10 Tips For Choosing A Wedding Venue

When selecting a venue for your wedding reception, there are several factors to consider. Here are 10 tips:

1. Budget

Some venues may be higher than your budget and others may be much lower. Don’t stress yourself out by visiting very expensive venues and walking away with the disappointment of not being able to afford the space. If you’re in a budget fix, ask venues if they offer discounted rates for hosting your event on a weekday or Sunday. Some venues include catering and decor items such as tables, chairs, lighting, etc. in the rental fee.

2. Size / Capacity

This goes without saying. The space should be big enough to accommodate your guests and on-site vendors.

3. Proximity / Location

Take note. Weekends breed a lot of traffic in some locations. You do not want to be late for your own wedding ceremony or wedding party, neither do you want your guests to be late. You should consider a venue that’s not too far from the place of the wedding ceremony. Sometimes a space that can host the wedding ceremony and reception at the same time can be most ideal. Think about it.

4. Changing rooms

Couples changing their outfit or clothes mid-event has now become synonymous with wedding receptions/ parties. As a result, some venues provide bedrooms or changing rooms for couples and members of the wedding party to change their clothes or have a little rest.

5. On-site coordinator

On-site coordinators are around to help with questions about the space. They’re also helpful to the planning and decor team(s) and other on-site vendors with regards to deliveries, logistics, set-up and tear down and sometimes, vendor recommendations. Make sure the venue has an on-site coordinator.

6. Parking and security

Believe it or not, thieves have made it a habit of blending in at wedding receptions and making away with valuables and even gifts presented to the couple. Will the venue have on-site security? Do they have security cameras? Is the parking space big enough and safe for your guests? Make sure to ask these questions.

7. Toilet facilities

Too much drinking and eating will mean that your guests, and maybe you, will have to use the restroom at a point in time. Have a look at their restrooms (don’t just let them point the direction out to you) and make sure you’re happy with it before you make any commitments.

8. Work involved in transforming the space

Some venues have to be totally overhauled by the decor team in order to look good. Save yourself the time and money by booking a space that already has an aesthetic appeal and doesn’t need too much work to transform.

9. Indoor or outdoor

Inasmuch as you might crave a garden or outdoor wedding, you should consider an indoor space if you're looking to have your wedding in the rainy season. Weather patterns are not really predictable these days.

10. Back-up power

Unfortunately, you can’t count on the national power grid to provide reliable electricity in Ghana and other parts of Africa. A venue with a back-up power system ensures that your event isn’t interrupted in the event of an unexpected power cut.

Make sure you’re happy and not lukewarm about the venue you intend booking. Don’t settle for something you’re not entirely happy with. If you have doubts, keep looking. Narrow down to about two or three venues and coordinate with your planner and/or other contributing parties to make the best choice. All the best in your search.