The day you’ve been dreaming about has finally arrived! Now it is time to make your dreams a reality with the perfect wedding venue. But where do you start?

Because the wedding industry has become such a thriving business, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find a wedding venue that resonates with your discerning taste and fits your budget. The best place to start your search is on the Internet – not only will it narrow down the vast variety of wedding venues, but it will also reduce your travelling costs.

Questions that you need to ask before visiting the wedding venue

While you are surfing the Internet for wedding venues, you can start your selection process and shortlist the wedding venues to around ten that you both really like as a couple. Be sure to phone or e-mail the wedding venue and ask them the following questions before you take the time to drive out there to ensure that they will be able to meet your requirements

• First ask if the wedding venue is available on your wedding date.
• Ask how many people the chapel and reception hall can seat to determine if it is big enough for your number of guests.
• Enquire how many hours the venue is available to you and if there are any overtime costs involved. If so, ask what the rates are.
• If the wedding venue can accommodate more than one wedding reception at a time, find out if there is another wedding booked at the same time as your wedding.
• Find out if the wedding venue provides décor, cutlery, and table linen – and if so, do they offer a selection of décor and linen you can choose from or do you have to bring it in the venue at your own personal cost?
• Enquire if they have their own on-site/recommended vendors and if you are allowed to bring in your own caterer, florist, DJ, photographer etc.
• Find out what the rates are per person at the wedding reception.
• Find out what their rates are for the bar.
• Ask if the venue provides easy access for disabled people and parking for disabled people if it’s needed.

After you have asked the above-mentioned questions and have made a shortlist of wedding venues to go visit, keep in mind the following tips:

• Make sure that the chapel and reception hall of the wedding venue are big enough to seat your guests, as well as having sufficient space for a dance floor.
• Examine the condition of the on-site equipment. Ask what equipment the wedding venue provides and what you should hire yourself. Also ask what you are allowed to bring in yourself and don’t forget to check the electrical outlets.
• Take a look at the condition of the bathrooms and the kitchen ensuring that it is clean and well looked after.
• Don’t leave the wedding venue without obtaining a quote containing all the necessary information you will need to make an informed decision.
• Make sure that you check out the cancellation and refund policy.

With these tips you’re sure to find the ideal wedding venue for your special day! If you’re looking for an exclusive wedding venue in Gauteng, please contact Idle Winds today.