Planning a Wedding? 5 Things to Consider.
Firstly, congratulations on your engagement! So what do you do now?
While we are building the plans and putting together our “blank canvas” wedding venue at Tall John’s House it occurred to us that, having overseen personally 3 of our daughters’ very different weddings – we could pass on some of our experiences.
The location is usually an easy decision – near the bride’s home? Near the groom’s home? Or somewhere nicely central for all your friends and family? Of course that’s why we think Tall John’s House is going to be a favourite as it is in South Wales in the Brecon Beacons National Park and so is convenient for the midlands, the west country, Wales and only an hour from Bristol.
We’re not putting these in order of importance as they all have an impact on each other and it is a very personal choice as to what are your priorities, but here are 5 things we think are worth thinking of early on in the planning.
Things to Consider
1. Budget – this will of course colour many of your decisions down the line and particularly the date you choose.
Summer week-end weddings are far more expensive than the other seasons or in mid-week, but if you choose mid-week this will have a knock-on effect on your guest list because many friends cannot travel away during the week.
Not only do you need to agree a total spend but also prioritise where the budget is going to be used. What is more important to you – the venue, the food, the music, the dress? These are all personal choices but they need to be decided early on!
2. Church or registry office? Many venues can now offer a civil wedding on site and this has advantages in terms of travelling and timings. Also you can make the place your own and give it the personal touch which is
almost impossible in a Registry Office.
Remember there is always a cost for the service wherever you have it.
Remember to ask about confetti as not all places allow this or have restrictions.
3. Reception/Celebration . City or Country? Hotel, barn or marquee? Do you want a formal sit-down meal or something more relaxed?
You need to find out what freedom your chosen venue will allow you in terms of catering and seating. If you want to dance you will need space and also music.
Remember to ask about corkage – how much per bottle? Also fireworks and any other extras you may be thinking of.
4. Guest List . So how big is this wedding going to be? It’s a good idea to be clear about this from the start so you don’t offend people you don’t ask. If you have stated from the start that numbers are very limited everyone understands that you can’t ask everybody you know! Also of course this has a huge effect on the budget and the venue choice.
5. Accommodation . Where are your guests going to stay the night of the wedding and possibly the night before as well?
It’s a good idea to book some B&B or guest house accommodation nearby as soon as you have decided on your venue.
