Planning your big day can be one of the most exciting things, but it can come with its fair share of stress too. Finding the perfect wedding venue is no small task, and while London has plenty of exceptional venues to choose from, it can be challenging to find the right place for you. Recommendations from friends and family are always helpful, but there are some important questions that you’ll need to ask yourself.
Read on for some essential pointers on how to choose the best venue for your wedding.
Think about your theme
Whether you have a particularly specific theme in mind for your wedding, or simply want to ensure you have a particular kind of ambience on your special day, it’s essential to keep this in mind when looking at venues.
With its chic air of understated elegance, the Montcalm Royal London City Hotel might be a great place to consider if you’re looking for an urban-themed wedding. Or if you’re after something a little more rustic in atmosphere, it’s worth looking at appropriate spaces first, rather than trying to get the venue to fit your thematic aspirations afterwards.
Consider your guest list
Before you set your heart on a venue, make sure that it’s the right size for the kind of wedding you plan to have. It’s a good idea to have a rough number in mind for how many guests you think you’ll want to invite. This means taking everyone’s potential list of invites into consideration – if you think your parents and family members will want to invite more people themselves, be clear on exactly how many people you’re comfortable having.
Once you have a figure in mind, you can then make sure that the venue can comfortably accommodate everyone. Most venues will be able to give you an idea of how many people can be seated in various table arrangements, and the Montcalm Royal London City Hotel itself can seat up to 300 guests. Make sure that the space feels neither too large or too cramped.
Look at your budget
Budget is an essential factor when it comes to wedding plan, especially when choosing a venue. If the venue is a seriously important part of your big day, then you may be happy to allocate a larger portion of your overall budget, to secure the space of your dreams.
If a potential venue seems a little on the pricey side, but you have your heart set on it, it’s worth looking at other possible options to see if you can make it work. Consider a weekday wedding, for instance, as this can often be significantly better value because there is often less demand. And if you save a little extra, you might want to treat yourself to a day at the Montcalm Royal London House Spa in advance of the big day, for a relaxing pamper.
Find out what is included
Some venues may provide a wide variety of services as part of their wedding packages, while others may only include the space itself. Whatever the venue you choose offers, make sure that you are completely clear on what to expect from them. Ask plenty of questions as they may unexpectedly charge extra for things you had assumed were part of the package.
Consider things like tables, chairs and linen and find out if this is included, or if this is something you may need to budget for separately. Even if it is part of the deal, you may want to take a closer look first, to make sure that it meets your vision.
Take location into account
One of the most important practical things to consider when picking a venue is making sure that all your guests can get there easily. After all, there’s no point in finding the ideal space, if your guests struggle to make their way there.
Practical points such as parking provisions are essential to bear in mind, especially if you are expecting a large number of guests to arrive. You may also want to consider accessibility, especially if you are expecting guests for whom this is a priority concern.
With a city central location, the Montcalm Royal London is easy to get to by a number of different transport options. And with some great Spa packages London, you or your guests can enjoy a little extra indulgence during the visit.
Think about the weather
While this is less applicable for indoor-only venues, if you are planning to take your wedding outside, make sure that the venue offers options in case of poor weather on the day.
Find out what is available for guests in case of rain or wind, if a significant part of the event is going to be spent outdoors. You should also take the time of year into account, as this may also impact how the venue looks and feels.
Have a look at the lighting
Undoubtedly, you’re likely to take a lot of photographs and videos in your venue, so it’s worth checking out the lighting and background, to make sure it’s the kind of place you want to be captured for a lifetime.
The Montcalm Royal London House Spa has beautifully elegant décor that feels stylish without looking cliché. You may also want to have a look outside, in case you plan to take any outdoor shots.
Look out for the fine print
Before finalizing the venue, take a moment to consider the fine print, as some venues may have specific exclusions or terms and conditions in place. If you’re planning a live band, make sure that is acceptable in the venue, and ask if there are any constraints.
For happy couples that like to add a little sparkle to the special day, you may want to ask if fireworks or sparklers are permitted. Some venues also have strict rules on things like confetti, so make sure that everything is transparent before you make your final choice.
For more information about our wedding venue in the heart of the city, get in touch with our events team now.
