Happily Ever After Binder1 | Page 3

After happily eVer While most aspects of a wedding is optional, like the traditional white wedding dress, or forgoing the big white cake for elegant cupcakes, there is one aspect you cannot compromise on: the venue! You have to choose the perfect place for your friends and family to gather to celebrate your big day. There are so many fantastic local wedding venue options to choose from, which will leave you spoiled for choice. So, how do you go about making a decision? 1. Talk to a planner first: Before you start looking at places, you need to consider the layout, size and the availability of the venue. You also need to consider the space you will have to fill – how many tables can be accommodated, as well as the type of decor you will need. Talking to a professional will help make these decisions easier. Many local venues have dedicated event planners on premises. They will put your mind at ease and guide you in the right direction. 2. Choose a venue that aligns with your vision: Have you always dreamed of a beach wedding? If so, a traditional hall or church is not for you! If you’re planning a more modern wedding, look at out-of-the box venues like local museums or art galleries. These will have the ‘wow’ factor, while also catering to your aesthetic. Choose a venue which will enhance your theme. 3. Know your guest list: Make sure you know exactly how many you want to invite to your wedding. This will save you the headache of trying to cram 100 people into a 50-seat venue. It will also help you break down your budget, as some costs are entirely dependent on the amount of people you plan on inviting. 4. Think about what is included: Many wedding venues work the cost of crockery and cutlery into their package. Think about what you would like included in the package, and research your venue accordingly. Get an estimate of how much it will cost to hire additional items from the venue beforehand, to save yourself the nightmare of finding additional charges added to your total bill. 5. Stay true to yourselves: Many couples choose venues based on styles they fall in love with online. But it’s equally important to ask yourselves what’s important to you, as a couple. Choose a space and a design that represents both of you. Remember – while the space and design may have looked gorgeous with another wedding, it may not necessarily work well for what you have in mind for your special day.