Six tips for choosing the perfect wedding venue
Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be quite tricky. This is why we spoke to an expert to share some tips to help you get started.
Durban is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the country because of its beaches and beautiful landscapes.
People from different parts of South Africa travel to Durban to have the weddings of their dreams.
However, choosing the perfect venue is not always easy, which is why getting some help from the experts can go a long way.
Constance Mathobela, popularly known as Sis Connie, is the founder of Raesibe Catering, specialising in catering and décor for over 20 years. She shares tips on how couples can best prepare when choosing a wedding venue.
First things first...decide on a guest list!
Being sure of the number of people you are going to invite.
Mathobela says this will also come in handy when you need to pick a wedding venue because one of the first questions you will be asked is: How many guests are you inviting?
As a couple, it’s important to decide on the guest list and make room for uninvited guests.
“It is very important for couples to first decide on a wedding list, knowing exactly how many people are expected to form part of the wedding ceremony,” she says.
Money talks
Budget cannot be stressed enough.
It’s important to have the right budget so you don’t set yourself up for failure.
As a wedding planner, Mathobela says this is one of the first questions she asks her clients: What's the budget?
Venues come at different costs, and you want to make sure that the kind of wedding you’re planning is suitable for the budget you have - whether you want an outdoor beach wedding or a wedding inside a hall.
“Consider your budget and see which venue would suit your pocket, because venues also come with different costs. It’s important to ensure that your budget matches the type of wedding that you plan to do.”
Knowing exactly what your budget is can also play a role in determining where the venue will be.
Consider the interior and exterior of the venue
Mathobela says it’s important to choose a place that is beautiful, not just one that has enough capacity to host your guests.
Ensure that the place you’re choosing has good surroundings, looks neat and has the right atmosphere.
The greenery, the views and the overall surroundings will all play a vital role in creating the kind of wedding you want.
“It’s very important for you to go and see if the hall is clean because some halls, they’re not clean inside, whether it’s the walls, whether it’s the floor, whatever you need, make sure that the hall is clean.”
Check the location
Picking the right location also means taking into consideration how people will get there. If it’s a place that requires people to drive, make sure there's adequate parking.
“People will be driving to your wedding, and you need to think about where their cars will be parked. So when choosing a venue, try to find one that will be able to accommodate the number of cars that you are expecting.”
If there isn’t enough parking close to the venue, consider an alternative option where guests can park elsewhere and be transported to the venue.
Facilities
Ensure that the venue has facilities that will make the day convenient for you and your guests.
Check whether the toilets are functional and whether there is a place where the bridal party can change and refresh.
Is there going to be a reception and a matrimonial ceremony with different settings?
Look for those things, but choose a venue that comes with the convenience of what you need.
If food needs to be made at the venue, check the logistics around that.
Find out whether the kitchen comes at a separate cost, whether you will need to bring cookware and other equipment, or whether those things are included in the package.
Book on time to avoid disappointment
Planning is crucial to achieving the wedding of your dreams.
Don’t let anything get in the way of planning your big day. Rather overplan than underplan. A wedding day normally comes once in a lifetime (for most people, anyway).
With wedding venues in high demand, especially during popular wedding periods, planning can help couples secure the venue that best suits their needs, budget and wedding vision.
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