a helpful and experienced venue team makes all the difference. You’ll enjoy creating your dream wedding so much more if you’re surrounded by people who get your vision and are as enthusiastic as you are about making it happen.
Top things to think about before you book:
- Is the vibe relaxed and flexible? Will you have the freedom to personalise your wedding and do things your way?
- Is the team responsive? Do people get back to you quickly? Can you make appointments at convenient times for you and your partner?
- Will you have a dedicated wedding coordinator who’ll be there for you whenever you need them in the years and months until your wedding – and on the big day itself?
- Do you feel comfortable with the team? Are they approachable and fun to be around?
3. Agree on your priorities
Choosing the perfect venue becomes so much easier once you and your partner are on the same page about the big stuff, like budget, guest numbers and the style of wedding you want. Having that all in mind when you visit venues will help you find a venue that ticks all the right boxes. Still getting your head around everything? Take a look at our ultimate wedding planner to help you get started.
4. Read the small print
Don’t be shy about checking the fine print on contracts before you sign, and asking questions about anything you’re unsure about. Sometimes venues charge extra for things you wouldn’t even think of – like cutting up your wedding cake, for instance! Nothing kills the vibe like surprise charges down the line, so make sure you know exactly what’s included in your wedding package right from the start.
Asking questions like “Are there any other possible costs we haven’t talked about yet?” can help to tease out those hidden extras.
5. Consider all the spaces
Take a really good look all around the venue to make sure that the setting fits your vibe and has enough space indoors and outdoors for everything you want at your dream wedding. Go back for another look as many times as you need.
Think about how the grounds will look at the time of year you’re planning to get married. If a beautiful backdrop is important to you, ask what flowers will be blooming, or better still, ask to see photos. Consider the practicalities, too. Is there plenty of room for the kids to run around? Could you have your ceremony outdoors if that’s something you’d love?
It’s worth asking the venue about how other couples have used the spaces creatively. Our amazing Wootton Park couples have done everything here – football matches, funfairs on the lawns, arriving in style by boat, even full-on festival weddings.
6. Make a backup for wet weather
When it comes to the weather, weddings are all about being ready for anything! Even if your heart is set on an outdoor ceremony in the sunshine, make sure there’s some shelter for guests just in case the skies open. Ideally you’ll have the choice of indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony – and for partying afterwards. That way, you and your guests will still have a fab time, whatever the weather.
7. Location, location, location!
If you’re inviting guests from a long way away, you’ll want to make getting to the venue as easy as possible. Be sure to check how close it is to motorways and airports if you want to avoid a huge trek to get there. A central UK location (like Warwickshire 😊) can be a lifesaver if you have guests coming from all directions.
8. Think food and drink
Food and drink are a big part of your wedding day, so make sure your venue offers options that suit your style. You could keep things classic with a formal three-course meal or go for a more laid-back feel with sharing boards, street food, wood-fired pizzas or a barbecue. Or choose both! Ask how flexible the venue is with catering, and how much freedom you’ll have to mix things up throughout the day.
9. Ask for exclusivity
Dedicated wedding venues like Wootton Park are always yours for the day, but hotels and other public venues will often have other guests staying at the same time. Even if you’re looking at non-exclusive venues, it’s totally OK to ask them to make sure your celebrations are private – and to explain how they will keep other guests apart. After all, nobody wants a random hotel guest wandering into the ceremony!
10. Don’t forget the photo ops
Your wedding photos are memories you’ll want to keep forever, and a gorgeous backdrop can take them to a whole new level. So, make sure you consider the photo opportunities at the venue. At Wootton Park we have a lakeside setting surrounded by flowers, and a unique estate tour, where we take you over the hills to capture stunning shots of the two of you in beautiful countryside. It adds a touch of magic to your photos!
Keep these tips in mind as you start viewing venues and you’ll soon get a feel for what’s right for you. And of course, we’d love to show you around Wootton Park. It might just be the one!