CHOOSING YOUR RECEPTION VENUE: FOLLOW OUR TIPS!

Important element of your wedding budget, choosing the reception venue can sometimes be a real challenge both in terms of the number of questions it raises and the stress it can cause. Future couples often underestimate the time it takes to find a venue that truly meets their expectations: it's a decision that should not be taken lightly and should be made as early as possible in order to have several options. Discover my tips for choosing your reception venue without stress!

MAKE A LIST OF YOUR CRITERIA TO START YOUR SEARCHES

Before any search, it is essential that you ask yourself the right questions to find THE reception venue for your wedding:

The style of the venue:

• What style of venue do you prefer? Modern? With the charm of the old? Both at the same time?

The exterior:

• Do you need an outdoor space for a secular ceremony or for the cocktail hour? 

• Is there a plan B in case of bad weather?  

The location:

• In which region/city/village do you want to get married? If you know the area perfectly, no problem! Otherwise, don't hesitate to research thoroughly beforehand or to seek the help of a professional to do the scouting for you.  

The capacity:

• According to your number of guests, do you need a large, medium, or small venue?  

The guests:

• Do you need accommodations on site? Some venues offer adjoining guest rooms or even unique accommodations for the wedding night (bubbles, gypsy caravans, etc.)  

• If there are no accommodations on site for your guests, what are the accommodation options nearby? (hotels, campgrounds, airbnb, guesthouses, etc.)

Organization:

• Do you want a venue that allows you to bring your own caterer or one with a designated caterer?

• Do you want the venue for the weekend or just for the wedding evening?

• What kind of equipment does the venue have in terms of tables, chairs, decorations, or kitchen facilities?  

Budget:

• What price range are you willing to pay for your reception venue? What are you willing to compromise on?

My advice: Ideally, the venue should be booked at least a year or a year and a half before the big day. Think about this with your partner as soon as possible! It's the first thing to do in order to start your visits later on and thus book the reception venue you like as soon as possible.  

PLAN YOUR RECEPTION VENUE VISITS ON ONE OR MORE DAYS

Once your list of criteria is written, it's time to contact the managers of the different venues chosen for a first visit. Set one or more dates for visiting the reception venues that you like in order to make your trip worthwhile.  

My advice: In this period of lockdown, some venues are organizing virtual tours that can already give you a first glimpse and allow you to make an initial pre-selection. If you already have a specific date for your wedding, feel free to ask if the venue is available on that date or not, so you can avoid traveling for nothing.  

BOOK YOUR RECEPTION VENUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Weddings are a big business in which every provider wants a piece of the cake. Many on the market but often fully booked from one year to the next, wedding venues are often in high demand and sometimes reserved several years in advance by future couples who want a specific date. The choice can sometimes be a real dilemma: don't hesitate to check the clients' reviews on social networks or through word of mouth to refine your feeling!   

My advice: Have you found the venue of your dreams? Hooray! Now, book it as soon as possible with the owners so that another couple doesn't book it for the big day. It would be a shame to miss out, wouldn't it?

USE A WEDDING PROFESSIONAL TO FIND YOUR RECEPTION VENUE

Despite your searches, can't find what you're looking for? Or simply don't have the time to do your research? I reassure you: most of my future couples are in your shoes! It's not easy to navigate through the jungle of reception venues, especially if you're getting married in another region of France or if you're planning an elopement in a foreign country. Don't hesitate to use a wedding professional who can guide you in your choice!

My advice: It's my role as a wedding planner to relieve you and put together a small selection of venues that will suit you. Through their profession, every wedding planner has their share of gems in terms of reception venues (yes, some that you may not necessarily find in wedding directories)! I will accompany you on your visits and help you make your choice in the best conditions. If it represents a small budget, my role is first and foremost to save you time and share our expertise of the field ?