What Should You Consider Before Booking a Wedding Venue?
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most pivotal decisions you'll make during the planning process. The venue doesn't just set the tone for your day, it influences your guest list, your styling decisions, your format, and your budget. With so much riding on this choice, it's crucial to ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the key considerations and questions every couple should explore when visiting potential venues.
1. Does it match your vision?
Before anything else, determine whether the venue supports the type of wedding you want:
Capacity: Will it accommodate your guest list comfortably?
Style: Does the architecture and aesthetic align with your desired design direction?
Flow: Can the space accommodate the progression of your wedding: ceremony, drinks, dinner, dancing—in a way that feels natural?
2. Location & Accessibility
The location of your ceremony and reception is not just a logistical detail, it impacts everything from guest experience to transport costs. Our golden rule: ceremony and reception venues should be no more than 30 minutes apart.
Ask yourself:
Is the venue easy to reach for guests coming from London, abroad, or out of town?
Are taxis or accommodation readily available nearby?
Does the venue offer onsite parking?
3. Exclusive Use & Hidden Costs
Many venues offer exclusive use, but at a price. Be clear on:
Is exclusive use required or optional?
If yes, how much is the non-refundable deposit?
What’s included in the hire charge, and what’s not?
Will the space need additional "dressing" or rental upgrades (e.g. drapes, lighting, décor)?
Is a marquee required? If yes, this can significantly increase costs.
4. Catering, Drinks & Restrictions
The catering offer can be a make-or-break factor. You’ll want clarity on:
Do they require the use of accredited or in-house suppliers?
Can you bring in your own caterers or alcohol? If not, what are the corkage fees?
Are there food or drink restrictions (e.g. vegan-only, no red wine, no spirits)?
Are candles or open flames allowed?
5. Timing, Music, and Entertainment
Many venues have strict rules about timing and volume:
What is the hire period (from what time to what time)?
Are there curfews or sound restrictions?
Is live music permitted indoors and outdoors?
6. Furniture, Layout, and Logistics
Avoid unnecessary hire costs by asking:
Is furniture (tables, chairs, bars, etc.) included?
What options are there for the layout and seating plans?
How does the space flow for guests from ceremony to dinner to dancing?
7. Accommodation & Practical Needs
Some venues offer rooms onsite, others require guests to stay offsite:
Is there accommodation for guests or the couple?
Are children allowed?
Is the space child- and elderly-friendly?
Your venue choice will shape the entire wedding experience—for you and your guests. By asking the right questions upfront, you'll avoid surprises, manage your budget effectively, and ensure your day runs smoothly.
At ARC Events, we guide our clients through this process, ensuring every box is ticked before they commit. If you’d like bespoke support in venue sourcing and negotiation, we’re here to help.
