Their wedding day is often said to be the most important day of a person's life. The venue chosen is of course of paramount importance. Here are some important frequently asked questions that brides and grooms encounter when choosing the location for their perfect day.

What does the wedding venue handle?

Wedding venues run the gamut from simply hiring a beautiful spot, to organizing much of the event. When choosing a wedding venue, it is common to go through all the various facilities of the venue, and discuss with them whether they will handle organization such as the flowers, the reception, the catering and food, even the entertainment. How much is handled by the venue can usually be up to you, and is dependent on whether you want to handle more or less of the event by yourself.

What are the average costs of a wedding venue?

The average cost of hiring a venue for the day is around £2000. This does not include food, which on average costs an additional £3000. The drinks bill tends to come in around £750. These figures of course depend on the type of venue, the size of the wedding and the level of extravagance.

What should you ask a wedding venue before making a choice?

The obvious first questions are how many guests they can support, whether they have parking (and for how many vehicles), and whether they are licensed to carry out civil registrations on the premises. For larger venues you should check whether they will be giving you exclusive use of the premises on the day, or whether there is the possibility of another wedding on the same day.

What are some often forgotten considerations that you should make before choosing a wedding venue?

Is the wedding venue easy for guests to reach, and is it easy to find? Does the venue have dressing room facilities for the bride to make changes during the day? Are there multiple rooms for different uses available (for example, a quieter room for older guests?)

How can one find wedding venues in the area?

Nowadays, the most reliable source of information on wedding venues is online. Directories carry a wide range of different wedding venues, and can offer interesting alternatives to those you may already know. On the other hand, it is also helpful to get the views of other people about how different wedding venues handled their event in the past.

What are the main budgeting considerations?

When choosing a wedding venue, ask if the price is per-head or an all-encompassing cost. Discuss the food options, and ascertain whether you can use your own caterer (and whether it would be cheaper or better to do so). Does the venue supply entertainment as part of the package?

What about some last-minute checks?

Some venues do not allow photography, or have difficult access for wheelchair guests. Think about whether your venue will require a separate creche. Ask whether the wedding venue has hotel facilities for guests who need to stay over. Remember to keep your maximum budget in mind, as the various trappings of weddings can quickly add up.