Choosing your dream wedding venue

Are you looking for an aspirational wedding venue but starting to feel slightly overwhelmed with all the choices available as well as suggestions, and recommendations from family and friends?

We know that everyone is `trying to help` and make sure you have an extensive list to work through, leaving no venue unturned.

However, there is a lot to think about and numerous elements to consider before you start your venue search, and we mean a lot. You want to find a venue that is perfect for you and your partner, a venue where family and friends can come together and celebrate, and a venue that aligns with your vision.

That’s where we come in.

At The Nottinghamshire we work hard to make your venue search as seamless and stress-free as possible, and to help you further, below, we’ve provided some of our top tips and things to consider when picking your dream wedding location.

How to decide on a wedding venue

Looking for a wedding venue in Nottingham is no small feat. There are so many incredible options to choose from, and you have to choose the right one for you and your partner.

The venue that ticks all of the boxes and that you have dreamt about and can picture your perfect day being held in.

So where do you start? What should you consider and look for when making the biggest decision in your wedding day planning? How can you find a wedding venue that ticks all of your boxes?

Start looking early – most venues get booked quickly, so the sooner you look for your perfect venue, the better. Most popular venues can book 18-24 months in advance – be prepared.

Know your numbers – keep a check on your guest list, as this will be vital in your budget planning and venue choice, as not every venue will be able to accommodate your numbers or may be suitable for your wedding party size.

Don’t get stuck on a date just yet – finding a wedding venue that you fall in love with is what’s important. Once you have found the perfect venue, work towards a date you’re both happy with. (Make sure to check out our blog post on “setting a perfect wedding date”).

Have a budget – and stick to it! Your budget needs to be realistic and flexible. Knowing your budget lets you understand what is available to you and what you can achieve on your must-have list.

Think location – do your guests have to travel to your venue? What are their expectations? Is the distance acceptable? Are you providing transport to help? Is there parking available at the venue, hotels for people to stay in nearby? These are all vital questions to consider when choosing the perfect wedding venue.

Don’t rule out spaces too quickly; they won’t have all of the decorations in place, extravagant floral arrangements, centrepieces, and more. To help, look at reviews and past weddings held there and ask if it would be possible to preview a space when it is in use.

Find out what’s included – make sure to ask the venue what is included in the venue hire and get them to itemise everything, as this can help with budgets and pricing. You can also compare these prices against the cost of hiring certain items from external vendors.

Picture your dream wedding – what is the style, theme, colour scheme, etc.? Is it indoors, outdoors, traditional, modern, intimate, or a huge celebration? Do you need a dance floor or additional breakout rooms? Write down everything, as this will help narrow your search for a wedding venue in Nottingham.

Venue menus – do you like the food at the venue? Do you have to have their food servings, or can you bring in external caterers? Is there a children’s option? Try everything, have taste tests, and finalise the final menus. This is vital as the last thing you want on your wedding day is to have the food let you down.

Are the staff at the venue friendly – or rude, pushy, and uninterested? You want to feel good about your venue, and you want to feel happy and comfortable with the staffing team serving you on your special day.

Stick to your must-haves – write down everything that is a priority for you, and make sure your venue meets them.

Work with an external wedding planner – external wedding planners can help to find you the perfect space, providing you with experienced advice, working to budgets, and attracting discounts with certain vendors.

Trust your gut – it’s often said that you know when you walk into a space whether or not it is the right one for you. Trusting your gut is often a big help in the decision-making process.

Finding a wedding venue that’s right for you

At The Nottinghamshire, we help you to plan your dream wedding, offering you expert advice and support; our wedding planner is with you at every stage, helping to make your venue dreams come true.

Contact us at 0115 933 3344 to find out more about The Nottinghamshire as your wedding venue.