The wedding reception was almost always held at the bride’s family home. Up until the end of World War 2 the style of entertainment depended on the wealth of the bride’s parents, who organised a range of events from grand evening balls to tea and cake. As people grew wealthier and the number of guests invited grew beyond what the average family home could cope with, people hired church halls, dance halls and hotel ballrooms, booked restaurants or held garden parties.

Now, the choice is vast, covering anything from castles to a marquee in the garden. Before making the final choice there are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a venue for your wedding reception. Check websites of wedding venues around the area you wish to marry and visit on a wedding fair or open day.

BUDGET

Your wedding reception cost can account for between 20 and 50% of your total wedding spend,  dependent on whether it’s to be fully organized by the venue itself, or used as a starting point for the bride’s own ideas. It may be possible to have a civil ceremony at the same venue, or is the reception venue easy to get to from the church? Often the availability of your chosen venue will determine your wedding date and must be booked as soon as you decide it’s right for you.

GUESTS

There may be a minimum or maximum number of guests allowed at the reception. Some guests may need overnight accommodation, and often hotels will offer a reduced rate for any guests who want to book a room in advance.

CATERING

Check whether the venue will provide a tasting menu of the food they provide.
They should also be able to help with vegetarian options, or special diets. If there are grounds, will they provide a buffet or picnic outside, or a marquee?

FACILITIES

Some larger venues have areas like croquet lawns, ask if they are available to the guests. If necessary, see if it is possible to alter the layout of the main reception room. Ask about facilities for musicians or if they have any restrictions on the type of music used. If you are planning one venue for service and reception, are the grounds right for your group and couple portraits or is there a park nearby? The wedding planner should be able to offer advice on the best areas for photographers to work, both inside and outside as well as offer advice on other wedding professionals.

BAR

Find out if a bar is provided, and if needed do they allow a late night extension. Do they allow drinks to be brought in, and if so, do they charge corkage? Champagne and wine are the most common drinks to have at the reception, and the venue will offer advice on the best wines to compliment the food and champagne for the toasts, but non alcoholic drinks should be available too.