1. Find a venue that can accommodate your wedding.
Make sure the venue is available on the date you're looking for. Sometimes venues may be seasonal, and some may only be available for bookings midweek. It's also important to find a venue that can accommodate the size of your wedding. The last thing you want is for your guests to feel crammed into a small space, or have too much open unused space, making the room look empty. At Bingemans for instance, we can use the full Ballroom or separate it into smaller sections depending on the size of the wedding. We also have a number of other facilities such as the Outdoor Pavilion so you could hold your ceremony and your reception at the same venue!
2. Make sure the venue fits your budget.
There's sometimes "hidden fees" when booking a wedding that Couples may not be aware of including SOCAN fees, plating costs, and even table and chair rentals! Although the tables and chairs are included with our venue rental, I still make mention of the SOCAN fees and plating costs upfront with our Couples to make sure these costs are considered when budgeting for the wedding. Those unexpected bills post-wedding are never nice to have!
3. Find a venue with experience.
Sometimes brides have the PERFECT venue in mind because it's their favourite restaurant or a really unique space that no one else would think to use for their wedding. Although it's great to be different, it's not always a good thing to pick a venue with minimal experience hosting weddings. There can be a lot of logistical challenges and the staff may not be used to serving weddings. Look for venues that specialize in weddings, and are leaders in hospitality. It's a lot less stress booking a venue who knows what they're doing. If you do book your wedding at a venue with minimal experience, I would suggest hiring a Wedding Planner who DOES have the experience and knows what to look for.
4. Ask the venue how THEY can help YOU!
This is an excellent way to filter through your list of "Top Venue Choices" by seeing which venue can do the most for you! A lot of venues will offer a list of preferred suppliers (some of which may give you discounts if you're booking at a particular venue). I'm always trying to offer advice and unique ideas to the couples that come to me, as I see first hand what has worked with other weddings, and what hasn't. At Bingemans, we also include the placing of the centerpieces at no cost to the couple.
5. Book a venue you trust.
This is the most important tip of all. You want to work with someone who is on your side, and will do everything they can to make your wedding day perfect. Make sure the venue is honest and helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Building a great relationship with the client is my first priority.