Wedding receptions

> Check out the Wedding Directory for receptions and venues

> Read about marquees

> View a video of Dunston Hall, venue for our Perfect Day Wedding Show

Receptions

One of the first and most important things you will do when planning your wedding is to decide exactly where you want to get married. The chances are that a large proportion of your wedding budget will go on securing the venue.

A well chosen venue can help to create a magical atmosphere for your special day. From stately homes to football clubs, our region boasts a wealth of properties in which to tie the knot.

It is essential that when choosing your venue you conduct your research thoroughly, keeping your core requirements in mind at all times.

You may find it beneficial to think about previous weddings you have attended, remembering what you liked or disliked about them. Why not draw a list with various elements that are essential to your day.

By checking potential venues against this list, the process of elimination can do a lot of the hard work for you. It is unlikely that you will find a venue that caters to every requirement you may have initially envisaged, but one of the many venues in our region will definitely come very close.

The first step is to create a 'long' short list, and to take the time to visit as many as you can. When you do visit it is important that the person you meet will be the same person that deals with your wedding and subsequent questions you may have.

After all, a good relationship between you both will be a great benefit considering the level of communications and preparations that lies in store. Various costs and figures will be presented to you from each and every place that you visit. It will help if you are able to keep a file of written quotations.

Once you have visited as many properties as possible it is time to draw your final short list. From this short list it is a good idea to visit the properties once again. Advising your contact that they are a short-listed venue may help.

Each location will want to secure your booking and you may find various offers and incentives begin to emerge.

The last stage of finding your venue is booking, but before you do, take time to consider the following: If you are choosing to marry in one place and attend a reception at another, a practice run between the two the day.

Another aspect worth keeping in mind is the catering. Although it is standard practice to be offered a food tasting, if they have a restaurant, go for dinner one evening; while there, observe the service and overall quality of the food.

Although the venue will provide you with a quotation, it is always worth an attempt at negotiations. If by looking at other venues you feel the one that you want is more costly, speak to your contact about ways to save money.

Now all that is left is to make the booking and perfect the finite details of your day. Many venues will have various stipulations when hiring, so always keep your eye out for the following.

Is the venue to be used solely by you? Having members of the public gatecrash your wedding may put a dampener on the proceedings. If you are planning to incorporate decorations within your venue, let your venue contact know.

Due to the age and heritage of various properties, you may find that you are not allowed to attach anything to ceilings or walls. The use of candles may also be prohibited.

The bride and groom's first dance is a tradition that many of us look forward to. However various stately homes that keep to traditions may not allow dancing inside the house. Perhaps this can be overcome by the use of a marquee?

If you are planning a booze cruise to buy wine and beer prior to the wedding in order to keep costs down, check with the contact at your venue first. Many properties will only allow the use of suppliers from their agreed list.

Unless you are having a civil ceremony and the reception at the same venue, it is important to decide how close the reception venue needs to be to the church or registry office.

A cross county trek can be rather taxing, but a short convoy of wedding cars and guests can be rather fun.

Do ensure your guests have adequate directions however!

Discuss your requirements, from a chocolate fountain to gold-sprayed, live statues and butterfly releases, and ensure everyone
understands what is and isn’t allowed.

Check if there are grounds or a room suitable for a photograph location, if there will be other events at the venue, and if you will have a room in which to change.

What about car parking? When will the florist be allowed in and so on and so forth?

Marquees

A marquee can involve a lot more organising but it can mean a lot more freedom, too.

Holding your wedding reception in a marquee means you can do what you like, from showering guests in rose petals as they arrive to seating everyone on straw bales, to playing music into the early hours (depending on the proximity to your neighbours naturally).

There is lots more to organise however. The marquee company should be able to advise on its siting and the size you require, and do think about any staging needed, tables and chairs, portable toilets, a generator or electrical supply, water, the flooring, carpets, walkway, decorating and car parking.

Removable sides are very useful as marquees can become stuffy and, while a lining looks smart, it isn’t essential and going without will save on the cost.

Confirm all details in writing including insurance and the dates for setting up and taking down. It needs to be ready in plenty of time for the caterers and florist to set up.