After deciding on the time of year you’d like to get married, selecting your ceremony and reception locations is the first big “hurdle” you’ll face when planning your wedding. However, if you know where to look and are prepared to think outside the square this can be a great experience but on the other hand could also leave you with too many options to choose from!

Stuartholme Chapel – photograph by Ben Clarke Photography

Ceremony
A lot of couples still choose to wed in a church that holds special meaning to either the bride or groom or both. This could be the family church or simply one whose architecture you love. If this is something you are considering, make sure you ask them what their restrictions are in terms of décor and how they prefer to work with wedding coordinators or planners. Many of the churches I’ve come across so far have floral arrangements of a particular colour for each month – the arrangements provided by charity organisations. You may be able to request a certain colour so that it compliments the other floral elements that will be seen at the ceremony such as your beautiful bouquets.

Photograph by Jeremy Beasley – find this wedding here

If neither of you are religious and getting married in a church doesn’t take your fancy, consider the beach, a nice garden or riverside locations. If you do prefer somewhere out in the open but don’t have any private property that can host this special occasion, fear not…simply inquire with your local council about the availability and cost associated with having your wedding ceremony at a park or beach. Keep in mind that there may be certain restrictions in regards to temporary structures (such as marquees) or alcohol so be sure to raise these points during your discussions with them.

Reception area at Mirra Private Dining and Events

Reception
Ideally your reception venue will be in close proximity to where your ceremony takes place, as this makes the transition from the ceremony to reception much easier for your guests. If there is however, some distance between the two, hire a bus or arrange for taxi’s to transport your guests to the reception.
When you’re visiting your reception venues make sure you ask the staff plenty of questions – you want to make an informed decision…ask about how many people can fit in the room comfortably seated or standing to suit whichever type of reception you’re having. If you are having plated meals ask what the capacity is for your preferred table shape. Inquire about smoking and non-smoking areas, access to bathrooms, décor limitations and something which is becoming more restricted, permitted entertainment and noise levels.

Photograph by Sugarlove Weddings – find this wedding here

One final tip to help you along the way …….. always keep the styling in mind when you’re looking at your reception venues. You want the styling to compliment and further enhance
what you already love about the venue which will only help create that “WOW” factor for your guests.

Ms Polka Dot says: Victoria from The Little White Wedding Company visits us again today with some great advice for choosing your venue. Thank you Victoria for writing about this for us and giving us the benefit of your experience! You can find Victoria in our Directory.

Victoria adds: By combining our finely tuned sense of style and outstanding organisational skills with your vision, The Little White Wedding Company will create a hassle free and enjoyable wedding planning experience leaving you to enjoy this incredible time in your life with family and friends.