Weddingguide


	YOUR VENUE
	by Casablanca Manor

	“Breath-taking! Fantastic! Magical - really! Everything was so lovely – we
	really enjoyed it.”

	Compliments on their wedding such as these are what every bridal couple
	want to hear. It is vital to remember that the venue you choose is the place
	where your first memories as a wedded couple will begin. Choosing the
	wedding venue is therefore one of the first challenges you will have to
	meet together as a couple. However, making that choice does not have to
	be difficult – here are a few guidelines that that will simplify this task.

	Guidelines for the selection of a venue: a three-step plan
	The Internet, bridal magazines, permanent bridal displays and information
	centres are important sources you can use to help you in your search for a
	venue. Make a shortlist of the venues that appeal to you and then do a bit
	more homework using the guidelines below.

	Step 1: Answer the following questions when you compile your shortlist:
	In what season do you plan to get married? (Bear in mind that some
	venues have special offers for some seasons.)
	Will it be a morning, afternoon or evening event?
	How many guests do you plan to invite? This will determine the size of the
	reception area you need and whether the venue will be able to
	accommodate the number of guests you want and whether you will have
	space for a dance floor.
	it be formal, semi-formal or informal? These details determine what kind of
	venue you should choose.
	Do you want to get married in the bushveld, in a garden, on a beach or in
	the city? Would you prefer a wedding venue, hotel, restaurant, country
	club or a marquee tent in a garden?
	Is the venue available for the date you have picked? If you want a specific
	venue, you will have to be flexible about the date.
	By using these questions, you can draw up a shortlist of venues to visit.
	Call the venue first to ask whether you can make an appointment to go and
	look at it. It is wise to book about a year ahead, particularly if you want to
	get married in summer.

	Step 2: Bear the following in mind when you go to look at venues:
	Do you feel welcome in the venue? How helpful is the management?
	Is there enough parking and are there security guards to look after the
	guests’ cars?
	Are there enough areas suitable for photographs? (Do not just look for
	green lawns and flowerbeds. Let your creativity take over – you can take
	very pretty photographs in the bushveld, against old walls or against
	natural backgrounds.)





	How far from the church is the reception venue? Do the guests need to
	drive from one to the other, or is everything available at one venue?
	How many weddings do they handle in a day? Are there time restrictions?
	What can you use as confetti at the venue? (Some churches have specific
	regulations.)
	Is the coordinator who handles your booking also the person who will be
	responsible for your wedding and who will support you on the day? (You
	must be certain that all your ideas and requests will be implemented.)
	How much experience does the management of the venue have of
	coordinating and catering for weddings? How long has the venue been in
	operation?

	Catering: Will a qualified chef be on duty for your wedding? What does the
	food look like on the venue’s photographs and may you request a tasting
	session? How much food is served and until what time will it be served?
	Can you discuss the menu with the chef and is the venue open to
	suggestions that match your theme?
	Ask for the full wedding package that covers all costs, and for any hidden
	costs that may come up (including the décor). (This list will help you to
	choose a venue that suits your budget.)
	Is there a time limit on the reception and until when is the bar open? Are
	there any additional costs involved (drinks policy)?
	What is the smoking policy and what arrangements are made for smokers?
	Is the venue wheelchair-friendly (if this is relevant for any of your guests)?
	Other than being a venue, what other services are available? (Some
	venues provide a one-stop service.)

	Step 3: The final decision
	Once you have looked at the venues on your shortlist, study all the
	information carefully and then make all the necessary comparisons.
	Make sure that the venue you choose will give you and your guests the
	very best. It is important that the venue should suit you as the bridal
	couple. Visualise the place where you have been happiest and most
	comfortable – what does it look, sound, smell and feel like? Focus on the
	special atmosphere you found there, in other words, what pleased most of
	your senses.

	The most important thing is that you as the bridal couple should enjoy this
	planning process together and grow together. The venue and reception
	must combine to reflect and celebrate your love for one another. Trust,
	love and joy will do the rest.